In an intensive two-week lab, teenagers of Qatar can now absorb a well-rounded introduction to the different elements of photography, film and filmmaking so as to help them make their first one-minute short films.
From August 7 to 21, the Doha Film Institute (DFI) has organised a workshop Camera Kids: Make Your Own Short Film. “During the classroom period, sessions take place six days a week; on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm. During pre-production and filming, participants may be asked to make time outside these hours, including on weekdays during the daytime,” says DFI about the lab that is in both English and Arabic. 
The number of participants will be 20, the applicants should be between 13 and 17 years of age, and the price of admission is QR1,500. Those interested can send an e-mail to youth@dohafilminstitute.com before August 7.
“This course offers a non-thematic approach to helping participants through their film projects. It covers the artistic, technical and practical considerations of making a short sound film (documentary). In the first weeks, students will develop ideas for a three- to five-minute project. Students will gain the skills needed in the production of HD film, from concept to shooting, and will act as crew on each other’s films,” says DFI.
Instruction includes discussions on how to shoot a short film; pre-production preparations; sync shooting, HD-video procedures and sound recording; operation of HD camera technology; lighting and grip equipment; planning your film; casting; visualisation strategies; analysing dailies; and post-production. 
By the end of the course, students will have shot, evaluated and edited all footage and will also screen it for the class.
“As an integral part of the course, several workshops are held addressing optics, lighting, sound, writing and editing. Each student will participate actively in exercises essential to achieving in-depth knowledge of film production, as well as a commitment to cinematic language,” explains DFI, “Students have a working schedule balancing the close study of selected films as well as production of their own work. Course materials include films and texts, which will inform frequent and extensive class discussions. 
While investigating the social and political context of cinematic works, these discussions will ultimately result in intimate dialogue about each student’s work.” 
The mentors for this lab are Allegra Hamilton-Brooksbank and Guy Brooksbank. 
A graduate of Harvard University, Allegra Hamilton-Brooksbank spent several years in Los Angeles as a script doctor and writer, working with many industry luminaries including Samuel L Jackson and John Travolta, while working alongside Christopher Keane, the author of numerous best-selling how-to books on screenwriting. 
Most recently, Hamilton-Brooksbank wrote and directed Longing for Image Nation Abu Dhabi’s Arab Film Studio Short Film Competition, for which she garnered a coveted award. Hamilton-Brooksbank’s knowledge, drive and passion are some of the greatest assets of Handheld Stories, an educational and media-arts collaborative that provides media-creation tools and training for communities worldwide.
An award-winning educator in media production, Guy Brooksbank’s career began decades ago in public television in the USA. More recently, he taught media production and filmmaking at Dubai Men’s College, where he was awarded the Nikai Award, which is presented to one faculty member each semester (from more than 17 campuses across the UAE) who consistently demonstrates great aptitude, creativity, innovation and dedication to their students. Brooksbank’s students went on to win numerous national and international awards and now form the heart of the media industry in Dubai.
The importance of participation in this class cannot be overstated, says DFI. “Students should be prepared for every class and should always have their materials with them for presentation, discussion and in-class workshops, and should be prepared to contribute ideas or ask questions in every class. They should have both the self-discipline and the determination necessary for successful creative explorations and film production.”