Visual Storytelling: An Introduction for Directors, Writers & Producers
Register your interest
Course Info
Course Content:
How do you tell a story visually? What makes a film a film, and not TV? We could say a “real” movie is one that’s mostly comprehensible with the sound turned off. But where do we start? In this 2-day workshop, director Josh Appignanesi takes participants shot by shot into the heart of cinema by introducing the following issues:
- What choices make a shot tell the story your way? How do you use composition, framing, blocking of actors and their position to camera? Background, palette, costume, lenses, light, camera movement?
- How do you juxtapose this shot with your other shots through editing, to create suspense and involvement?
- How do you create a system of images that, by repetition and inversion, build tellingly into a moving and memorable visual story?
- Audiences are already saturated in the visual grammar of other films – collectively known as “genres.” How do you refer to and exploit the assumptions every audience brings to a film in advance?
- What is it that makes a given filmmaker distinctive?
- How do you apply these ideas practically in your prep and on your set, getting your ideal shots as well as your coverage?
With inspiring film examples, practical storyboarding exercises, and analysis of participants’ own films, this workshop will give you the tools you need.
Testimonial
Experience lvel:
Though introductory in nature, the workshop would also benefit those with some prior filmmaking experience. Part of the workshop will be dedicated to analysing participants’ own work. Participants are therefore encouraged to bring along an example of their own work – preferably a short film in DVD format with a maximum running time of 10 minutes. Josh will address as many projects as he can within the allotted time.
(Please note: It is by no means compulsory to bring a film for Josh to analyse. It’s merely an option for those who’d like to get some feedback.)
Testimonial:
Tutor
Josh Appignanesi
Writer, DirectorJosh Appignanesi
Writer, DirectorJosh Appignanesi is a filmmaker whose work spans fiction, documentary and the space in-between. His six feature films were released theatrically in over thirty territories and online in over a hundred, with his work gaining festival Competition slots at Tribeca, Rotterdam, Cannes/ACID, Berlin and Sheffield, awards at London, Edinburgh, Turin, Kodak and BIFA and BAFTA nominations.
As director his features include acclaimed docufictions HUSBAND (2022) and the surrealist psychothriller and “feminist odyssey” FEMALE HUMAN ANIMAL (2018), the Wellcome-funded parenting documentary THE NEW MAN (2016), ethno-religious comedy THE INFIDEL (2010) scripted with David Baddiel, and religious psychodrama SONG OF SONGS (2006). He also co-wrote US rom-com ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME starring Sarah Jessica Parker.
Most recently, climate documentary MY EXTINCTION (2023) released in over 60 UK cinemas and screened at COP28.
He has directed talent including Tom Hiddleston, John Malkovich, David Tennant, Archie Panjabi, Omid Djalili, Claudia Jessie, Miranda Hart, and Richard Schiff, and collaborated with artist Martin Creed. Cultural figures like Zadie Smith, Mark Rylance, Hisham Matar, Slavoj Zizek, Chloe Aridjis, and John Berger appearing in his films, often playing ‘versions of themselves.’
Widely reviewed, with interviews on BBC Newsnight, BBC Radio, and in The Times, The Observer and The Guardian, his work has been shown on BBC TV, Channel 4, MUBI, and BFIPlayer. Funders have included BFI, BBC Films, Channel4, Film London, Arts Council England, WellcomeTrust, and AHRC.
He teaches internationally and is Associate Professor at Roehampton University.
Jul
2025
16:30
Practical Application of Intimacy Coordination
An intensive one-day workshop on the practical application of Intimacy Coordination on set for film and TV with David Thackeray (Sex Education, Black Doves, Heartstopper). The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the core principles, protocols and practices necessary for managing intimate scenes with professionalism and care through practical work with actors. Participants will gain practical tools to foster a safe, respectful and creatively open environment for all cast and crew involved in intimate work.
Aug
–
15
Aug
2025
16:30
One phone, one film, one week – Summer School
Discover the art of filmmaking using the device you carry every day—your mobile phone. One Phone, One Film, One Week is an immersive, hands-on summer workshop focused on the essential elements of filmmaking.
Introduction to the Camera Department
This course is designed to highlight the exciting possibilities of being a camera assistant, showing that it's not just a stepping stone to becoming a cinematographer but a rewarding career in its own right. You'll explore the full range of responsibilities involved in this role, with detailed insights into the different positions within the camera department and how they work together like a well-oiled machine.