BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Sutton FilmMakers - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Sutton FilmMakers
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Sutton FilmMakers
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251104T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251104T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20251028T231807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T235141Z
UID:6993-1762285500-1762294500@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sutton Filmmakers Spooktacular - Part 1
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Owain Dain\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHistory of Horror is here!\n\n\n\nWelcome\, boils and ghouls! \n\n\n\nPrepare to take a deep dive into the history of horror and discover why we at SFM just can’t get enough of being scared. \n\n\n\nWe’ll explore how horror has evolved over the years\, discuss how the “rules” of who lives and dies have changed\, and figure out the best way to tell who’s next to go. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“There’s a formula to it\, a very simple formula!!”\n\n\n\nIn this spooktacular\, expect clips\, conversation\, and maybe a few jump scares of our own. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also talk about why horror is such a genius genre from a filmmaking perspective — low budgets\, minimal sets\, no big-name actors (though plenty of famous ones started in horror)\, and still massive returns. \n\n\n\nWe’ll cite the Blumhouse financial model and look at just how effective it’s been. \n\n\n\nIt’s creative freedom with a killer payoff. We’ll explore sound design (where less is definitely more)\, the history of the jump scare\, and how music and camera positioning can turn an ordinary scene into pure nightmare fuel — or even casual comedy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasically\, what makes horror work — and why it keeps haunting us.\n\n\n\nTo top it all off\, we’ll be screening and evaluating two club horror films — Night Fears and Lake on the Cabin — discussing what works\, what doesn’t\, and what we can learn for our own projects. \n\n\n\nBy the end\, we’ll all have a better sense of how to create a solid\, spooky short ourselves\, using everything we’ve learned. \n\n\n\nFilmmakers beware — you’re in for a scare! \n\n\n\n\n\nGuests welcome. First two sessions free for visitors.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/sutton-filmmakers-spooktacular-part-1/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOTC-Poster.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251118T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251118T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20251029T221729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T114531Z
UID:7008-1763495100-1763504100@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Screen Acting Workshop with Sara Jordan
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Sara Jordan\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBring your stage craft to camera\n\n\n\nThis event has passed. However you can see the write up and footage here Screen Acting Workshop\, One Line at a Time \n\n\n\nBring your stage craft to camera with clarity and confidence. This focused\, two hour workshop is designed for theatre trained performers who want to understand what changes on set\, how the lens reads truth\, and which habits help you deliver clean\, believable takes. \n\n\n\nLed by experienced actress and award winning Director Sara Jordan\, you will feel the difference between stage scale and screen intimacy\, and leave knowing exactly what directors at Sutton FilmMakers are looking for. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat we are aiming to achieve\n\n\n\nBy the end of the night you will \n\n\n\n\nrecognise how the camera magnifies thought and pares back gesture\n\n\n\nknow where to place your eyeline and how to keep it consistent\n\n\n\nuse stillness\, breath\, and listening to carry a moment\n\n\n\nmatch simple actions for continuity so your performance cuts smoothly\n\n\n\ntake a clear redirect and repeat the beat with confidence\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTheatre vs. Screen Performances\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow the night runs\n\n\n\n\nA short welcome\, why screen acting is different\, three simple rules\, smaller\, later\, listen\n\n\n\nLive demonstration with immediate playback to show stage size\, medium shot\, and close up\n\n\n\nPaired drill off camera to practise eyeline and stillness with a reader just off lens\n\n\n\nOn camera hot seat rotations\, each actor delivers a short contemporary beat\, receives one precise note from Sara\, and runs a quick pickup\n\n\n\nGroup debrief\, five recurring patterns to watch for in future screen auditions\, and practical next steps\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho this is for\n\n\n\nActors with strong theatre experience who are new to camera or returning after a break\, recent graduates building their first screen credits\, am dram performers ready to translate their skills to film\, performers who want sharper\, simpler on set habits. \n\n\n\n\nTheatre trained actors who want to translate stage craft to camera with confidence\n\n\n\nAmateur dramatic performers ready to shift from projection to on camera truth\n\n\n\nRecent drama school graduates building screen experience and set discipline\n\n\n\nActors returning after a break who want a fast\, practical refresh on screen habits\n\n\n\nPresenters\, creators\, and voice actors moving into filmed performance\n\n\n\nDirectors or writers who act in their own projects and want cleaner takes\n\n\n\nAny performer who’s heard “smaller\, later\, listen” and