Bear Damen X Decades: Film + Story Lab
🎬 MAKE YOUR FIRST SHORT FILM IN 2 DAYS ⚡SALE ENDS FRIDAY 21ST Dates: 21 & 22 February Time: 17:30 to 22:30 (with dinner break) City: Amsterdam Language: English
Time & Location📍
02 Nov 2025, 17:30 – 17:35
Location is TBD
About the event 👀
Make a Short Film in 2 Days
A hands-on filmmaking workshop in Amsterdam
Turn your ideas into a cinematic short — using just your phone. In two focused evenings, you’ll learn the foundations of filmmaking by actually making a film, guided step by step by writer & director Bear Damen.
This is not a theory-heavy lecture. It’s a practical, collaborative workshop where you learn by doing — and walk away with a finished short film, new skills, and the confidence to keep creating.
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of the workshop, you will:
🎬 Create and present a finished short film (shot on your phone)
🧠 Understand how cinematic stories are built — and how to build your own
🎥 Learn how to tell stories visually, even without dialogue
🤝 Experience real collaboration on set (directing, shooting, editing)
🚀 Gain a clear next-step roadmap for developing your filmmaking skills
No prior experience required. Just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.
How the Workshop Works
The course is split into two evening sessions, combining storytelling fundamentals with hands-on filmmaking practice.
Day 1 — From Idea to Filmable Story
21 February | 17:30–22:30 (with dinner break)
We start with the core question: what makes a story work on screen? Through guided exercises, examples, and group work, you’ll transform raw ideas into clear, filmable concepts.
You will learn:
The essential building blocks of filmmaking: story, image, and sound
How the 3-act structure works — and how to use it flexibly
Turning abstract ideas into concrete, shootable scenes
Developing and pitching a strong 1-minute story idea
Visual storytelling techniques that go beyond dialogue
Directing for emotional truth and working with a creative team
By the end of Day 1, you’ll have a solid concept ready to be filmed.
Day 2 — Shoot, Edit, and Shape Your Film
22 February | 17:30–22:30 (with dinner break)
Day 2 is about execution. Working in small teams, you’ll bring your ideas to life — shooting, editing, and refining your short film with continuous guidance.
You will experience:
Hands-on shooting with real-time feedback from the instructor
Taking on different creative roles on set
Editing for rhythm, tone, and emotional impact
Presenting your short film and receiving constructive group feedback
Practical advice and resources for your next filmmaking steps
This is where everything comes together.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is designed for:
Aspiring filmmakers who want to get started but don’t know where to begin
Content creators who want to make their videos more cinematic
Visual storytellers curious about filmmaking language
Students or hobbyists looking for a practical, creative experience
If you’ve ever wanted to make a film but felt overwhelmed — this course is for you.
What You Need
A smartphone with a camera
Comfortable clothing
Openness to collaboration and experimentation
All other equipment and materials are provided.
Practical Information
🎓 Student discount: 15% off with a valid student ID
🍕 Optional dinner: pizza + soft drink from a nearby place — €25
👥 Small group size: limited spots to ensure personal guidance
About the Master
Bear Damen
Bear Damen (1986) is an award-winning Dutch filmmaker known for his poetic visual storytelling. His work has been featured by NOWNESS, Vimeo Staff Picks, and international festivals. Having spent much of his teenage years sailing around the world with his family on a small sailboat, Bear’s diverse experiences have shaped his distinct approach to storytelling. Often exploring the question: Why do some people understand each other so poorly?
His films include the short Synthesize Me, set in Mexico and selected for competition at SXSW. He is currently developing a feature film. With a vast background in short-form storytelling, Bear has directed music videos for artists such as James Blake (a UKMVA winner), Mac DeMarco & Benny Sings, and Royel Otis, among others.
Selected Works
Short Films
Music Videos
Mac deMarco & Benny Sings — Rolled Up
James Blake - Say What You Will
Benny Sings - Not Enough
