Introduction

The Beginner Course in Filmmaking gives learners the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to start their journey as filmmakers. From understanding the history of cinema to shooting and editing a short film, participants will explore every stage of production in a hands-on and creative environment. Ethiopian and African cinema will be a strong focus, ensuring learners connect global techniques with local storytelling traditions.

Trainee Requirements & Prerequisites

• No prior filmmaking experience needed, enthusiasm is the main requirement.
• Basic digital literacy (using a computer, internet, and mobile apps).
• Ability to work collaboratively in small teams.
• Commitment to attend all sessions and participate in practical exercises.

Overall Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Beginner Course, learners will be able to:

• Explain the key stages of film production and their purposes.
• Use basic camera, sound, and lighting techniques to tell a story visually.
• Write short scripts and prepare production plans.
• Edit a short film using beginner-friendly software.
• Analyze Ethiopian, African, and global cinema for inspiration and learning.

Training Delivery

• Hands-on workshops for camera, sound, and editing skills.
• Film screenings and discussions to learn from examples.
• Collaborative projects to build teamwork skills.
• Peer review sessions to improve creative work.

The total duration for the Beginner Course is approximately 16 weeks (equivalent to 96 contact hours), providing a solid foundation in film making fundamentals.

Tools & Equipment

• DSLR or smartphone cameras
• Tripods, LED lights, reflectors
• Audio recorders and microphones
• Editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve – basic)
• Scriptwriting software (Celtx, WriterDuet, MS word, Google Docs)

Training Subject Areas

• Introduction to Filmmaking (FM-101): This Module introduces learners to the foundations of cinema, from its global origins to the growth of Ethiopian film. Learners will explore the roles and responsibilities on a film set, understand different types of productions, and begin to see how each element comes together to tell a compelling story.
• Visual Storytelling & Scriptwriting Basics (FM-102): This Module teaches learners to transform ideas into structured stories and scripts, focusing on visual narrative, character creation, and dialogue writing. Learners will explore how to translate emotion and meaning onto the screen through words and images.
• Camera, Lighting & Composition (FM-103): This Module provides practical skills for capturing visually compelling images through the use of cameras, lighting setups, and composition techniques. Learners will understand how light, angle, and framing influence storytelling.
• Sound Design & Field Recording (FM-104): This Module equips learners with the skills to record clean, high-quality audio and create soundscapes that enhance a film’s emotional impact.
• Introduction to Film Editing (FM-105): This Module focuses on the art and technique of assembling footage into a coherent, engaging story.
• Producing & Pre-production (FM-106): This Module introduces learners to the organizational backbone of filmmaking, from budgeting to casting, ensuring productions run smoothly.
• Indigenous & African Cinema (FM-107): This Module explores the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of African and Indigenous filmmaking traditions.
• Short Film Project I (FM-108): This capstone beginner Module allows learners to apply all foundational skills by creating a short film in small teams.

Assessment Methods:

Assessments will include a combination of methods, where trainees submit exercises for evaluation to receive feedback or qualification.

• Reading and implementation exercises.
• Quizzes: formal and informal pop-up quizzes to gauge knowledge acquisition.
• Case studies: real-world marketing scenarios with proposed solutions and strategies presented by students.
• Assignments: individual take-home or in-class practical assignments to solidify understanding and develop campaign strategies.
• Group projects: challenging students to develop digital marketing campaigns for a specific brand or product, enabling application and collaboration.
• Periodic digital assessments: through the Zeleman Academy assessment module to measure trainee comprehension and qualify them for certification.
• Follow-ups and feedback will be the main aspects to help trainees improve their understanding.
• Final short film project with group presentation.

Certification Requirements:

• At least 90% attendance.
• Completion of all assignments.
• Final project submission and screening.

Reference Resources

• Selected YouTube tutorials on filmmaking basics.
• Excerpts from African and Ethiopian film archives.
• Beginner guides to camera, sound, and editing techniques.
• Additionally, PDF resources such as:
• Cinematography_ Theory and Practice, Second Edition_ Image -- Blain Brown; ProQuest -- 2nd ed, Amsterdam ; Boston, ©2012 -- Taylor and Francis -- 9780080958958 -- b44a578f02fedb4cd82150e833dbd532 -- Anna’s Ar 
• Cut to the chase _ forty-five years of editing America's -- by Sam O'Steen as told to Bobbie O'Steen -- 1, Illustrated, 2002 -- Michael Wiese -- 9780941188357 -- 232a8a6392ca50628b1b8512a9182ec3 -- Anna’s Archive
• Designing Video and Multimedia for Open and Flexible -- Jack Koumi -- Open & flexible learning series, London ; New York, 2006 -- Routledge -- 9780203966280 -- 45f5a5283078c94d1e42ccc41edf3282 -- Anna’s Archive
• Film Directing Fundamentals _ See Your Film Before Shooting -- Nicholas T_ Proferes -- Focal Press, 4, 2017 -- Routledge -- 9780367819644 -- baae392cd3746008ff98d7675165a8cf -- Anna’s Archive
• Other essential resources will be provided by the trainer.