wants to feel what that means under the lens\n\n\n\n\nIf you can hold a scene\, take a note\, and you are curious about how the camera reads thought\, this night is designed for you. \n\n\n\nWhat to bring\n\n\n\nNeutral top without logos\, minimal jewellery\, comfortable shoes\, a bottle of water\, your curiosity and a willingness to listen on camera \n\n\n\nWhy we are offering this\n\n\n\nOur recent anthology casting brought in brilliant theatre talent\, and we saw how much potential there is when stage craft meets the lens. This workshop bridges the gap\, helping you keep everything you do that works on stage while refining it for the intimacy of screen. \n\n\n\nIf you are a theatre actor and would like to take part do let us know in advance please as it would be nice (but not essential) to know how many actors we can work with. \n\n\n\nGuests welcome. First two sessions free for visitors.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/screen-acting-workshop/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Actor-giving-a-screen-performance.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251202T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251202T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20251118T091536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T092025Z
UID:7046-1764704700-1764713700@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Writers Room\, Live Script Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Adrian Dean\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWelcome back to the writers room. \n\n\n\nWe are turning the evening into a live script workshop. If you have a script\, or even just a few scenes\, that you think could be stronger\, this is a chance to put it in front of your fellow filmmakers and get some honest\, constructive help. \n\n\n\nMost of us write because we want to see our stories made into real films. The hard part is getting the script to the level it needs to be before anyone points a camera at it. It is very easy to work in a bubble\, not get notes\, and only discover the weak spots when it is too late\, on set\, with a crew waiting. \n\n\n\nOn this writers room night we will sit together\, read sections of your script\, and break them down in a supportive way. We will talk about structure\, character\, dialogue and pacing\, and look at how clearly the film appears in the reader’s mind. The aim is not to tear work apart\, but to find the strongest version of your idea and help you move towards it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYour script does not have to be finished. You can bring a first draft\, a problem scene\, or even a rough outline if you are stuck and need to know whether to push on or start again. Sometimes a ten minute conversation saves you months of circling the same issue. \n\n\n\nHow will Live Script Workshop work\n\n\n\n\nSend us your script\, or an extract\, in advance\, preferably as a PDF\, use the script submission page (its one we use for lots of submissions so some of the fields wont be appropriate but ignore them) \, with “Writers Room” in the subject line.\n\n\n\nOn the night we will work through as many scripts as we reasonably can\, scene by scene\, with the writer in the hot seat to answer questions and hear suggestions.\n\n\n\nIf you are not ready to share your own work yet you are still very welcome to come along\, listen in\, and join the discussion. Watching other people’s scripts being pulled apart\, gently\, is one of the quickest ways to improve your own writing.\n\n\n\n\nCome ready to give and receive feedback\, ask questions\, and bounce ideas around. With a bit of courage\, and a room full of peers behind you\, you might find that the script you have been wrestling with is closer to production ready than you thought. \n\n\n\n\n\nGuests welcome. First two sessions free for visitors.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/writers-room-live-script-workshop/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Scripts-SFM-picture-Canva.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251216T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251216T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20251213T120236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T121903Z
UID:7095-1765914300-1765923300@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Christmas Social
DESCRIPTION:Join us at The Parochial Halls in Cheam on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at 7.30pm for our Christmas social\, with drinks\, nibbles and member made films from this year. \n\n\n\nOur final meet up of the year is a relaxed Christmas social at The Parochial Halls\, Cheam\, Sutton\, starting at 7.45pm on Tuesday 16 December 2025. This is a chance to unwind\, catch up with other members and look back at what we have created together over the past twelve months. \n\n\n\nWe will have a few beers and wines available\, along with soft drinks and some nibbles. Nothing formal\, just an easy going evening where you can chat\, share ideas for next year and enjoy some of the work that has come out of the club recently. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDuring the evening\, we will screen three Sutton FilmMakers projects that many members will not have seen yet. \n\n\n\n• From Hong Kong To Sutton\, Directed by Tom McDanialA thoughtful documentary about the Hong Kong community who have made Sutton their home\, sharing how they are settling in and their hopes for the future. \n\n\n\n• Best Day Worst Day\, Directed by Julie ChildsA sharp short comedy about a new driver\, old grudges and some very bad decisions. \n\n\n\n• Women In Film\, Directed by Peter LeverickA behind the scenes documentary celebrating the women who crewed Best Day Worst Day\, highlighting their roles\, their paths into film and how Sutton FilmMakers helps people step up\, learn and lead on set. \n\n\n\nThe Christmas social is free for current members. Visitors are very welcome too at the usual £8 visitor rate\, so if you know someone who is curious about the club\, this is a gentle way to introduce them. \n\n\n\nCome along if you can and help us round off the year in good company\, with good films and a bit of festive cheer. If any details like timing or access are a concern\, just get in touch and we will do our best to help. \n\n\n\n\n\nGuests welcome see below.