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Short course

Social Media Filmmaking Short Course

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<p>Social Media Filmmaking Short Course | Dual mode</p><p>Image: smartphones recording a performance | Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smartphones-on-mounts-recording-a-performance-9622793/</p>
Learn how to produce compelling, platform-optimised video content for social media. Gain hands-on experience in planning, filming and editing with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Next start months
February 2027
April 2027
August 2027
Tutor(s)
Chester Yang
Price
From £620.00

Course description

Course overview

This course teaches aspiring online content creators how to produce compelling, platform-optimised video content for social media. Students will learn how to combine storytelling, technical filmmaking skills, and audience psychology to create videos that capture attention, drive engagement, and grow a following. The course emphasises practical, hands-on learning through real-world projects tailored to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube and explores the rise of social media in everyday life and how video content creation is accelerating its influence across industries.

The course provides context on how digital platforms are evolving and how audiences consume media and trends. Students explore the increasing influence of AI-generated images in content creation and develop practical, hands-on skills using their own smartphones or DSLR cameras, alongside adaptable equipment such as microphones, LED lights and camera rigs to practice and film their projects.

Emphasis is placed on working efficiently in different environments, helping students understand how to capture high-quality footage with accessible tools. Students are trained and tasked to produce video content of their choice, including vertical videos, short podcasts, drama, AI-generated, and live events (subject to students’ access to film a live event).

The course covers the comprehensive production process, spanning idea development, research, storytelling, audience targeting, and platform selection. Students will gain hands-on experience in planning, filming, and editing with Adobe Premiere Pro; those unfamiliar with the software will receive instruction. Additionally, the course introduces essential health and safety practices, ethical considerations, fair use, and the fundamentals of video monetisation.


This course is available to study both online and on campus. The price and duration vary depending on the mode of study, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferred learning style:

  • Online learning offers a more flexible, part-time approach, ideal if you are balancing study with other commitments
  • On campus classes provide a more immersive, intensive learning experience in a shorter timeframe

Please check the location assigned to each date in the booking section to ensure you select your preferred study option.

Please note the on-campus version of this course includes an offsite trip – students will go out on their own to film their projects and edit in class.


Who this course is for

This course is designed for beginner to intermediate learners who want to create engaging and effective social media video content for personal projects, freelance opportunities, or professional roles within an organisation.

It is ideal for those starting their content creation journey, as well as individuals with existing experience who want to strengthen their storytelling, technical, and interpersonal skills.

The course would also suit employees looking to enhance their digital content capabilities and independent creators who want to refine their creative style, improve production quality, and build confidence in producing compelling content for social media platforms.

Key information

Topics covered

  • Impact of social media / social media filmmaking
  • Knowledge of social media copyrights, ethics and morality
  • Pre-production and content planning
  • Shooting techniques with limited gear
  • Understanding algorithms and analytics
  • Social media content development and production
  • Social media storytelling through editing
  • Creation of social media content and presentation
  • Monetisation and growth strategies
Learning outcomes

  • Develop creative concepts tailored to short-form and long-form social media content tailored for various platforms
  • Basic understanding of media law regarding copyrights, ethics and morality
  • Understand the process of research as a tool to empower content
  • Write and shoot high-quality video using smartphones and DSLR cameras
  • Edit engaging content with pacing, music and effects suited for online audiences
  • Understand platform algorithms, audience behaviour and monetisation
  • Build a personal brand and consistent visual style
  • Complete a piece of social media content and present it to the class for feedback
  • Analyse performance metrics to improve future content
  • Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials

On campus

  • Camera: a smartphone with a high-quality camera or a DSLR camera
  • Audio: an adaptable microphone or a radio mic
  • You may also want to bring a gimbal for your phone or a gimbal with an integrated camera, but this is not essential
IMPORTANT - Adobe ID Login for Short Course Students

Students will need to create an account with Adobe (unless you already have one) in order to access the Adobe suite at the college; instructions are included below. You will need to use a personal email address to create this. If you already have an account with Adobe, please make sure you bring your login details with you on the first day of the course.

Please note:

  • Creating an Adobe account is free
  • The software will only be accessible when logged into a UAL networked computer
  • The same account can be used outside of the University, but software will only be accessible through a personal paid subscription that students will need to set up independently
  • You can still create an account on the day but doing this beforehand will save time and avoid delays to the start of the class
  • If you already have an Adobe ID/ subscription you can use this on your short course rather than setting up a new account
To create an account students will need to:

  • Go to Adobe Sign in page
  • Select 'Create an account'
  • Enter your details and select 'Create account'
Online

  • Notebook and pen
  • Camera: a smartphone with a high-quality camera or a DSLR camera
  • Audio: an adaptable microphone or a radio mic
  • Post-production: a laptop or desktop computer with Adobe Premiere Pro installed (either a trial or full subscription)
  • You may also want to use a gimbal for your phone or a gimbal with an integrated camera, but this is not essential
If you are taking this course online, please see our Guide to taking online short courses

Tutor

Chester Yang

Chester Yang has carved a unique path in the film industry, blending artistry with emotion to create visually stunning and thought-provoking works.

From an early age, Chester was captivated by the magic of cinema, television, and today streaming, drawn to its ability to inspire, challenge and connect people across cultures. This passion led to a relentless pursuit of excellence in filmmaking, with projects that span genres—ranging from gripping dramas to deeply moving documentaries and videos.

Renowned for his ability to craft unforgettable characters and visually immersive worlds, Chester has collaborated with some of the industry's top talents, pushing creative boundaries and redefining storytelling conventions. Whether behind the camera as a director, writer, editor, or overseeing a project as a producer, Chester is dedicated to delivering visual experiences that resonate with authenticity and originality.

With films that have been showcased at major festivals, screened on national and international televisions, on streaming platforms and received critical acclaim, Chester continues to push the envelope, using visual storytelling as a tool for social change and artistic innovation. As he embarks on new projects, one thing remains certain—Chester is a storyteller whose work will stand the test of time, captivating hearts and minds for generations to come.

Website: https://cyfilmproductions.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chester-yang-ba93a461/

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