Filmmaking & Digital Cinema Workshops in Portugal
Practical & intensive training in cinematography, directing, camera, lighting, sound and post-production
Creative Visuals filmmaking workshops are designed as practical, hands-on training for people who want to strengthen both the creative and technical sides of film and video production. The emphasis is on learning by doing: understanding the fundamentals, applying them on set and turning that work into real short-form film projects.
The core format is the 2-day Intensive Digital Cinema Workshop, with training centred on cinematography while also covering direction, camera work, lighting, sound recording and the wider production process. Participants can include beginners who want a structured introduction as well as filmmakers and videographers looking to develop or consolidate practical skills.
Intensive Digital Cinema Workshop
The workshop provides an immersive introduction to film, video and photography production, combining technical foundations with practical exercises. Participants may also work with visiting experts and artists, applying the material in real production situations and developing projects collaboratively.
The cinematography component introduces the practical relationship between camera format, exposure, framing, lenses, movement and light. The broader production modules also explore directing, lighting, sound recording and the technical decisions required to move from an idea to usable material on set.
The base course is especially relevant to people interested in cinematography / Director of Photography (DoP) work, independent filmmaking and professional videography.
An additional module dedicated to editing and post-production can be arranged. Because this requires extra time, resources and logistics, it is not included in the base workshop and is planned separately according to the training objectives.
Custom Filmmaking Training & Private Workshops
Tailored sessions can be organised for individuals or groups who want to focus on particular areas of filmmaking. The content, duration and practical exercises can be adapted to the participants' experience, objectives and production context.
When requesting a tailored workshop, please include:
- Your full name and contact information
- The number of participants
- The desired location for the training
- Preferred dates
- Specific topics or areas of interest
For workshop enquiries, private training or customised group sessions, please use the contact form on this website. Include the details above so I can assess the training needs, availability and the most suitable format for the session.
Workshop Promo
Take a glimpse into the practical workshop environment and the kind of collaborative filmmaking developed during previous editions.
Films Produced in Previous Workshops
The projects below were created during earlier editions of the workshops and show the range of documentary, fiction, music and promotional work developed through the practical training process.
ESTA PARTE HUMANA
Esta Parte Humana is a documentary about the work developed by Teatro do Sótão, an inclusive group of the Algarve Mental Health Association (ASMAL), which uses theatre as a tool for social inclusion. The film was made with participants in the 13th Intensive Workshop on Digital Cinema, an intensive training project combining photography, video and digital cinema with the production of a short film, integrated into the 7th edition of FICSAM — International Film and Mental Health Festival.
The performance Ir, é Ser grew from the Reabilitar em Cena project, co-financed by the National Rehabilitation Institute and focused on training people living with mental illness.
SAFIYAH & BALTAZAR MOLINA
Safiyah is a Portuguese artist with a background in jazz, contemporary and Oriental Dance. Baltazar Molina is a multi-instrumentalist, sound explorer, facilitator and teacher known for Middle Eastern percussion and for combining different musical languages and techniques. The workshop project included interviews with both artists and filming of solo and joint performances.
Dance: Safiyah · Darbuka: Baltazar Molina · In collaboration with Fábrica Braço de Prata.
Ginástica com Todos (Gymnastics With / For All)
Gymnastics is an activity that can be adapted so that people with different abilities can participate and benefit. The disability gymnastics programme presented in this workshop film focuses on inclusion, adapting activity to individual needs and supporting participants in developing movement, coordination, confidence and social engagement.
The project explores how coaches can focus on what each gymnast can do, from fundamental movement activity through to more advanced skills, and how an inclusive approach can broaden access to sport.
DREAMS ARE LIKE BALLOONS
A wordless short fantasy film offering a glimpse into the imaginary world of a child.
Ricardo Loureiro — Noite sem madrugada
Promotional video for musician and composer Ricardo Loureiro, combining an interview with the artist and a music-video performance of Noite sem madrugada. Produced in collaboration with Fábrica Braço de Prata.
Wine List
Short fiction film written by invited scriptwriter Joao Raposo.
Cão Aragão — Matilde
A music video produced for the theme Matilde from the poetry and music project Cão Aragão.
MEL — AGAIN
A music video produced for MEL, the musical collaboration between singer Melanie Spencer and André de Brito, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and producer. More information: André de Brito.
MOTIONMORPHOSIS
A short documentary about Portuguese professional dancer Mariana Romão, combining a short interview with a filmed performance. Produced in collaboration with Fábrica Braço de Prata.
THE PAITING
A wordless short comedy film combining elements of Portuguese pop culture. Produced in collaboration with BÁLNEARIO.
NO EXIT
A wordless short fantasy film produced in collaboration with BÁLNEARIO.