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/christmas-social/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Happy-Christmas-Tom.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260106T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260106T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20251028T234703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T235247Z
UID:6999-1767728700-1767737700@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sutton Filmmakers Spooktacular - Part 2
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Owain Dain\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLets Dive Back In\n\n\n\nTonight\, we’re diving back into the world of horror for a follow-up\, and trust me\, it’s not just about jump scares. \n\n\n\nHorror is full of surprises: genre-bending stories with symbolism and hidden themes\, monsters that represent real fears\, and subtle tricks that make you question what’s real. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Horror Rules Change\n\n\n\nIt’s clever. It’s creative. And it’s constantly evolving. \n\n\n\nOver the course of the evening\, we’ll travel through the decades\, from the raw rebellion of the ’70s\, to the blood-soaked excess of the ’80s\, the self-aware ’90s\, and the chilling influence of Japanese horror and “torture porn” in the 2000s. \n\n\n\nWith each era\, the rules change: who survives\, who falls\, and what we’re really afraid of. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also explore why horror works so well in short films\, and why those ideas don’t always translate to feature-length films. \n\n\n\nShort horror thrives on the event itself: the shock\, the tension\, the atmosphere\, while features often focus on the people experiencing the event. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also look at how horror shares a lot in common with comedy: it’s all about the build-up\, the suspense\, and the punchline\, or in horror’s case\, the reveal that makes your heart skip a beat. By the end of the night\, you’ll understand not just why horror works\, but how to craft it yourselves. \n\n\n\n\n\nGuests welcome. First two sessions free for visitors.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/sutton-filmmakers-spooktacular-part-2/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOTC.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260120T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260120T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260108T083702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T084152Z
UID:7101-1768938300-1768947300@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:January Club Social Meal
DESCRIPTION:Rather than trying to squeeze a Christmas meal into a hectic month\, we’re having a more relaxed club social meal in January\, when it’s usually easier to book and nicer to chat. \n\n\n\nOn Tuesday 20 January we will not be holding our usual meeting. Instead\, we’ll meet at 7:45pm at ECO\, 23 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Sutton SM3 8BH (just opposite the club). \n\n\n\nI’ve booked a table for 20 people to start with\, and the restaurant can expand the booking if we have more members who want to join. \n\n\n\nClub members will receive a £5 subsidy towards their meal (members only). \n\n\n\nIf you’d like to come along\, please reply to the club email by end of day 13 January so we can confirm numbers with the restaurant. \n\n\n\nEco Menu
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/january-club-social-meal/
LOCATION:ECO\, 23 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Sutton SM3 8BH\, 23 The Broadway\, Sutton\, SM3 8BH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LOTC.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260203T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260203T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260128T005535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T011536Z
UID:7110-1770147900-1770156000@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Focusing and Camera Movement Evening
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Tom McDaniel  \n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for a practical club night looking at camera movement and focusing techniques\, the sort of stuff that can quietly lift a scene from “fine” to “that feels like a film”. \n\n\n\nEver wanted to pull off an exciting move that has that blockbuster energy\, or tried to block actors only to realise the focus has drifted the moment they take a step? This evening is about getting more confident with the basics that make movement work\, keeping shots usable\, and understanding what’s actually happening when focus goes right\, or wrong. \n\n\n\nWe’ll run through a handful of classic camera moves and explore how to execute them cleanly\, with simple\, repeatable approaches. Alongside that\, we’ll look at practical ways to keep the action in focus while the camera is moving and the performers are moving\, which is usually where things start to unravel. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s a hands on session\, so expect to watch\, try\, adjust\, then try again. The aim is to leave with a better feel for how to plan a move\, how to place people for it\, and how to focus in a way that supports the shot rather than fighting it. \n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 3rd February 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/focusing-and-camera-movement/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/scene_recreation_night-768.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260217T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260217T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260128T015148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T184031Z
