Upcoming short courses

These are the short courses that we’re planning to run at Phoenix later this year, once we’re able to reopen.

We’re hoping to reschedule most of the courses that we’ve had to cancel because of our temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dates for all these courses will confirmed nearer the time, at which point bookings will open and you’ll be able to reserve your place. Keep checking this page for up to date information.

70s Hollywood

From Jaws and Annie Hall, to All The President’s Men and Apocalypse Now, the seventies was the period that shook the studios. Join tutor Alan Seaman for an exploration of the decade’s defining films.

Postponed to early 2021

Ian McEwan on Screen

Ian McEwan is one of the UK’s most acclaimed authors, with many screen adaptations of his work. But he’s also written numerous screenplays and adapted the novels of other writers. We take a visual tour of McEwan’s work on screen.

Postponed to early 2021

Reappraised: Classics that Bombed

As films are increasingly judged on their immediate financial and critical success, we review some of the movies that failed to set the box office on fire when they were originally released but are today hailed as classics.

Postponed until December 2020

World War Two on Screen

2020 is the 75th anniversary of VE Day. To mark the occasion, tutor Kenton Hall takes us on a visual tour through films about World War II, the people who experienced it, and the way it changed the world.

Postponed until October 2020

Summer Film Camps for 7-19 year olds

Our hugely popular annual summer camps for children and young people. Make a film in just 5 days, then enjoy a premiere screening for family and friends in the autumn.

July – August 2020

The Battle for Cinema

From the early days of filmmaking to today’s global releases, we consider the battles for distribution deals, finance, and creating product that appeals to the audiences of the day. A fascinating course for anyone interested in the development of the film industry.

August 2020

On Film Direction

Join us as we explore the role of the film director, and look at how a director’s vision becomes a reality. We’ll investigate the creative process from idea to delivery, and look at the work of some of today’s most notable directors.

September 2020

Film Location, Location, Location

A whistle-stop tour of six of the world’s most iconic film locations, looking at the changes in these fascinating metropolises over the past century through the medium of cinema.

September – October 2020

Talking Pictures

Share your love of film with our 10-week course of group discussions, led by tutor Alan Seaman. The price includes a cup of tea/coffee and a ticket to the 1pm or 1.30pm film screening following your session.

July – September 2020 (summer term)
October – December 2020 (autumn term)

Acting for Film

An 8-week practical course to help you develop the skills and techniques specific to film acting. Learn about working with directors, auditioning, developing screen presence, working a script, and more.

September – October 2020

Film School

Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott (Badshoes Film) leads our annual 8-week practical introduction to filmmaking, taking you step by step all the way from pre-production planning through to the final edit of your film.

September – October 2020

Drawn This Way: A History of Film Animation

From Toy Story to Persepolis, and Snow White to
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, animation is a broad genre with a complex and exciting history. We explore film animation, from early shorts to today’s blockbusters.

September 2020

Film School: Part 2

This new course is an extension to our annual Film School. Over the course of four weeks you’ll make a film from scratch, putting into practice all your newly acquired skills and techniques.

October – November 2020

The Vietnam War on Screen

This year marks 65 years since the start of the Vietnam War. We delve into contemporary and classic films dealing with this 20-year conflict, and consider how it changed American society.

November 2020

Agatha Christie on Screen

Perhaps no other author has become more synonymous with their genre than Agatha Christie, who even managed to cram a real-life mystery into the mix! Tutor Kenton Hall leads this visual tour of the many films and TV series adapted from, and inspired by, her work.

November – December 2020