Getting started in film: A guide to our part-time Foundation Courses at Ealing Studios
By metfilm school
28 July 2026
Starting a film career is exciting, with countless opportunities to explore your creativity and develop new skills. If you’re wondering where to begin, our short courses are the perfect introduction, helping you explore different career paths while developing industry-relevant skills.
At MetFilm School, our part-time Foundation Courses at Ealing Studios offer a practical introduction to three key areas of the industry: filmmaking, acting for film, and producing. Designed for those looking to build their skills and explore their interests, these courses provide a first step into the world of film.
Who are these courses for?
These part-time foundation courses are designed for newcomers to the film industry, as well as those with early-stage experience who want to develop their skills through structured, practical training.
Train in a historic film environment at Ealing Studios
Based at the world-famous Ealing Studios, our London campus offers a unique environment to learn practical, industry-focused skills. With a rich history in film and television production, it provides an inspiring setting for creatives to develop their craft.
You’ll learn in a professional studio environment featuring production studios, industry-standard edit suites, professional-grade camera equipment, a screening room and collaborative spaces designed to reflect the way creatives work in the film industry.
Learn around your schedule
These part-time courses run for 12 weeks, with weekly sessions every Tuesday from 7–10 pm. Combining practical workshops with hands-on training, they provide the opportunity to develop your skills alongside work, study or other commitments.
Throughout the course, you’ll learn from working directors, cinematographers and producers who are actively involved in the industry, bringing their experience and knowledge into the classroom.
Foundation in Filmmaking
Explore the foundations of filmmaking through visual storytelling, directing, screenwriting, production, and editing. You’ll also gain an understanding of the essential elements of camera, lighting, and sound through practical workshops and hands-on exercises. You’ll bring all of these skills together by creating a short filmed piece as part of a crew, gaining practical experience of the filmmaking process from start to finish.
Foundation in Acting for Film
Explore the foundations of screen acting through script analysis, performance techniques, and practical on-camera work. You’ll develop confidence in front of the camera while building your physical and vocal presence for screen performance. Throughout the course, you will get regular feedback from your tutor and peers to help you refine your craft.
Foundation in Producing
Explore the foundations of film production by developing an understanding of the producer’s role within the filmmaking process. You’ll cover project development, budgeting, scheduling, film finance, and collaboration with writers and directors, while learning how to create the essential documents needed to take a project to market.
Filmmaking vs producing: Understanding two key roles
While both play an important role in making a film, filmmakers and producers focus on two different areas. A filmmaker is involved in the creative side of bringing a story to the screen, while a producer manages the planning and organisation behind the scenes, including the budgets, funding, and schedules that help make the project real.
Your creative journey starts here
Explore our Foundation courses and start building the skills, confidence and industry knowledge to bring your creative ideas to life.
