Film Production
Looking for a course that’s all about bringing your ideas to life? Film Production is a hands-on, two-year adventure into the world of filmmaking, perfect for anyone passionate about directing, editing, and storytelling.
This course is for you if you:
- Are fascinated by how the film industry works and want to be part of it.
- Love creating professional-quality projects and learning real-world production techniques.
- Enjoy working on practical projects and thrive in a modular, step-by-step approach.
- Are ready to commit to creating amazing work, even outside of lessons, because you know practice makes perfect.
- Want to benefit from the expertise of our tutors, who have years of professional experience in the film industry.
- Are excited to connect with our impressive network of industry partners and explore pathways into higher education or careers in film production.
With support from experienced teachers and real-world opportunities, this course sets you up for success in the exciting world of film. The course at Varndean College is at the very pinnacle of Production courses, with 96% of students receiving the highest possible mark of D*. In addition to these exceptional grades, students also achieve work experience placements, make festival-ready films and leave the course ready to launch their careers.
Topics Covered
- Filming and Editing Techniques – experimenting with different camera setups, editing and post production techniques
- Working on a film set as a professional production crew shooting your own work on location
- Choose a career pathway and specialise – ‘Professional’ (Marketing/Advertising), ‘Craftsperson’ (Technical/Behind the Camera) or ‘Storyteller’ (Directing/Writing)
- Pursuing a career in the Film, TV and Commercial Production sector – how the industry is structured, creating a professional showreel, finding work as a media practitioner
What You’ll Need to Succeed
This course is all about commitment and creativity, and we’re here to help you thrive! To complete the qualification, you’ll need to stay dedicated for both years. Assessment is ongoing, so it’s all about showing your progress as you go.
To make the most of Film Production, you’ll need to:
- Be ready for regular attendance and collaboration, as teamwork is key in the film industry.
- Stay organised and meet strict deadlines – just like the pros do!
- Travel independently to off-site locations for filming and recording projects, giving you a taste of real-world production work.
Ready to step up? Bring your passion, and we’ll help you build the skills that filmmakers rely on every day!
Courses Available
CTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Media (equivalent to 1 A Level)
How The Course is Assessed
You will be assessed in a variety of ways: tutor observation, portfolio work, research assignments, individual and group work, and through working on project briefs.
Career Pathways
This course opens doors to exciting opportunities, including: further study in Film Production or other creative areas at HND or degree level, employment in the film and media industries, work-based training or apprenticeships in production, editing, or other specialties.
Skills You’ll Develop
You’ll build an impressive toolkit of transferable skills, such as: teamwork and effective communication, creative writing and storytelling, independent decision-making, time management and project organisation.
Other Information
By the end of the course, you’ll have a standout portfolio of professional-quality work – a powerful asset for university applications or job interviews.
Enquiries To
Philip Dyas: prd@varndean.ac.uk
Staff Profiles
Philip Dyas
Course Leader Philip Dyas has taught Film Production for nearly 20 years, guiding students to success in the industry. With his work presented at the BFI, London Screen Academy, and SSAT Network, he’s known for his expertise in both teaching and filmmaking. A writer with several films on Netflix, Philip’s courses consistently achieve results in the top 1% nationally. His experience and passion for the craft have helped shape many successful careers in film and media.
Anthony Gates
Anthony Gates is a passionate filmmaker, teacher, and writer who teaches the Foundation Film Production course at Varndean College. In his second role as Education Manager at Depot in Lewes, he’s developing educational programmes to share his love of cinema. A fan of horror, anime, and satire, his all-time favourite film is Robocop.
Em Morgan
Em Morgan is the dynamic full-time Technician/Instructor for the Film and Media Section at Varndean College, bringing a wealth of hands-on industry experience to the classroom. A skilled Music Video Producer and Videographer, Em has worked on all types of sets and across various roles in Film and TV, blending creativity with technical expertise.
Enrichments
Film Careers
Take your passion for film to the next level with our Film Careers Enrichment programme. Each week, you’ll have the chance to join exclusive Q&A sessions with industry professionals – from directors and producers to editors and cinematographers.
Get insider advice, hear real-world stories, and ask your burning questions about breaking into the film industry. It’s the perfect way to explore career paths, build connections, and get inspired for your future!
Hands-On Work Experience
Get a taste of the real film world with our exciting work experience opportunities. You’ll collaborate directly with a range of industry partners across Film, TV, music videos, and commercials.
