Making Commercials on 35mm Film

This course is a fast-paced training ground, ideal for those who are keen on ad-filmmaking, seeking a path into cinematography or becoming a 1^st Assistant Director.

The lessons are divided into shooting schedules during which within a small ‘crew’ you will produce three commercial adverts.  It is a challenging, energetic course, where learners will have support from a collective of impressive industry talent, to whom they will initially pitch their ideas.  

The course has been designed to emulate some of the demanding conditions under which you may work on a real ad-film shoot, where budget constraints result in the expectation for a fast turnaround without compromising on top results.

This is a course for the serious minded who are prepared to pitch in within the team to produce some top work within 6 days, and, if you are keen, will give you a brilliant portfolio and roster of skills with which to propel your training and career ambitions. 

About the tutor

Paul worked at the BBC for 26 years, eventually as a Senior Drama Film Cameraman and also while seconded to Television Training, as a Senior Lecturer, Film, during when he spent two years training incoming new directors in the art of shooting with a single camera.

Paul is a multi award winner, having shot some fascinating productions covering almost every format from DV to 65mm film, and since leaving the BBC Paul has continued his career as a highly lauded Freelance DP; continuing to shoot with both film and digital cameras, having become particularly well known for his work with High Definition.

He has twice been Head of Cinematography at the National Film and Television School (NFTS). He has also been Head of Cinematography at the Royal College of Art (RCA) and devised and run many courses both in film and Digital Cinematography at the National Short Course Training Program (NSCTP). He has also taught at the London International Film School (LIFS) and taught Advanced Cinematography for the former New York Film Academy in London (NYFA).  

Paul Wheeler is a Fellow of the British Kinematograph, Sound and Television Society (FBKS); he was awarded his Fellowship both for the quality of his photography and his contribution to the society’s training program. He is a member of the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC). He also holds an NVQ level 4 in Camera and a NVQ D32 certificate. Paul is also a member of the Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT). He continues to be active in several fields: as a Director of Photography, a respected trainer and an author of several books on Cinematography.  

To apply or find out more, please contact London Film Academy on: +44 (0)207 386 7711 or email:
shortcourses@londonfilmacademy.com.

NB Discounted course fee for ClubPanico@LFA members: £1600