Completing “Making the Short Film” first is not required but highly recommended to make sure you have basic skills and knowledge of what goes on on a short film set.

55000¥/2 months (Group Project only)
100000¥/4 months (Group Project + Individual Short Film)**

You’ve taken the first steps, now it’s time to take these skills to the next level!

In the first two months you will come together in groups and create your very own story and script this time. You’ll develop an idea from core premise to shooting script, film it together as a team and edit under the tutor’s guidance. While each student focuses on one specific role on set, all major creative decisions will be the result of a guided teamwork process that allows each student to bring in their ideas.

In the second half, each student goes on to create their very own short film more freely utilizing their newly gained skills, while still receiving coaching and guidance as well as the help and support of their classmates.

This class, rather than being “lecture based”, takes a “coaching based” approach aimed at helping each student to “level up” their skillset from their very own unique starting point. A high level of commitment and curiosity is required to get the most out of this very hands on, action based experience! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take some risks in your creative work!

Class contents:

• Selecting and pitching a concept
• Turning the idea into a script
• Planning and creating a shooting schedule
• Preparing for each role on set/ finding and choosing your crew
• Casting actors
• Leadership and teamwork
• Technical requirements and introduction to video and audio equipment*
• Basic editing
• Bringing YOUR idea to life

Class Schedule:

OVERVIEW

WEDNESDAY
15:00-19:00 Free Consultation Time with the Tutor** (optional)
19:00-21:30 class

PART I (JUL 6, 13, 20, 27 | INDEPENDENT SHOOTING | AUG 17, 24)
PART II (AUG 31 | SEP 7, 14, 21 | INDEPENDENT SHOOTING | OCT 10*full day)

FRIDAY
19:00-21:00 Zoom Homework Group Call (optional)

You will be FILMING and EDITING your projects (group & individual) on your own time outside of class. For editing the ELFS office can be used during the free consultation time with the tutor.

PART I

Class 1 – Who is who and what will we do?

From many ideas to one short film concept!
Creative, guided group work to determine the premise of your short film and who will take on which role on set.
Homework: Write the first draft of your script based on the idea found in class

Class 2 – Tech & Check

A first introduction to the equipment that you’ll be using and a check in on the status of your script. What are the next steps from here? Who are your actors? Where will you be filming?
Homework: Prepare for your individual role on set, find location and actors

Class 3 – Preproduction in a nutshell

It’s time to get ready to shoot! Finalise your schedule, plan and double check that everyone is on the same page.
Homework: Shoot your film! (you’ve got two weeks for this)

Class 4 – What could possibly go wrong?

Depending on if you’ve already finished shooting: Recap or anticipate all possible mistakes that you’ll avoid the next time around and come up with an action plan on how to learn your lesson!
Homework: Shoot your film! (if you haven’t already done so)

Class 5 – Basic Editing! (online)

Using your own footage you’ll learn the basics of video editing (we will be using Adobe Premiere, but these basic skills are easily transferrable to all common video editing programs)
Homework: Edit your film!

Class 6 – Roll Credits

Summarise your own insights, receive feedback on the film and on your individual progress during the class.

PART II

Class 7 – Pitch Meeting

Time to get down to business. Pitch your concept to your classmates, receive feedback and questions, refine the premise and make sure it’s as solid as can be
Homework: Write your first draft

Class 8 – Writer’s Room & Casting

Present your first draft, give and receive feedback and polish your draft. Learn about casting, what audition techniques work and what common mistakes to avoid when selecting cast & crew.
Homework: Refine your script, find your cast and make a plan for the shoot

Class 9 – Production Meeting

What do you have? What do you need? Who do you need to ask for help? What help can you offer? Where can you find resources that you lack to complete your project? Are there compromises you need to make?
Homework: Shoot!

Class 10 – “We’ll fix it in post” – famous last words and how to prevent needing to use them.

Explore further what can and can’t be achieved with good editing.
Depending on students’ needs and preferences this class will either be taught online with a focus on hands on editing or in the classroom for more workshop and coaching opportunities.

(3 week break to finish shooting and edit your films)

Class 11 – Showdown (Full day!)

Present your finished film (or work in progress), summarise what you learned and receive feedback on your work throughout the entire class.

Equipment:

For each short film project (group projects during the first half, individual during second half) the following kit is available for student’s use (one day for group, max two days per individual film):

• Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k (+ lenses)
• Zoom H6 Sound Recorder
• Rode NTG-2 Shotgun Microphone (+ windshield & boompole) Saramonic Wireless Lavallier Microphones
• Tilta Nucleus Nano Wireless Focus
• Tripod

* the equipment introduced is the equipment available to use on the short films
** During consultation time you can come in to discuss your ideas, ask any questions, read over your draft, practise using the equipment…

About Marei Annis

Marei Annis started the acting department at ELFS Japan in 2019. She runs her own independent production company AVA – All Visions Align and has produced, written, directed and starred in a variety of film and stage productions in Japan, Germany, London and Los Angeles.

Her teaching technique is a fusion of influences compiled from her experiences across all creative aspects of filmmaking and acting as well as life- and business coaching.

Amongst many others she studied with Monika Gossmann (Iron Sky, Mank), Lisa Pescia (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld) and Bernard Hiller (coach of Cameron Diaz, Michelle Pfeiffer,…). She produced two feature films, wrote and directed several plays, a webseries and various short films and currently has one of her feature film scripts and a TV pilot in development under a production company in Hollywood. She also trained in “Contextual Coaching” (NLP and RET based) for a deeper understanding of how to reach and empower students on an individual level.

Marei’s approach to teaching always begins with the student as an individual and focuses most on finding and refining the talent, experience and passion that’s already there – then taking it to the next level.