"CREATE YOUR OWN MOVIE!" SHORT FILM LABORATORY

One of the main projects of the Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union is the training programs for cinematographers. These programs aim to provide not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills for novice and aspiring directors, screenwriters and producers. For this purpose, the ACI announces a new project: “Create your own film!” short film laboratory.

The goal of the laboratory is for participants to develop their original film ideas, bring them to the synopsis, treatment and script stages in a professional manner, and then proceed to the shooting process and complete their short films. The training will be conducted by director and producer, ACI Secretary Oleg Safaraliyev, but participants will also receive master classes from other local experts, which will allow participants to get acquainted with modern approaches adopted in the creative industry. Each participant, with the support of a mentor, will develop their project step by step and have their film ready for screening at the end of the laboratory.

“Create your own film!” The short film laboratory also aims to strengthen the creative environment among filmmakers, create conditions for their cooperation with each other and expand their professional networks.

We note the terms and details of the project:

CREATIVE PROCESS FROM IDEA TO FILM
1. IDEA – The beginning of creativity
The foundation of every film is an idea. However, filmmaking does not only begin with the emergence of an idea, but also ends with its professional development and transformation into a finished film. In this part of the training, participants will learn:
how an idea is formed,
how the main conflict and theme are determined,
the main emotional line of the story,
and
clearly structure the message to be conveyed to the audience. In short, in the training, participants will get acquainted with all the processes from the formation of the idea to writing the script and the final stage of the film.

2. SYNOPSIS – A short but powerful presentation
A synopsis is a brief summary of the film. At this stage, participants will learn:
the structure of the synopsis,
the principles of dramaturgy,
the presentation of the main characters,
the atmosphere and emotional tone of the film,
and how to transform an idea into a professional synopsis. Participants will prepare their ideas to be presented as a project on both local and international platforms by transforming them into a professional synopsis.

3. TREATMENT – A broad description of the story
The treatment acts as a bridge between the synopsis and the script and is a broader, more detailed description of the film. Since the treatment plays the role of a foundation for the future script, special practical work will be carried out on it in the training.
At this stage of the training, participants will develop skills such as:
the story structure of each scene,
explaining the sequence of all scenes of the story
managing dramatic tension,
working with visual images,
character development

4. SCREENPLAY – The written form of cinema
The script is the most important part of the film, it is a written description of the film. Here, participants will learn:
script structure (three-act model and alternative structures),
writing dialogues,
scene descriptions and rhythm,
conflict and dramatic development,
international script format
Participants will learn how to turn their treatments into professional scripts, the difference between a script and a treatment, etc. details.

5. FILM – Creating the final product
The final stage is the visual realization of the idea, bringing the film to the screen. This section will teach:
director-screenwriter cooperation,
writing the director's script
working with the actor
preparing for the shooting process,
visual solution of the film,
post-production (editing, sound, color correction, working with the composer),
presentation strategies for film festivals and markets.
This section will provide participants with practical knowledge and perspective for turning projects into real films. At the same time, they will learn how filmmaking is carried out in a real team.
The training program will teach participants in depth how a film project is built, developed and implemented in the sequence IDEA - SYNOPSIS - TREATMENT - SCREENPLAY - FILM.

This training provides a systematic approach to the creative process and allows participants to develop their film projects from scratch to a professional level and is intended for both beginners and film professionals who want to strengthen their experience. The goal is to systematize creative thinking, provide participants with a professional approach and support them in developing their film projects in accordance with international standards. The purpose of the training is not only to provide knowledge, but also to create conditions for participants to discover their creative potential and realize it.

During the training process, participants will additionally meet with professionals in the field of cinematography, cinematography, film composer, producer, etc. to deeply understand the creative process. Selected projects will be screened.
Those who wish to apply for the project can apply to the AKI email address info@aki.az by December 1 with the following information under the subject “Create your own film!”
Idea for a future short feature film
Letter of motivation
Biography and filmography (if any)