Private one-to-one filmmaking tuition on the glorious Gower Peninsula in Swansea, South Wales – all welcome, no prior filmmaking experience required.
Spend a day or two learning documentary filmmaking on the Gower Peninsula with filmmaker Ben Holbrook. Together we’ll explore one of Britain’s most beautiful coastlines, learn the art of visual storytelling, and create a short film of your own.
My private filmmaking workshops are designed for beginners, photographers, business owners, content creators and aspiring documentary filmmakers who want to learn how to tell stories through motion and sound.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gower Peninsula in Swansea, South Wales, these one-to-one (or small private group) workshops offer a practical, hands-on introduction to documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling.
Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or looking to move beyond simply recording video, I’ll help you understand how to tell your story and create films that connect with people on a deeply human level.
What You’ll Learn on Your Filmmaking Workshop in Swansea, South Wales
Every filmmaking workshop is tailored to your experience level and interests, but topics may include:
- Camera fundamentals and filmmaking techniques
- Composition, movement and visual storytelling
- Capturing natural sound and recording interviews
- Documentary filmmaking principles
- Building compelling sequences
- Working with natural light
- Editing and structuring a short film
- Developing your own creative voice
From £495 (for 1 to 3 people)
No prior filmmaking experience is required
Watch ‘Rewarded by the Universe’, a documentary film by Ben Holbrook
Why Learn With Ben Holbrook?
Whether it be the written word, photography or film, I’ve been obsessed with storytelling for the last 15+ years.
I love everything about it, and I love sharing my passion.
I’ve worked on branded documentary projects, commercial films to promote local companies, and personal work that explores my connection to the world around me.
Rather than teaching rigid formulas, I want to help you get hands-on out in the field, to show you how easy it can be to break up your story into little chunks and simply film one scene at at time.
People are scared of filmmaking because it feels like such a technical, gear-focussed discipline. But as you will see on your workshop, it’s all about the human heart.
These film workshops are not about becoming a camera expert. They are about learning how to communicate your ideas, emotions and experiences through film.
A Typical Filmmaking Workshop Day
Morning
- Introduction and creative goals
- Storytelling fundamentals and project briefing
- Camera setup and practical techniques
- Planning a short documentary sequence
Afternoon
- Filming on location around the Gower Peninsula
- Learning how to capture scenes and sequences
- Interview and audio techniques
- Video editing and sequencing
- Practical guidance and feedback throughout
After the Workshop
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of filmmaking, practical experience using your camera and a framework for developing your own projects.
I’m also happy to recommend equipment, editing software and next steps based on your goals.
Who Is This Workshop For?
These filmmaking workshops are ideal for:
- Complete beginners
- Photographers wanting to learn filmmaking
- Content creators and small business owners who want to level up their visual storytelling
- Travellers and adventurers wanting to document experiences, people and places
- Aspiring documentary filmmakers and anyone with an appreciation for the art of storytelling
- Anyone looking for a fun, creative and educational travel experience in the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Testimonial
“We approached Ben last year to run us some private videography training, as we had funding through work to develop our online and digital media of archaeology and heritage in Wales. We liked Ben’s approach to tailoring training and to be out in the landscape rather than totally classroom based. I was very impressed with the communication and detail from Ben from the beginning – emails were always helpful and prompt, and both myself and my colleague were very excited to take part despite being nervous amateurs!
The training itself was fantastic. Ben had prepared a task for us and worked with us to make the most of our two days. Travelling through the incredible landscapes of the Gower he has a brilliant in-depth knowledge of every aspect of crafting video and how to work with the historic landscape. We felt at ease and comfortable at all times, and despite having a lot to take in we never felt pressured. Ben has an easy, confident, and really friendly manner of teaching that makes you feel like a friend rather than a student.
I thought it was exceptionally good value, the two days were packed with practical experience and hands-on learning. My colleague and I left feeling confident and very pleased with our progress. I would recommend Ben to anyone – a rare combination of talent, skill, and a great friendly attitude!”
~ Dr. Penny Foreman
Location
Most UK filmmaking courses take place in classrooms. Mine take place on dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, hidden coves and coastal paths.
The Gower Peninsula provides an endless supply of stories, characters and visual inspiration, making it one of the most rewarding places in the UK to learn the art of filmmaking.
- Mumbles (Gower’s quaint old fisherman’s village on the sea)
- Rhossili Bay – the Gower’s most iconic landmark, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK/world
- Worm’s Head wildlife – we’ll seek out the local seal colony, famous Welsh ponies and dolphins
- Llangennith surfers
- Coastal vistas and smuggler’s coves
I will provide all transport during the workshop (capacity for up to 3 attendees)
Filmmaking Workshop Options and Prices
These are private filmmaking workshops and the price is for yourself as an individual or, if you’d like to bring someone, up to two other people at no extra cost – so feel free to bring a friend, colleague or family member.
1. One-Day Private Workshop
A fast-paced, hands-on crash course that’s ideal for beginners looking for an introduction to filmmaking and video editing.
Outcome: A simple 60-second film created by you.
Price: From £495 (for 1 to 3 people)
2. Two-Day Private Workshop
A deeper and more immersive experience including a full day of video storytelling, filming techniques and practical exercises on location. And also a second full day of video editing and feedback.
Outcome: A beautiful 3-5 minute documentary film with interview clips and audio.
Price: From £750 (for 1 to 3 people)
3. Full-Bespoke Private Workshop
Whatever your ambitions, time restraints or budget, I can create your ideal filmmaking workshop.
Example Film by Workshop Attendees Penny and Jack
Book Your Filmmaking Workshop
If you’d like to learn documentary filmmaking in a relaxed, supportive environment, I’d love to hear from you.
To discuss availability, pricing or your goals, please get in touch using the email address below.
I look forward to helping you tell your story through film.
ben@driftwoodjournals.com
Example Films by Workshop Attendees
“Incredible experience! Ben organised a bespoke videography training workshop for myself and a colleague. He really took the time to listen and understand exactly what we needed, adapting the course to cater to the kind of videos we need to produce and specific gaps in our knowledge.
He delivered 100% on everything we requested and more. He even went through my camera settings and fixed issues that other professionals couldn’t. The 2 days were fun, informative and resulted in a really great little film. I’ve taken away a lot more passion and drive too! Thanks so much Ben!”
~ Zosie Golding, Workshop Attendee