SLOP1416: Visual Storytelling for Short-Form Media

A foundation course for students who want to make short, purposeful videos with a phone or camera. Through observation, shooting, sound, editing and critique, students build the practical and ethical habits needed to turn everyday material into clear visual stories.

• video production
• visual storytelling
• editing

12 weeks of material are scheduled so far. Browse the full breakdown on the Modules page.

Starts with Week 1: Seeing before shooting, Seeing and story

This is a hands-on foundation course. You can work with a phone or camera; expensive equipment is not required. Each week combines a short lecture, a making task and critique.

By the end of the course, you will be able to plan a short visual story, record purposeful image and sound, edit a clear sequence, and explain the ethical choices behind publication.

Begin with Week 1: Seeing before shooting, then complete the field exercise in the first module.

Plan for about 2 hours of class and 3–4 hours of independent viewing, shooting, editing or reflection each week.

1. Plan a short visual story for a defined audience and production context.
2. Record purposeful image and sound using a phone or camera safely and responsibly.
3. Edit a clear, captioned short video using deliberate structure, pace and continuity.
4. Analyse creative choices, give useful critique and document consent, attribution and revision.

• Week 1 — Seeing and story
• Week 2 — Camera control and first review
• Week 3 — Light and colour
• Week 4 — Recording sound
• Week 5 — Interview and observation
• Week 6 — Storyboards and production plans
• Week 7 — First assemblies
• Week 8 — Continuity and rhythm
• Week 9 — Captions, music and audience
• Week 10 — Rough-cut clinic
• Week 11 — Revision and peer review
• Week 12 — Screening and portfolio

• Assignment 1: Studio exercise portfolioDue 9 April 2027 · 40%
• Final project: A short visual storyDue 28 May 2027 · 60%

• ZIMU LI · Convenor
• Idris Fenn · Tutor