openset film program
Skills transfer and training program for schools, individuals and organizations.
Learn the exciting world of filmmaking.
OPENSET
Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers
OpenSet by Simba Creative is a hands-on, immersive filmmaking program designed for students with a passion for storytelling and creativity. Over the course of 9 institute days (delivered across one semester), students will be introduced to every key role on a film set—from directing and producing to lighting, sound, editing, and more.
By the end of the program, each student will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a crew, fundraise, and produce their own short film in collaboration with peers.
This isn’t just technical training—OpenSet equips students to understand the business of filmmaking and gives them real-world creative experience.
Program Structure
Ultimately, OpenSet by Simba Creative is built around true hands-on training. Each module moves students from learning to doing, with practical exercises in directing, producing, camera, sound, and editing. The program culminates in students working together to create an original short film from script to screen.
It all ends with a red-carpet screening and award ceremony, celebrating their hard work, creativity, and growth.
Day 1 - Introduction to Filmmaking
1. Film industry overview:
2. Canada and the world
3. Creative vs technical vs production roles
4. What makes a great story? (Film screening + discussion)
5. Activity: “Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds”y.
Day 2 - Producing and Film Business
1. What does a producer do? 2. Budgeting, scheduling, fundraising 3. Understanding pre-production & delivery 4. Introduction to funding: grants, crowdfunding, sponsors 5. Group activity: Build a mini film budget and pitch
Day 3: Writing
1. The role of a writer 2. How to tell a story (beats, story structure) 3. How to write a script 4. How to write a pitch deck. 5. Group Activity - Write a logline for a short film
Day 4 - Directing
1. The director’s role in storytelling 2. Working with actors and crew 3. Shot lists, storyboards, blocking 4 Workshop: Direct an actor through Sad, Mad and Glad emotions
Day 5 - 1st AD
1. Film set hierarchy explained 2. The 1st AD and keeping production on schedule 3. Call sheets, safety, communication 4. Activity: Create a crew list for your project.
Day 6: Director of Photography
1. Controlling the look of the film 2. Leading the Camera and Lighting Departments 3. Interpreting the Director's vision 4. Activity: shoot a scene to convey fear
Day 7 -Cinematography & Lighting
1. Lighting 101 2. Working with the DOP 3. Creating moods 4.How to use lights to tell a story 5. Activity: “Light a scary scene"
Day 8 - Sound Recording & Audio Design
1. Location sound: booms, lavs, mixers 2. Intro to sound design 3. Recording clean dialogue Workshop: Recording audio on boom and lavs.
Day 9: Editing & Post-Production
1. Editing software overview 2. DaVinci vs Premiere Pro Workflows 3. How to shape a story in editing using cuts 4. Basic colour grading and sound editing Colour correction and sound mixing basics Hands-on: Edit a 15 seconds scene from raw footage.
Day 10 - Writing a Script and Crewing Up
1. Writing a logline, synopsis, and script for a short film 2. Crewing from the group 3. Casting from available resources 4. Creating a production schedule and call sheets 5. Group activity - Write a script for a short film, together
Day 11- Production Day – Shoot Your Short Film
1. Full short film shoot day 2. Students work in real crew positions 3. Hands-on production experience 4. Debrief, feedback, and “What’s Next” discussion 5. Editing plans as well as premiere plans Group Activity - Shoot the script as a crew.
Day 12: Screening
1.Screening of the short film 2. Q and A with the audience 3. Festivals and distribution plan discussions 4. Award ceremony
Our Projects
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Simba creative studio
Our Facility
Less than 10 minutes from the Calgary Film Centre, our 5,000+ sqft of studio and office space can be used as your production hub or whatever you need.
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- A : #303, 3750 46th Avenue SE Calgary, AB
- P : 403-902-1399