Do you want to explore how to make dance work for a camera, phone or social platform?

Candoco Dance Company is running a two-day practical workshop in London for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, 18 years and over as part of the Motion Shorts programme.

Are you a dancer wanting to understand more about the language of film and how to capture your ideas on camera?

Are you a filmmaker interested in understanding more about movement on camera?

You will work with facilitators to explore simple, accessible ways to film movement and create short-form content.

What is the workshop?

The Motion Shorts workshop is a practical space to experiment with dance and film.

It is for artists who want to understand how choreography can work differently on screen and develop skills they can continue using with their own equipment.

We want to give D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists the skills, platforms and opportunities to make work for phones, film and digital audiences.

We plan to develop further workshops and partnerships to create film Hubs around the UK so that Motion Shorts is not centred only on London.

This is all about:

Trying things, making things and learning by doing.

You do not need a finished idea before you arrive.

What will we explore?

Over the two days, we will explore:

• Understanding movement for the camera.
• Framing and composition.
• Filming using your own phone or device.
• Working with natural and artificial light.
• Storyboarding.
• Making work for phones and social platforms.
• Understanding inclusion as part of a working practice.

Who is it for?

The workshop is for UK-based D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists interested in dance, movement and film.

You might be a dancer, filmmaker, content creator, choreographer, movement artist, performance-maker or multidisciplinary artist.

You do not need any previous filmmaking experience, professional camera equipment or a finished film idea to join in.

Members of The Lab get 50% off.

What will you get from the workshop?

The aim is for you to leave with:

• practical filmmaking skills
• new ways of thinking about choreography for screen
• greater confidence making work using your own equipment
• connections with dancers, choreographers and filmmakers
• content created during the workshop
• an understanding of how to continue developing short-form work

Please note – we will be filming parts of the Motion Shorts course for our online platforms, so this course will not be suitable for those that cannot be on film.

Access

Access will be embedded throughout the workshop.

We will ask participants about their Access requirements before the workshop so that we can understand the support and working conditions you need.

For questions, support or alternative arrangements relating to Access requirements: learning@candoco.co.uk

Motion Shorts Call Out

In addition to this workshop, we are also on the look out for finished films. Take a look at our call out.

About workshop leader Alexander F C Johansen

Alexander is a visual storyteller driven by the belief that every life holds stories that can inspire, teach and connect. His love for film began early through classic VHS tapes and grew into formal training with a Bachelor’s degree in Filmmaking and a Master’s in Fine Arts during which he completed his first feature film. For a decade, he has worked as a freelance cinematographer, creating human-centred stories across a wide range of formats. While he specialises in cinematography, he works confidently across the full filmmaking process, from narrative development and directing to editing, lighting, colour grading and sound design.

About workshop leader Jess Mabel Jones

Jess is a multi-award winning performer, writer, director and puppeteer. Over a 15-year career, her art has taken place in theatres, in communities, on screen, in cabaret bars, on the street and at festivals, all over the world. Her work is inclusive, rebellious, and always a bit of a party.

Much of Jess’ work has been in the scene of Disability Arts, and her activism in access and inclusion have led her to become an Access Coordinator in TV. Titles include The Traitors, Gogglebox and We Might Regret This. As part of BBC’s Ralph & Katie team, her work was recognised with the Royal Television Society Special Award for contribution to the industry, and Scope’s Best Inclusive Production- setting a new standard for inclusivity in the sector.