Residential Smartphone Filmmaking Course with Póca Productions

NTA Film & TV and Póca Productions present a two-day residential smartphone filmmaking course taking place this November.  

This online and in person course is designed for emerging filmmakers who are interested in producing content on their phone and on low budget equipment. Filmmakers must have an interest in writing, directing and producing (live action drama) short films/short form content.  

Throughout the course, participants will put theory into practice and work on producing at least one short film over two days in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Gartan Lake in Co. Donegal. This course is broken down into three Modules: Screenwriting, Production and Post-Production.  

Module One: Screenwriting (online 1.5hrs) 

In this online session, participants will learn the basics of screenwriting:  

• Introduction to scripting a short film (1- 3 min) 

• Thinking like a producer when writing for a low budget production 

• The 3-act structure 

• Formatting a script to industry standard 

Each participant will prepare a 1–3-minute screenplay which they will present to the group when we first come together in person.  

Module Two: Production (in person, 24th – 25th November) 

Over the course of the weekend participants will work together to film as many of these screenplays as possible. Participants will learn: 

• Teamwork & sticking to your role. 

• Introduction to smartphone filming equipment (including Audio Recording & various microphone options) 

• Shot composition  

• Working to a deadline 

• Scheduling 

• Lighting   

Module Three: Post-Production will be hosted online. (Zoom Session 2 x 1.5 hours) 

Training on smartphone editing will take place over two online sessions in the following two weeks. 

• Introduction to editing on a smartphone. 

• Filing and logging footage 

• Sequencing your shots  

• Adding a score and sound effects 

Additionally, this course will focus on teamwork and team building skills across departments, fostering industry relationships that will benefit and support all the filmmakers moving forward.  

 

Tutor Profile: 

Camilla Meegan and Kieran Kelly are Póca Productions a training organisation dedicated to training individuals and groups in the art of filmmaking using the hardware and software available on a smartphone. Camilla and Kieran also run a successful video production business (DNK Media Productions) from their base in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. 

DNK Media Productions have produced several short films for Trinity College; The Arts Council; Donegal County Council and Rathmullan Film Festival as well as many promotional videos for a range of public and private organisations. Kieran Kelly has also worked on Macha Media’s Ealú as Eirinn for TG4. 

Póca Productions have been delivering smartphone filmmaking and video production training since 2017 to a wide variety of participants across all ages for Rathmullan Film Festival; Disappear Here Film Festival; First Cut Youth Film Festival; Screen NI; Public Records Office of Northern Ireland; The Nerve Centre. 

 

Dates/Duration:  

• Module One will take place online - Nov 15th or 16th (date TBC). 

• Module Two will take place from Friday November 24th (late afternoon) to Sunday November 26th. This will take place in Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. 

• Module Three will take place online, approximately two weeks after the in-person course (date TBC). 

 

Who Can Apply: 

This course is designed for new and emerging filmmakers who are interested in writing, directing and producing (live action drama) short films/short form content on a smartphone. 

Applicants must habitually resident in the regions (outside Dublin/Wicklow) and/or identify as diverse. Diverse applicants can reside regional or in Dublin and Wicklow.

Please see our Diversity & Inclusion Policy

All participants will be involved in producing a short film, while not all participants will be expected to write a script or to direct but a willingness and keen engagement in the writing and directing process will be expected of all participants. 

Applicants must be out of education (full time or part time), but recent graduates are also welcome to apply. 

We invite applicants of all ages and career backgrounds, formally educated or not, who are over 18 years of age to apply.  

Please note that applications from more experienced talent from other fields (e.g., Documentary) who are looking to move into drama may also be apply. Additional crew and talent in other department with a clear interest in developing a career as a writer, directing and producing as welcome to apply. 

 

How To Apply:  

Applicants must apply by completing the application form link HERE. This application form will ask you to supply a download link to the following materials.  

• Media CV or professional biography or detailed summary of work to date. (1- 2 pages) 

• A Personal Statement detailing how this initiative will progress your career (up to 2 pages or filmed statement of up to 3 minutes) 

Please address any questions to filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

 

Deadline to Apply:  

Deadline to apply is Thursday, October 19th at 5:00pm.  

Please make sure you are available on the above dates before applying.  

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.   

 

Selection Process: 

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel.  Selected applicants will be notified approximately two weeks after the application deadline.   

 

Further Information 

The cost of residential (on site accommodation and some meals) course will be covered by the NTA. Travel costs will not be covered.   

The National Talent Academies Film and TV is an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán. 

Is ionann an tAcadamh Náisiúnta Tallainne don Tionscal Scannán agus Teilifíse agus tionscnamh de chuid Fhís Éireann agus tá sé á bhainistiú ag Ardán.