Film Production
A production-led course built on real industry systems
Film Production at Varndean is not a theory-first or purely creative course. It is a hands-on, production-led programme designed around how film is actually made: through structured workflows, clear roles, and delivery under pressure.
Students do not just learn about film.
They operate as a production team, developing the systems, discipline and decision-making required to deliver professional work to a deadline
This course is designed for students who want to take film seriously as a craft and a discipline.
You will:
- Work through structured production cycles, not one-off projects
- Learn how to plan, execute and deliver under constraint
- Develop repeatable workflows used in industry
- Build a portfolio of high-quality, finished work
- Gain experience on real productions, with real expectations
This is a course for students who are prepared to commit to improving their work through practice, precision and iteration.
What makes this course different?
Varndean Film Production operates as a working production company.
Students:
- Work on live client briefs
- Contribute to commercial and promotional content
- Help generate income that is reinvested into high-end productions
Students regularly:
- Submit films to national and international festivals and awards
- Build professional showreels
- Gain work experience through production activity
- Work on large-scale final film projects
This is one of the highest performing Film Production courses in the country, with 96% of students receiving the highest possible mark of Distinction* across multiple years.
Topics Covered
Year 1: Foundations of Production
- Camera, sound and editing systems
- Working as part of a production crew
- Understanding workflow and sequencing
- Delivering structured short-form projects
Year 2: Advanced Production & Specialisation
- Large-scale film production
- Working to client briefs
- Developing a specialist pathway, such as:
- Production (client/commercial work)
- Technical craft (camera, sound, post)
- Directing and storytelling
- Final portfolio and showreel development
What You’ll Need to Succeed
This course has high expectations because it mirrors professional practice.
You will need to:
- Meet strict deadlines consistently
- Work effectively in teams and production roles
- Be organised and manage multiple tasks
- Contribute fully to practical production work
- Travel independently for location filming when required
This is not a casual or purely expressive course.
It is a disciplined, practical programme designed to develop reliable performance.
Course Essentials
Courses Available
CTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Media (equivalent to 1 A Level)
Entry Requirements
How The Course is Assessed
There are no traditional exams. Your results come from the quality and consistency of your work throughout the course. Assessment is continuous and production-based. You will be assessed through: Completed production work, Coursework portfolio, Practical performance within projects, Response to briefs and deadlines
Enquiries To
Philip Dyas: prd@varndean.ac.uk
Career Pathways
Students progress into: film and media degrees, apprenticeships in production and post-production, entry-level roles in content creation and media, freelance and independent production pathways
Transferable Skills
The course also develops transferable skills valued across industries: Project management, team collaboration communication skills, decision-making under pressure, organisation and time management
Other Information
All projects are delivered through structured systems: Defined production roles, clear task sequencing, fixed deadlines and milestones, ongoing feedback and revision. Students learn how to deliver consistently, not just produce occasional strong work.
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.
Enrichment
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.
Student and Alumni Success
Rosie Merat Brandwood
Currently studying: Film Production, Film Studies and Art
Year 2 Film Production student, Rosie Merat Brandwood (formerly of Patcham High School), recently won ‘Best Documentary’ category (sponsored by IMDb) in the national INTO FILM Awards 2025.
With 24 films nominated across eight filmmaking categories, the Into Film Awards celebrate and showcase the phenomenal breadth and depth of young filmmaking talent across the UK.
Rosie’s documentary ‘The Freedom of the Sea’ depicts the story of Rosie’s own family, whom, having emigrated to Brighton in the wake of the Iranian revolution in the 1970s, discuss the difficult decision to leave their home, and the way being able to swim in the sea together is a perfect encapsulation of the freedom they found in the UK.
All the filmmaking nominees were invited to an Into Film Awards ceremony at London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on 24 June, where a host of filmmaking talent were on hand to present the various awards to the winners. Rosie’s award was presented to her by Sally El Hosaini and Amani Simpson. The ceremony was hosted by actor, presenter and author, Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE. You can watch Rosie’s documentary here
‘Freedom of the Sea’ also won Rosie’s age category in the YOUKI International Youth Media Festival in Austria. The YOUKI International Youth Media Festival originated in 1998 and has been the place where young people, cinema, music and media come together. YOUKI supports newcomers to the film industry and gets children and young people excited about cinema and film. The film was selected from thousands of entries submitted and won the main prize in the 13-17 years category.
Rosie was also selected as one of the nominations in CINECITY The Brighton Film Festival’s ‘New Voices’ programme for another film of hers, ‘Peaches’. The festival ran from 30 October – 16 November in venues across Brighton and the local surrounding area.
‘Peaches’ has also recently been announced as an award winner in the recent 2026 ‘Made in Sussex Film Festival’.
There is no stopping Rosie and we are so proud of her 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). With the biggest budget film she’d worked on (£10,000) she worked as Casting Director, First Assistant Camera (1st AC), and Editor. She then stayed 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 areas 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
Varndean Sixth Form 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. Watch here our video from last year’s showcase.