Make a Short Film in One Weekend

A hands-on filmmaking workshop in Amsterdam

You don’t need film school. You don’t need expensive gear.

In two focused days, 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

🎬 Create and present a finished short film

🎥 Practical filmmaking skills you can immediately reuse

🧠 A clear understanding of cinematic storytelling

🤝 Real on-set collaboration (directing, shooting, editing)

🚀 Confidence to keep making films after the workshop

No prior experience required. Just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment.

How the Workshop Works

The course is split into two day sessions, combining storytelling fundamentals with hands-on filmmaking practice.

Who This Workshop Is 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

Extra

🎓 Student discount: 15% off with a valid student ID

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 (+ links)

Short Films

• Synthesize Me (2025)
  

Music Videos

• Mac deMarco & Benny Sings — Rolled Up

• James Blake - Say What You Will

• Benny Sings - Not Enough

• Weval - Open Up that Door ft. Kilimanjaro