Whether you’re on set or behind the scenes, you’ll gain valuable insights, build practical skills, and make connections that could shape your future career. This is your chance to learn from the best and see what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of production!
Visitors include:
Mark Burt – BAFTA-winning writer, writing on Dumping Ground and Coronation Street
Emma Sullivan – Cannes-nominated Film and TV Director, most recently of Doctor Who and Netflix’ One Piece
Zoe Hines – Series Producer on Netflix’ I AM A KILLER and Vice President of Industry Body DIRECTORS UK
Kino Collective
We’re proud to partner with the vibrant Depot Cinema in Lewes, offering our Film Studies students incredible opportunities through the Kino Collective. Led by Varndean’s Anthony Gates, who is also Depot’s Education Manager, students become curators—selecting films, creating marketing materials, planning events, and hosting Q&As with industry pros.
Students even get to screen their own films at the cinema!
Anthony Gates shares: “Our goal is to share our love of film and inspire more young people to engage with cinema. For us, cinema is so much more than just watching a film—it’s about creating connections, conversations, and experiences.”
Professional Productions
Step into the spotlight with our Professional Production Wing, where you’ll work on real projects for real clients. From creating polished content to delivering on tight briefs, you’ll gain experience that adds real weight to your CV.
You’ll also have the chance to develop high-end, festival-ready films – complete with advanced production techniques and even puppetry! This is your opportunity to showcase your talent, build your portfolio, and take your first steps into the professional film world.
Industry Partners include:
Niamh Lynch, a former student of course leader Philip Dyas, is now a Producer at KnockKnock Films, a leading commercial studio. At just 22, she’s already making waves in the industry, bringing fresh talent and creative vision to a range of high-profile commercial projects. Her journey from student to producer is an inspiring success story.
Steven Seller is a multi-talented comedy writer/director, performer, and creator. From duct-tape trailer parodies praised by Empire and Simon Pegg to award-winning TV work for Comedy Central and E4, his skills span show launches, songs, and giant dioramas. A gigging comedian and competition finalist, Steven still crafts viral content online.
Richard Jackson is a skilled feature film cinematographer and experienced corporate videographer. With a keen eye for both storytelling and brand messaging, he’s worked on a range of feature films, commercials, and corporate projects. Richard’s ability to blend cinematic artistry with commercial precision makes him a sought-after talent across industries.
Alumni Success
Ruben Spink
Studied: Film Production, Games Development, Performing Arts
Progression: Into Industry
After leaving Varndean, Ruben went straight into Industry, working as a Technician at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. In addition to his work in Theatre, Ruben’s work on the Film Production has been nominated for the Little Venice Film Festival, Global Lift-off Network, among others, and Ruben has been invited to collaborate with Film Sussex on their next project.
Ruben says: “I’m so glad I chose to study creative media, games development, and performing arts at Varndean. All these courses taught me how to be creative in a variety of ways and mediums, giving me technical knowledge that I still use to this day, and allowing me to explore all the different career paths I was interested in. The main thing I can credit to Varndean are my proactive skills, with much of the work being independent, I would have to make things happen myself. It was a hard skill to learn- but has bought me to where I am today. I am now a Theatre Technician at Trinity Theatre, I can confidently say I would not be here without my tutors at Varndean, always rooting for me, supporting me, and helping me grow into who I am today.”
Bryony Morgan
Studied: Creative Media Production, Photography, AS Maths, Digital Illustration
Progression: Film Production, Southampton Solent University
After leaving Varndean, Bryony went to Solent University in Southampton to study Film Production (BA Hons) and is now in her third year making her graduate film. With the biggest budget film I’ve worked on (£10,000) she’s working as Casting Director, First Assistant Camera (1st AC), and Editor. Next year she’s staying to do a part-time Masters in Film!
Bryony says: “Varndean was new to me; it allowed me to become independent and really think about what I wanted to do in the future. I knew my career lied in the arts sector, but creative media production really allowed me to explore the different roles and responsibilities I could strive to achieve. Covering all bases of film and television, from live tv, to fiction and non-fiction films, it let me dabble in lots of ares and through that, I was able to understand what I wanted.”
Student Work
Hayley Long - It's Me
Max Bell and Ben Hernandez - The Interview
Ruben Spink - Nocturnal
Creative Arts Showcase 2024
Varndean College’s annual Creative Arts Showcase is a dynamic and vibrant celebration of the outstanding creativity and diverse talents of the year’s graduating students. It features live music, dance and drama performances, interactive gaming and film screenings, alongside exhibitions of 3D design, textiles, graphic design, art and photography.