Training

OFVM offers a programme of film and digital video courses - entry level to advanced - which run during the day, in the evening or at weekends.

All courses are subsidised for EU citizens (non-EU citizens must pay the full price).

To book on a course go to book online in main menu on the left.

We now offer an OFVM Benefit Bursary Scheme as part of our Pathways into Industry initiative. This supports people in Oxfordshire on means-tested benefits who want to improve their skills on OFVM courses. All applicants need to fill in an application form and if accepted will be able to book any course for £20. There is usually a waiting list for most courses as there is one benefit place per course. Usually we only let people do a maximum of two courses on the benefit bursary scheme. Download application form here

 

 

Evening Courses

• Advanced Screenwriting - A bespoke discussion-based follow-up to the Introduction to Screenwriting Course in which more individual attention is given to developing each participants project from concept to finished script. The course itself will span 7 class sessions, culminating in an individual tutorial in week 8 or 9. It is strictly for graduates of the Introduction course and is homework-intensive. Students will be expected to have internet access, meet deadlines and set aside a little time each week to read other students work.
  8 weeks, Full
  Further info
  
  
• Experimental Digital Media - Pushing the boundaries - Formally called Experimental Film & Video This course offers an opportunity to explore and experiment using digital video, animation techniques and special effects. The course covers the production process from initial idea through to a final video. It is suitable for beginners and aimed at filmmakers, artists and photographers who wish to explore and develop visual imagery. Even filmmakers who want to make narrative-based documentaries or dramas can benefit from the course, by looking at film through an artist's eye and exploring the potential of the visual form. Students will work in two groups of four producing two short videos using our Sony Professional Digital Camera.
  8 weeks (evenings and weekends), 16th October 2008
  Further info
  
  
• Introduction to Screenwriting (UK Film Council designed course) - This course was designed by the UK Film Council to give a comprehensive introduction to screenwriting for the short film. The course is aimed at any budding writers and filmmakers who want to write for the screen.
  22 weeks, Starts 6th October 2008
  Further info
  
  
• Shooting Documentary - Todays documentary filmmakers are required more and more to be multi-skilled. Not only are they asked to do the research, write the treatment and direct the documentary, they also have to shoot and edit it as well! In this practical hands-on course students are taught the main principals of Documentary Production, before going on to research, develop, schedule & plan a short documentary. Students then shoot the film over 2 days (a weekend, which they will then edit over several evenings and a weekend.
  6 weeks, Starts new dates TBC
  Further info
  
  
• Shooting Video - Your first step into video - This introduction to video-making covers the whole process of video production from the initial idea through to a final programme. The course is designed for those wishing to make that first step into video production. Students will work in two groups of four producing two short videos using professional digital video cameras and editing digitally with Adobe Premiere software.
  8 weeks (evenings and weekends), Starts 7th October 2008
  Further info
  
  

Intensive Production Courses

• Shooting Drama - This level 3 course is run by award winning film maker Simon Hook. Students are taught the main principals of drama production and the key roles of the production crew, with a particular focus on directing. Students then shoot over 2 days a short drama from an original script, using professionally trained actors rotating the principal roles of Director, Camera Operator, Boom op, Script supervisor, Gaffer, Art department and Runner. Over the final two days students edit their film supported by an experienced editor.
  5 days (2 weekdays + bank holiday weekend), New dates TBC
  Further info
  
  
• Shooting Break - Your first step into video production - This introduction to video-making covers the whole process of video production from the initial idea through to a final program. The course is designed for those wishing to make their first step into video production. Students will work in one group of five to produce a short video using our digital cameras and editing digitally with Adobe Premiere Pro software.
  1 week (daytime), 30th March - 3rd April 2009
  Further info
  
  
• Shooting Video Intensive (for people on benefits only) - This introduction to video-making covers the whole process of video production from the initial idea through to a finished film. The course is designed for those new to video production and is for people on means tested benefits only. The six students will be given a written brief to produce a short documentary video. They will then work together to develop the documentary idea, shoot it on our digital equipment, and then edit the film with Adobe Premiere Pro computer software. The completed video will be get a public screening.
  2 weeks (3 days per week), starts new dates TBC
  Further info
  