UID:7126-1771357500-1771365600@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Col Spector\, 8 Rules For Shooting A Documentary
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Col Spector \n\n\n\n\n\nWe’re delighted to welcome Col Spector to the club for a talk on something most of us only learn the hard way\, how to shoot a documentary that actually turns into a film\, not just a pile of interesting footage. \n\n\n\nCol has worked across documentary\, commercials and fiction\, and he’s known for being both practical and refreshingly direct. This evening he’ll be sharing his “8 rules” for documentary making\, the kind of rules that stop you drifting\, keep you honest about what you’re trying to say\, and give you a structure you can lean on when the shoot starts throwing surprises at you. \n\n\n\nCol Spector set up documentary consultancy to help documentary filmmakers make emotionally engaging films that get seen and launch their careers. Using the principles/guidelines that he developed throughout his career as a documentary maker at the BBC\, Col has worked with hundreds of early career directors helping them turn their ideas into films that have been commissioned and screened on the BBC\, Netflix and many top tier film festivals. See some testimonials from filmmakers Col has helped and for more about how he can help you at www.thedocumentaryconsultant.com \n\n\n\nThis is not a technical talk about cameras\, lenses\, or kit. It’s about decisions\, focus\, and storytelling. The invisible stuff that makes the difference between a documentary that feels alive\, and one that feels like it never quite gets going. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Take Away\n\n\n\n\nA clearer way to start\, so you’re not “finding the film” three months into the edit\n\n\n\nHow to shape a documentary around an idea without strangling the real life out of it\n\n\n\nWhy a documentary needs tension\, development\, and a dramatic arc\, even when it’s truthful\n\n\n\nHow to hold a critical point of view\, without turning your film into a lecture\n\n\n\nA simple framework you can use on your next project\, whether it’s 5 minutes or 50\n\n\n\n\nCol will introduce the rules\, unpack the thinking behind them\, and share examples of how they show up in the real world of shooting and editing. You’ll come away with plenty to try\, and probably a couple of uncomfortable realisations too\, in a good way. \n\n\n\nThere’ll be time for questions at the end\, so if you’ve got a documentary idea you’ve been circling for ages\, or you’ve started one and hit the familiar “do I actually have a film here?” moment\, bring that with you. \n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 17 February 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/shooting-a-documentary/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Col-Spector.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Col Spector":MAILTO:colspector@btinternet.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260303T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260303T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260128T013642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T184140Z
UID:7123-1772567100-1772575200@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Acting And Auditioning Workshop With Sara Jordan
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Sara Jordan \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSara Jordan is running a practical\, hands on acting and auditioning workshop  for anyone who wants to feel more confident in auditions\, and more grounded in their acting choices. \n\n\n\nThis is not a sit back and listen kind of evening. Expect plenty of exercises\, short explorations\, and supportive feedback as you work on what casting people and directors actually respond to\, believable character\, clear choices\, and an actor who feels present rather than “performed”. \n\n\n\nWhat We’ll Explore\n\n\n\nFinding character and authenticity\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’ll work through simple\, repeatable exercises that help you build a character with truth at the centre\, not just a collection of mannerisms. The aim is to feel connected to what the character wants\, what they fear\, what they’re protecting\, and then let that inner world shape everything else. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuilding a character from the ground up\n\n\n\nSara will guide you through how movement and voice naturally grow out of character\, rather than being added on top. You’ll explore posture\, pace\, gesture\, rhythm\, breath\, and vocal tone\, and how small physical choices can make a character feel specific without becoming forced or “put on”. \n\n\n\nUnderstanding your casting type\n\n\n\nThis bit is often surprisingly useful. You’ll look at the kinds of roles you’re most realistically likely to be cast in right now\, and how to lean into that strategically\, without boxing yourself in forever. It’s about knowing where you fit in the casting landscape so you can show up with clearer choices and less second guessing. \n\n\n\nHow auditions really work\n\n\n\nWe’ll cover what directors tend to look for\, what helps you stand out in a good