Master the essential skills of filmmaking in two action-packed days with my private videography workshop training courses for beginners on the Gower peninsula in south Wales, UK.
Hello, and croeso i Gymru! I’m Ben Holbrook, a passionate filmmaker, photographer and writer born and bred on the glorious Gower peninsula in south Wales.
I would love you to join me for one of my fully-tailored videography courses, with filmmaking and video editing classes that are perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to learn to shoot their own films in a fun, intuitive and experiential way.
Your private filmmaking workshop will be completely tailored to you and your specific learning needs. Whether you’ve never even held a camera before or you’re a budding Spielberg, we will focus on developing the camera and editing skills you need to start shooting beautiful short films.
Oh, and you don’t even need your own camera equipment! I’m more than happy for you to use mine so you can get a feel for the equipment you might need before making a big investment.
Upbeat Travel Film by Ben Holbrook (at Rhossili Bay, Gower)
Book Now
Times/dates: 2 full days of your choice from 10am to 6pm (though this can also be tailored to suit your schedule).
Location: Gower peninsula, south Wales, UK (meeting point dependent on your preferred schedule).
Price: £850 (includes 2 full days of private filmmaking and video editing tuition + all equipment, on-going guidance and support and transport from meeting point. I can also meet you at the train/bus station or collect you from your hotel). Gift cards are also available if you’d like to buy this filmmaking workshop for the budding filmmaker in your life.
NB: This is a private workshop and the price is for yourself and, if you’d like, 1 other person – it could be one of your friends or a family member you’d like to feature in your short film (or who is also interested in learning about filmmaking).
Ready to book your personalised filmmaking workshop in Gower, UK? I can’t wait to hear from you!
Shoot me an email and let me know a few different dates that might work for you: ben@driftwoodjournals.com
Example Film by Workshop Attendees Penny and Jack
“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
“Not long ago a colleague and I spent a couple of days with Ben on his film production course, and can absolutely 100% say that it was money well spent.
Not only is Ben situated in a stunning part of the country with so much beautiful scenery that you’re completely spoilt for choice for what to film, he was great to work alongside, we learned a huge amount from him, he’s great company personally and would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to expand their expertise.
Thanks so much!”
~ J Rowe
Here’s a rough outline of what you can expect on your bespoke 1-2-1 filmmaking course in one of the UK’s most breathtaking destinations:
Day 1: Basic Camera Skills and Filming Tips
On the first day of your 1-2-1 videography course, you’ll explore the various camera settings and skills required to shoot cinematic video footage.
We’ll traverse the Gower peninsula in search of interesting scenes to shoot, from farmers and surfers to wild ponies, seals and dolphins.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got all the gear yourself, as you are more than welcome to shoot with my camera/s, or borrow bits and bobs like microphones, tripods and filters. Or of course you can put your camera gear to work and we can explore it together.
I will also offer you a chance to film some of your own drone footage with my drone, and also see what it’s like to shoot with a professional stabilised gimbal (an art form in its own right!).
You will learn how to:
– explore and set up your camera settings for shooting video – including frame rates, compression and aspect ratios
– control ISO, shutter speed and aperture to adjust your exposure
– select a suitable aspect ratio to film in
– use a variable ND filter to maintain the correct exposure/camera settings while filming
– explore your camera’s various auto- and manual-focussing options
– practise different camera movements for smooth and stable video footage
– set up and shoot static “locked off” shots using a tripod
– experiment with different framing and composition techniques (the rule of thirds, etc.)
– capture different types of scenes (element shots, wide shots, moving shots, locked-off static shots)
– record clean audio (using various microphones and external audio recorders)
– streamline your video storage workflow (to save time, space and money)
– think like a visual storyteller and express your own creative vision
– edit and sequence your video into a beautiful short film
– add music and sound effects to evoke a sense of emotion and atmosphere in your film/s
– format, save and upload your completed video online
Film locations, subjects and activities may include some or all of the following (we can tweak this to suit you):
-
- 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 dunes –
- Llangennith village – including the ancient church and pub
- Sunset surfers
Example Film by Workshop Attendees Zosie and Edger
“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
Day 2: Video Editing and Storytelling Skills
The second day of your private 1-2-1 filmmaking workshop will include a hands-on video editing course at my home studio. Again, you are welcome to use my video editing software and laptop if you don’t have your own.
I’ll guide you through the process of selecting your best video footage from the previous day and editing it all together to tell a beautiful visual narrative.
I’ll also teach you how to incorporate audio from your footage and find music that you can (legally) use to add emotion and atmosphere to your short film/s.
Most importantly, I want to help you define and develop your own creative style and equip you with the essential skills you need to propel you forward into your filmmaking life.
We’ll end your beginner filmmaking course by uploading your beautiful short film online and watching the premiere with a drink or two!