  

Special

• Developing & Pitching Documentaries (OFVM & NFTS workshop) - Do you have a great idea for a documentary but do not know where to start? This one day course offers a hands-on guide to getting your idea off the ground, how to develop your idea into a film and suggests possible sources of funding or potential broadcasters. Topics include; Thinking about your idea as a film; Finding contributors & getting their co-operation (exclusivity); copyright issues; writing pitches and sources of funding/broadcasters.
  1 day, new date TBC
  Further info
  
  
• HD Workshop - The buzzword on everyone's lips is High Definition (HD), and adoption is being driven by the availability of relatively low-cost cameras and formats, but many people remain confused by the different flavours of HD. 1080i or 720p? Interlaced or progressive? What does it all mean? This practical, one day workshop looks at what HD can offer image-makers, whether working in independent film, ENG, visual effects or music video. The course will demonstrate the potential of HD by using the Panasonic HVX-200 as an example. (The workshop will also look at the Sony HVR-A1E and V1 as comparisons)
  1 day, Friday new date TBC
  Further info
  
  
• Location Sound Workshop - This new Location Sound workshop from OFVM will focus on both mixing and recording. The course will look at a wide variety of microphones and techniques, as well as the theoretical background information you need. The course is aimed at all those who need to improve their sound mixing and recording techniques. Whether your looking to start a career in location sound mixing and recording, or are a director looking to find out how to get better sound for your film, or an independent filmmaker looking to get another string to your bow this location sound course is for you.
  2 days, 18th & 19th October 2008
  Further info
  
  

Weekend

• Adobe After Effects - Post-production video effects - Adobe After Effects can offer budget film-makers access to increasingly powerful effects, which not so long ago were only available to exclusive post-production companies. This intensive course is aimed at those who have experience of non-linear editing and want to learn how to apply professional-looking treatment, titling, motion graphics and visual effects to their productions. Course participants will undertake a hands-on project designed to introduce all the essentials of this powerful package. Once students have completed this course, they will be armed with the basic knowledge to begin using and exploring After Effects on their own.
  2 days, 27th & 28th September 2008
  Further info
  
  
• Adobe Premiere Editing - Cutting room basics - This practical course is designed for new editors and directors looking to take the first steps to editing your own material. Over the weekend we will discuss all aspects of the video post-production stage using the leading desk-top editing software Adobe Premiere Pro (as used by the BBC). Learn how to digitise and edit, exploring transitions, titling and 3rd party plug-ins. Through out the course the tutor will be able to advise students on their own projects and ideas. Some experience of Windows necessary.
  2 days, 21st & 22nd June
  Further info
  
  
• AVID Express Pro Editing - A practical course designed for editors who have experienced editing packages such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro and want to take the next step to AVID. AVID editing systems have become the industry standard in both the TV and Film businesses and AVID Express Pro is a great introduction to the software.
  2 days tuition + Free practice day, new dates TBC
  Further info
  
  
• Creative VJ - This popular intensive course is led by a practising VJ Ed Cookson to introduce the art of VJing, explain the hardware and software involved and help build a VJ performance. Learn basic techniques - create, experiment and play!
  2 days, Dates TBC - see course detail
  Further info
  
  
• Final Cut Pro - Final Cut Pro delivers high-performance digital nonlinear editing, native support for virtually any video format, and facility-class extensibility and interoperability. Its workflow extends through the other Final Cut Studio applications and Final Cut Server for even more power. Whether you are working solo or collaborating with a team, Final Cut Pro gives you more creative options and technical control than ever before.
  2 Days, 4th & 5th October 2008
  Further info
  
  
• Flash Animation - A weekend course introducing Flash software. The course is suitable for aspiring animators and for video-makers wishing to understand how Flash can offer them possibilities for creating new artwork for video projects, and new delivery methods for existing video projects and animations. Learn about the basics of animating, using video in Flash, and the different methods of delivering your work to the audience using Flash.
  2 days, 15th & 16th November 2008
  Further info
  
  

Click here to fill in our online booking form for our courses.

OFVM runs its courses in partnership with Abingdon & Witney College.