way\, and what quietly undermines an audition even when the acting is solid. You’ll also focus on how to present yourself well in the room\, how to take direction\, and how to keep your nerves from hijacking your performance. \n\n\n\nWho It’s For\n\n\n\nThis workshop is suitable for beginners who want a practical starting point\, and for more experienced actors who want to sharpen their audition technique and make their character choices feel more grounded and intentional. \n\n\n\n\nIf you’ve ever left an audition thinking “I could do it\, but I didn’t show it”\, this evening is basically for you. \n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 3rd March 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/acting-and-auditioning/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Sara-Jordan-Screen-Acting-Workshop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260317T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260317T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260128T011413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T183823Z
UID:7114-1773776700-1773784800@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Film In A Night Evening - One Concept\, Told In Multiple Genres
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Adrian Dean\n\n\n\nOne Concept\, Told In Multiple Genres\n\n\n\n\n\nOn 18 March\, Adrian Dean is running a Film In A Night challenge built around a simple idea\, one concept told in multiple genres. We’ll split into teams and be given a basic plot plus a genre to tackle it in.  \n\n\n\nEach group will then discuss and plan quickly before going off to shoot their idea\, aiming to edit in camera so we can screen a finished film to the rest of the club at the end. \n\n\n\nNo pressure\, just a fun\, practical evening of filmmaking with friends\, and a great way to see how much genre comes from choices\, not budget. \n\n\n\nSee our other events here \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFilm In A Night Evening – One Concept\, Told In Multiple Genres\n\n\n\nIn a film in a night challenge the teams that finish strong usually do one thing early\, they commit. Not to perfection\, just to a clear direction. \n\n\n\nStart with three quick agreements: \n\n\n\n\nGenre Promise\, what do you want the audience to feel most\, amused\, tense\, unsettled\, warm\, suspicious\n\n\n\nGenre Signal\, pick one obvious “tell” you can lean on all the way through\, sound\, lighting\, performance style\, pacing\, camera movement\n\n\n\nFinal Beat\, decide what the last moment is meant to land like\, so you’re always shooting towards something\n\n\n\n\nThen keep the rest ruthlessly simple. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTime Saving Tips That Actually Work On The Night\n\n\n\nPlanning can drift into a mini writers room if you let it\, so for a film in a night challenge give yourselves a few constraints and stick to them. \n\n\n\n\nLimit locations\n\n\n\nOne location is ideal\, two at most. Moving between places eats time\, and it’s where continuity and sound start falling apart.\n\n\n\nKeep the shot list small\n\n\n\n\nAim for around 6 to 10 shots. If you’re listing 20\, you’re probably trying to cover uncertainty rather than telling the story. One strong wide and a couple of close ups will do a lot of heavy lifting. \n\n\n\nAssign “owners” even if roles overlap\n\n\n\nSomeone watches sound\, someone watches framing\, someone watches continuity. People can double up\, but it helps if each area has a name attached to it. \n\n\n\nRehearse the blocking once\n\n\n\nA quick walk through of where people stand\, where they move\, and where the camera is\, saves more time than repeating takes later. \n\n\n\nIf you get stuck\, go more obvious\n\n\n\nFilm In A Night is not the moment for subtle genre. Make the genre clearer than you think it needs to be\, especially in the first 20 to 30 seconds. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Editing In Camera Means\n\n\n\nEditing in camera means you’re assembling the film as you shoot\, rather than collecting lots of coverage and building it later. In practical terms\, you film only what you intend to use\, and where possible you shoot shots in the order you want them to appear. \n\n\n\nIt’s a great approach for this kind of challenge because it keeps things moving\, and it stops the evening turning into a long laptop session. \n\n\n\nYou might also want to read how to get it right colour wise in camera \n\n\n\nHow To Get Editing In Camera Right\n\n\n\n\nShoot in sequence where you can\n\n\n\nIf your story beat order is A then B then C\, try to film in that order. It reduces confusion and makes the “assembled” version feel natural.\n\n\n\nGive every shot a clean start and finish\n\n\n\nHit record\, hold for a second\, let the action happen\, hold for a second at the end. Those little handles make it much easier to stitch together quickly.\n\n\n\nCut on actions\, not on words\n\n\n\nPeople turning\, standing\, picking something up\, reacting\, these are natural cut points. Cutting mid line can work\, but only if you’re doing it deliberately.\n\n\n\nFewer takes\, but one safety take\n\n\n\nDo not chase perfection\, but if a take felt messy\, do one more while you’re there. “We’ll fix it later” is how Film In A Night projects die.\n\n\n\n\nPrioritise sound\n\n\n\nClear dialogue makes a film feel finished. Get close enough to the actors\, do a quick listen back before you move on\, and avoid noisy corners if you can. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt The End Of The Night\n\n\n\nWe’ll bring the films back together and watch them as a group. Same basic plot\, different genres\, different choices\, and a lot of laughs\, plus you’ll probably pick up a few tricks just from seeing how other teams tackled the same starting point.