Example Film by Workshop Attendee Owen
“Had an absolutely amazing time working with Ben! I learnt so much! My skills enhanced so easily and quickly! Able to do shooting 9am till 9pm on a beautiful coast! And edit a full film the next day which came out perfect! I would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn the basics well, and take good quality videos! Thank you Ben!”
~ Owen B
Book Now
Times/dates
2 full days of your choice from 10am to 6pm (though this can also be tailored to suit your schedule).
Location
Gower peninsula, south Wales, UK (meeting point dependent on your preferred schedule).
Price
£850
Includes 2 full days of private filmmaking and video editing tuition + all equipment and transport from meeting point. I can also meet you at the train/bus station or collect you from your hotel. Gift cards are also available if you’d like to buy this filmmaking workshop for the budding filmmaker in your life.
NB: This is a private workshop and the price is for yourself and, if you’d like, 1 other person – it could be one of your friends or a family member you’d like to feature in your short film (or someone who is also interested in learning about filmmaking).
Ready to book your personalised filmmaking workshop in Gower, UK? I can’t wait to hear from you!
Send me an email and let’s make it happen!
ben@driftwoodjournals.com
Self-Shot Hiking Film by Ben Holbrook (at Three Cliffs Bay, Gower)
5 Reasons to Invest in a Gower Filmmaking Workshop with Ben Holbrook
1. It’s all about you
The beauty of doing one of my private videography workshops in the UK is that we can tailor the learning experience entirely to suit your personal needs and ambitions. Unlike group filmmaking workshops, we’ll be able to whizz through the areas that you’re already confident with and focus more on exactly what you need and want to learn. Private videography lessons with me also allow you to ask as many questions as you want, without fear of holding up other workshop participants.
2. You’ll see (and film!) the very best of the Gower peninsula
I am a born and bred local and can take you to all of the best filming locations on the Gower peninsula, and make sure we’re at each of them at the best time of day for the best light (and subjects).
3. You can try before you buy
It’s a great idea to try your hand at filmmaking and see how you get along with it before going out and spending a small fortune on a new camera, drone, gimbal, microphone (and all the other essential gear for filming). Having met you and garnered a feel for your filming style, I will also be happy to keep in touch after your video workshop and offer my advice, should you have any questions if and when you decide to invest in your own videography setup.
4. You’ll get hands-on filmmaking experience in real-world settings
There are plenty of online filmmaking tutorials out there, but I’m sure we’d all agree that there’s no substitute for real-world experience. Zoom has its limitations! Plus I have the advantage of being able to actually respond to your questions and demonstrate anything you’re having difficulty with.
5. You’ll learn about video editing as well as filming
From watching Youtube, you’d think filmmaking was all about using fancy gimbals and smooth camera pans, but I’d argue that the video editing stage is even more important when it comes to storytelling. After all, you can make a horrible film with beautiful footage and terrible editing, but you can also make a beautiful film from even the most mediocre of footage if you have the right editing skills.
6. It’s a fantastic experience!
The Gower peninsula is an extremely beautiful and fun place to learn the art of filmmaking. I want you to learn loads and make a beautiful film, but I also want you to have an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Alternative Surf Film by Ben Holbrook (at Llangennith, Gower)
Who is this UK videography/filmmaking course for?
My videography courses on the Gower peninsula (south Wales, UK) are perfect for all beginner (and even faux-beginner/intermediate) filmmakers.
You’ll learn all the basics skills needed to start shooting beautiful digital film footage with your camera. Whether you need to start producing video content at work, or simply dream of filming your family holidays, investing in this beginner-friendly filmmaking workshop is the perfect place to start.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions you might have, and let me know a few possible dates that might work for you. I can’t wait to meet you and start filming!
ben@driftwoodjournals.com
Self-Shot Surf Film by Ben Holbrook (at Llangennith Beach)
Book Now
Times/dates: 2 full days of your choice from 10am to 6pm (though this can also be tailored to suit your schedule).
Location: Gower peninsula, south Wales, UK (meeting point dependent on your preferred schedule).
Price: £850 (includes 2 full days of private filmmaking and video editing tuition + all equipment, on-going guidance and support and transport from meeting point. I can also meet you at the train/bus station or collect you from your hotel). Gift cards are also available if you’d like to buy this filmmaking workshop for the budding filmmaker in your life.
NB: This is a private workshop and the price is for yourself and, if you’d like, 1 other person – it could be a colleague or one of your friends or a family member you’d like to feature in your short film (or who is also interested in learning about filmmaking).
Ready to book your personalised filmmaking workshop in Gower, UK? I can’t wait to hear from you!
Shoot me an email and let me know a few different dates that might work for you: ben@driftwoodjournals.com
Please do get in touch with any questions you might have, and let me know a few possible dates that might work for you.
I can’t wait to meet you and start filming!
Ben
ben@driftwoodjournals.com