Course notes
A downloadable PDF full of tips and exercises to help you put theory into practice.
The award-winning filmmaker made his name with the beloved Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End). Follow that with Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho and you've got yourself a world-class filmmaking teacher with indie roots and Hollywood experience. From storyboarding and scriptwriting to fundraising and pitching to studios, Edgar will show you the many different approaches to filmmaking and will ultimately help you get your film made and get your film seen.
Whether you're just starting out or want some insight into that trademark kinetic style, Edgar's filmmaking class is packed with practical tools and creative inspiration. He'll take you through writing, directing, casting, location scouting, collaborating, funding, production, editing, sound design, distribution and more. Just check out the full list of lessons below for a teaser. You no longer need to fear the live set. Get tips from Edgar and you'll walk in with an auteurial swagger that the cast and crew love to see. Even if it is a little bit fake-it-till-you-make-it.
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Writing to direct with filmmaker, Edgar Wright
Meet the man who became an indie legend with the Cornetto trilogy and a trademark directing style. He started out making indie movies on a Super 8 camera and directed shorts on a shoestring throughout the 80s and 90s, building up a close-knit group of collaborators including Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. As someone who’s gone from film school reject and micro budgets to Hollywood blockbusters, there’s no one better to guide you through the world of filmmaking and show you how to make your film a reality.
Meet the man who became an indie legend with a trademark directing style. He’s here to show you how to make your film a reality.
There’s so much you can learn from the classics. Delve into cinematic history with Edgar’s guidance and you’ll pick up tips for your own feature.
Edgar got rejected from film school. Twice. That didn’t stop him and nothing should stop you from starting out in the right direction…
Wise words on mental preparation, resilience, the work that lies ahead of you and how to work with your budget (not against it).
Learn about the benefits of writing your own opportunities and selling yourself as the whole package, whether solo or with a co-writer.
Discover the joys (and woes) of writing, through characters and theme, navigating writer’s block and breaking down plot with index cards.
The king of genre play celebrates the wonders of working in genre and playing with story conventions.
Smash cut to: developing your own filmmaker aesthetic through editing, sound, cinematography and performance, and understanding how it might evolve.
Edgar has storyboarded every scene since Shaun of the Dead. Learn how to visualise ideas in your head and map out where the story goes.
Hone your skills, find collaborators and make a name for yourself with short films then you’ll have a better chance funding your feature.
Learn how to construct a scene and tell a story with a little help from the town shootout in Hot Fuzz and the toilet brawl in The World’s End.
Tips for finding the right actors for your film and how to work with them in rehearsals and on set. Just in case Tom Hanks isn’t available.
Learn about stage sets versus real locations, when to use which and how to go about location scouting for that perfect setting.
Costume can make a splash even if you’re not working on a period feature. Consider colour, iconic outfits and presenting character.
Think about the camera’s relationship with other actors, the narrative, and the audience. Should it be invisible or like another character?
How to approach starting out on a production? Edgar advises starting with an ambitious scene to set the tone for the entire shoot.
How choosing the right soundtrack can transform your film. Get it cleared early and you can choreograph scenes to perfection.
Understand the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and the importance of good sound design to heighten the style of a film.
How to choreograph and execute breath-taking action scenes – from using elements of the Hong Kong Action Style to piecing it together.
The importance of finding a great production designer and keeping your aesthetic front and centre during the filmmaking process.
Weaving your film into a cohesive narrative using editing techniques like the Kuleshov effect, killing your darlings, and trial and error.
Edgar’s experience of the similarities and differences in creating content for television versus feature films.
Collaboration is key to successful filmmaking. See how an entire crew works together in the breakdown of a scene in Last Night in Soho.
How to stand out when distributing your film in a crowded arena. Know your strengths, make it pulpy and pitch to the right festivals.
Edgar answers questions from Twitter – on inspiration, working with his heroes, parody vs homage, needle drops and fighting your corner.
National Film and Television School students pose questions on redrafting scripts, action sequences, dialogue and improv.
Final thoughts on how to become a filmmaker and how you never stop being a student of the form. Fade to black.
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A downloadable PDF full of tips and exercises to help you put theory into practice.
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Writing to direct with filmmaker, Edgar Wright