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/film-in-a-night/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Adrian-Dean-in-action.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260407T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260407T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260128T172619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T084930Z
UID:7139-1775591100-1775599200@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Basics Of Film Editing
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Peter Leverick \n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’ve ever sat in front of a timeline and thought\, “I know what I want this scene to do\, but it’s not landing”\, this evening is for you. We’re keeping it simple and practical\, a night focused on the basics of film editing and the core decisions that make a sequence feel clear\, natural\, and emotionally right. \n\n\n\nWe’ll work through the three questions that sit underneath almost every edit: \n\n\n\nWhen to cut\n\n\n\nSometimes the cut is obvious. Sometimes it’s a tiny moment you can’t quite describe\, but you can feel it. We’ll explore the cues that tell you it’s time to move on\, pace\, performance\, energy\, eye movement\, and even breathing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy to cut\n\n\n\nCuts aren’t just there to shorten things. They shape meaning. They control what the audience notices\, what they miss\, what they expect\, and how they feel. We’ll look at the most common reasons for cutting\, to tighten rhythm\, to hide problems\, to heighten emotion\, to build tension\, to reveal information at exactly the right time. \n\n\n\nWhat to cut to\n\n\n\nThis is where the basics of film editing starts to feel like storytelling rather than assembling shots. We’ll look at how choosing the next shot can change the mood of a scene\, and how different choices can make the same material feel funny\, unsettling\, calm\, or urgent. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also look at how the basics of film editing shift depending on genre\, because genre is basically a set of audience expectations\, and editing is one of the quickest ways to meet those expectations\, or deliberately play against them. We’ll talk through a few common genres and the sort of cutting style they tend to lean on: \n\n\n\n\nComedy\, timing\, reaction shots\, and how a fraction of a second can make a joke work\, or kill it\n\n\n\nHorror\, controlling what the audience sees\, when they see it\, and how cutting can create dread before anything even happens\n\n\n\nDrama\, staying with performance\, letting moments breathe\, and knowing when not to cut\n\n\n\nSuspense\, tightening the rope slowly\, using pace and withholding information to keep the audience leaning forward\n\n\n\n\nPeter Leverick will also focus on one of the most useful skills an editor develops\, knowing whether the cut feels right. Often the editor’s first clue is simply that something feels off. It might be a timing issue\, too early\, too late\, not held long enough\, or it might be something else entirely\, a mismatch in energy\, a performance beat that’s been cut away\, or a moment that needs a different shot to make the scene make sense emotionally. Peter will share ways to spot what’s actually wrong\, so you’re not just nudging clips around at random. \n\n\n\nWe’ll also cover a couple of common cut types that editors use all the time\, including J cuts and L cuts\, and why you might use them. They’re simple techniques\, but they’re surprisingly powerful for smoothing transitions\, pulling the audience into the next moment\, and making scenes feel more natural without the edit drawing attention to itself. \n\n\n\nThis is a hands on learning night in the sense that it’s all about real decision making\, the sort of stuff you can immediately apply to your own projects\, whether you’re editing on a phone\, a laptop\, or a full editing suite. If you’re new to editing\, it’ll give you a foundation. If you’ve edited a bit already\, it’ll help you understand why some sequences work and others don’t\, even when the footage is decent. \n\n\n\nCome along and sharpen up your instincts\, get clearer on the basics of film editing\, and leave with a few practical ideas you can try the very next time you sit down to edit. \n\n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 7th April 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/basics-of-film-editing/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Peter-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260421T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260421T220000
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260412T200903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T210638Z
