“If it can be written or thought, it can be filmed.” - Stanley Kubrick
Everyone has a favourite film, TV series or documentary and all have the ability to make us laugh out loud, cry like a baby, or even boil over with anger – think Blue Planet 2’s plastic waste revelation. This makes film production a particularly compelling, incredibly exciting and inspiring career choice.
Those career choices can range from film editing, cinematography and directing to sound recording or even becoming a freelance press and photojournalist; there are more opportunities than might initially be expected. Many of our students also progress on to university, other degree-level studies or traineeships.
Film production & photography is a vital part of Kendal College’s Arts & Media campus. Our passionate tutors have a wealth of experience, strong industry links and teach all the latest skills and techniques in vibrant, exciting spaces. Facilities include modern software and equipment in a range of workshops and studios including the new Wildman Street Studios, which house a state of the art performance space with top of the range technical support and equipment designed to host theatre and events.
Our filmmaking students have long-standing success in skills shows and competitions such as the WorldSkills UK Finals where our budding filmmakers have won two gold awards in the last five years. Students are actively encouraged and supported in entering competitions, which raise their game and increase their future aspirations. Kendal College students also work closely with external organisations and events such as the annual Kendal Mountain Festival and Comic Arts Festivals in the town, which give them the chance to rub shoulders with some established filmmakers and photographers.
There is a range of full-time, part-time and degree-level study options available in film production and photography at Kendal College.
It’s really enjoyable, I actually look forward to coming into class every day because I am surrounded by people who really want to be there. I have made plenty of friends and my class is like my family.
AbbieJo Lester, Film Production Level 3
Meet your tutor
Simon Sylvester
Read moreI worked in TV as a camera assistant, boom swinger, art department runner and assistant director on productions for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and MTV throughout the UK, in Europe, Mauritius and Australia. I also worked as a journalist and magazine editor and continues to write creative fiction in his spare time. Since moving to the Lakes, I have continued to make films for companies like Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Kendal Mountain Festival, Born Survivor, Lakes International Comic Art Festival and Lyon Work & Rescue. Like a lot of people, I make films because I love watching films. Film is the art form that’s had the most significant impact on my life, and as soon as I was able to, I started working in TV. I enjoy the collaboration in film, and the creativity, working with other people to make something really special.
View our courses
You will be treated as a filmmaker from day one, and will make a variety of films that will challenge you to discover a voice of your own. This course is intense, fun and practical, teaching you the fundamental processes used in all film production. In combination with a basic understanding of film analysis, you will work on a variety of group productions to develop skills in generating and planning ideas, recording audio and video, completing editing and post-production, and engaging in critical self-analysis. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge you need to push your filmmaking forward.