UID:7257-1776800700-1776808800@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Video Editing Basics\, A Hands On Practical Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Following our previous meeting\, where we ran out of time to get into the practical editing\, this follow on session is all about learning by doing. Members will work with a set of simple clips\, with experienced members on hand to help\, guide and answer questions as they go. \n\n\n\nIf you want to get started with editing but feel more confused than confident once you open the software\, this workshop is a good place to begin. \n\n\n\nThis is a fully practical\, hands session\n\n\n\nThis is a fully practical\, hands on follow on session where members will be learning by actually editing. It is not a lecture and it is not a software demo that you simply sit and watch. The whole evening is built around getting stuck in\, trying things out\, and learning the basics with support from experienced members as you go. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe will provide a set of simple clips for everyone to work with during the workshop\, so there is no need to bring your own footage. The aim is to help you get comfortable with the core editing process\, bringing clips in\, placing them on a timeline\, trimming them down\, putting them in order\, and turning raw material into a short finished sequence. \n\n\n\nIf you want to bring your own laptop\, your editing software must be installed before you arrive. We will not have time to install software during the workshop\, and internet access at the club is limited\, so please make sure everything is set up in advance. If you do not already have editing software\, Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve is available as a free download and is an excellent place to start. \n\n\n\nWe will also have a small number of editing suites available for members who do not have a laptop to bring. These will be offered on a first come\, first served basis\, as numbers are limited. \n\n\n\nThis workshop is aimed at complete beginners\, as well as anyone who has tried editing before but still feels unsure about the basics. The focus is on doing\, not theory\, so by the end of the evening you should have a much clearer feel for how editing works and more confidence about taking footage and shaping it into something watchable. \n\n\n\nWhat To Bring\n\n\n\n\nYour laptop\, if you want to edit on your own machine\n\n\n\nEditing software already installed before the session\n\n\n\nA mouse\, if you have one\, as it usually makes editing easier\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 21st April 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/the-basics-of-film-editing-practical/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FCPX-Editing.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260505T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260505T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260414T211852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T214332Z
UID:7263-1778010300-1778019300@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Shot Composition and Framing\, Making the Audience Feel Something
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Owain Dain & Peter Leverick\n\n\n\nHow you frame a shot can completely change the way an audience feels about a scene. The same action can seem tense\, dramatic\, awkward\, powerful\, or uncertain\, simply because of where the camera is placed and how the subject is composed within the frame. \n\n\n\nThis practical and interactive evening will explore how shot composition and framing affect meaning\, mood\, and the audience’s emotional response to what they are seeing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Practical Session On Visual Storytelling\n\n\n\nThis session will look at how filmmakers use framing to shape what the audience thinks and feels. We will experiment with simple examples such as making a scene feel dramatic\, making one person look powerful\, making someone appear confused\, or making a character seem uncomfortable or exposed. Peter will also talk about some of the psychology behind these choices and why certain framings create particular reactions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis will not be a dry theory session. The evening is designed to be hands on and discussion based\, with members looking at framing choices in practice and exploring how small changes in camera position\, lens choice\, headroom\, distance\, and angle can alter the emotional meaning of a shot. \n\n\n\nWe will also break up the practical work with selected clips and examples from well known directors\, looking at how they use composition to guide attention\, suggest relationships\, create pressure\, or reveal something about a character without saying it directly. \n\n\n\nThis session should be useful for directors\, camera operators\, editors\, and anyone who wants to become more visually intentional in the way they shoot. It is also ideal for newer members who want to understand why some images feel strong and cinematic\, while others feel flat or unclear. \n\n\n\nWhat To Expect\n\n\n\n\nInteractive discussion and practical framing exercises\n\n\n\nExamples of how framing changes emotion and meaning\n\n\n\nSelected clips showing how well known directors use composition\n\n\n\nA clearer understanding of the psychology behind visual choices\n\n\n\n\nYou do not need to bring any equipment for this one\, just your interest in filmmaking and a willingness to get involved. \n\n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 5th May 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:00 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/shot-composition-and-framing/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/shot-composition-hero.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260519T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260519T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260414T213918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T222245Z
UID:7270-1779219900-1779228900@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:Documentary Inspiration Night
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Tom McDaniel \n\n\n\nFor this meeting\, we’re inviting members to bring along a short documentary\, or a scene from a longer documentary\, that they think really works. \n\n\n\nIt might be something powerful\, revealing\, moving\, beautifully observed\, or simply a piece that captures the spirit of documentary particularly well. The aim is to get us into the documentary mindset by watching and discussing work that has made an impression on us. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAn Evening Of Documentary Inspiration\n\n\n\nEach member who brings something can briefly introduce their choice\, explain why they picked it\, and say what they think filmmakers can learn from it. That could be about story\, character\, access\, tension\, structure\, editing\, camera work\, or simply the feeling the film creates. The idea is not just to say what we liked\, but to explore why it works. \n\n\n\nThis will be a relaxed but focused evening\, giving us the chance to share inspiration\, discover documentaries we may not have come across before\, and build a stronger feel for what makes factual filmmaking effective. By looking at a range of different styles and approaches\, we should come away with fresh ideas for our own work. \n\n\n\nTo help the evening run smoothly\, it would be best if any clips are short and ready to play. A scene of around two to five minutes is ideal\, enough to give us something real to discuss without losing the pace of the session. \n\n\n\nThis should be a useful evening for anyone interested in documentary\, whether you already make factual films or are simply curious about what gives documentary its particular power when it is done well. \n\n\n\nWhat To Bring\n\n\n\n\nA short documentary\, or a short scene from a longer documentary\n\n\n\nA clip that is ready to play\, ideally kept to around two to five minutes\n\n\n\nA few thoughts on why you chose it and what filmmakers can learn from it\n\n\n\n\nYou are also very welcome to come along without bringing a clip\, and simply enjoy the viewing and discussion. \n\n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 19th MayTime: 7:45 pm – 10:15 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/documentary-inspiration-night/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Documentary-inspiration-night.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T221500
DTSTAMP:20260420T040146
CREATED:20260414T222815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T223728Z
UID:7280-1780429500-1780438500@suttonfilm.co.uk
SUMMARY:A Practical Evening Of Interview Technique
DESCRIPTION:Session led by Paul Howard \n\n\n\n\n\nInterviewing someone well is harder than it looks. A good interview is not just about having a list of questions\, it is about listening properly\, asking clearly\, spotting what matters\, and knowing when to follow something interesting a bit further. \n\n\n\nThis practical club evening will give members the chance to improve their interview technique by putting it into practice with Peter Leverick in the hot seat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Practical Evening Of Interview Technique\n\n\n\nMembers will have the chance to ask Peter questions about the club\, its history\, the challenges of keeping it going\, and the experiences that have shaped it over the years. Peter will then give feedback afterwards\, helping members think about what worked\, what could have been stronger\, and how to get more from an interview. \n\n\n\nThis will be a hands on and interactive evening rather than a lecture. The aim is to help members become more confident interviewers by seeing how different kinds of questions produce different kinds of answers. Some questions open up stories\, some reveal personality\, and some simply fall flat. Learning to tell the difference is a big part of becoming a better filmmaker. \n\n\n\nThere should also be a lively element to the evening\, as Peter has every intention of being a slightly awkward and mischievous interviewee at times\, which in itself should make for a useful learning experience. Real interviews do not always go smoothly\, and part of the skill is learning how to stay calm\, adapt\, and keep the conversation moving in a productive direction. \n\n\n\nThis session should be useful for anyone interested in documentary\, factual filmmaking\, or simply getting better at drawing out stronger answers from contributors. Whether you have interviewed people before or never done it at all\, it should be an enjoyable way to practise and learn. \n\n\n\nWhat To Expect\n\n\n\n\nA practical interview session with Peter Leverick\n\n\n\nThe chance to ask questions and see how different approaches work\n\n\n\nFeedback on interview technique and question style\n\n\n\nA useful evening for documentary and factual filmmakers\n\n\n\n\nYou do not need to bring anything special for this session\, just your curiosity and a willingness to get involved. \n\n\n\n\n\nNon-members welcome for the evening (first two nights free as our guests) Here is how to find us \n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday 2nd June 2026Time: 7:45 pm – 10:15 pm
URL:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/event/a-practical-evening-of-interview-technique/
LOCATION:Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms\, 42 The Broadway\, Cheam\, Surrey\, SM3 8BL\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://suttonfilm.co.uk/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Peter-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR