ST IVES FILM
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2 Day Film Schools in St Ives

2 Day Film Schools in St Ives
analogue film skills workshops
22-23 July; 16-17 October 2026

download application form
Porthmeor Studios and around St Ives and the coast path, Cornwall
10% discount before end of June 2026 
- apply now!

2 Day Film Workshops:
Led by Dr Joanna Mayes


22-23 July 2026 (Weds and Thurs)
16-17 October 2026 (Friday and Saturday)
Price: £250  £225 with 10% discount applied
supported place for Cornwall artist @ £150 - chosen by need and enthusiasm!
Please let us know if you need to pay by installments

10% discount for prompt payment until end of June 2026

This two day film school is designed as a short break, full of filmmaking and the wonderful atmosphere of St Ives with exciting sea, sky and weather to enjoy. This relaxed and collaborative workshop is open to all skill levels—no prior experience or filmmaking equipment is needed (but please feel free to bring your own), and all shared film stock and digitisation is included. Together, we’ll explore creative possibilities of 16mm and standard 8mm film, share skills, and connect with like-minded artists. We plan to immerse ourselves in the interplay of light, nature, and film! This is a whirwind tour, but if you have any particular interests please let us know and we will do our best to make sure these are covered. 

St Ives Film director Dr Joanna Mayes will be leading this workshop. Joanna Mayes is director of @stivesfilm and founder of @mayescreative. Joanna is an artist filmmaker and educator with a specialism in eco aware analogue filmmaking and experimental processing techniques. Joanna treats film as ‘site’, exploring ways to bring an experience of being present in a place into the materiality of the film itself. Joanna will share ways to reduce the impact of our filmmaking practice, whilst supporting accessible home-based and DIY film making techniques, including low cost 8mm cameras and ways to enjoy working with expired film and using autumnal plants and berries for alternative film processing and tinting.

This workshop will focus on playful and experimental 8mm and 16mm filmmaking techniques, using affordable and recycled materials without the need for a formal darkroom. We’ll be working at the renowned Porthmeor Studios, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, as we explore the dramatic contrasts of light across the St. Ives peninsula—from the lively surf and rock pools of Porthmeor to the serene waters of Porthgwidden, St Ives Island and the Coastal Path. There are currently dolphins and tuna in the bay and we will hopefully see (and even film) some.

More About The Workshop
We will consider the basics of artisanal 16mm and 8mm film production, learning from Joanna’s filmmaking practices, developed over the last 20 years, which incorporates a kitchen-friendly and eco-aware approach to working with photochemical film. Joanna will share ways in which you can source affordable and recycled film making materials, working without a formal darkroom and how to align our film making practice with contemporary climate and waste-aware concerns. Residents will come away with an awareness of the artisanal film production and ways in which to continue their practice in an affordable way.

Participants will be encouraged to share skills and learn from each other. This opportunity will take a relaxed approach, giving plenty of time for conversation and the sharing of experiences of image-making and how this relates to the development of an photochemical moving image practice. The aim of the week is to develop a network of like-minded artists who can support each other's practices, and create spaces for sharing work more widely both online and in person through @stivesfilm and @mayescreative.

Together We Will Enjoy:
  • Hands-on 16mm Bolex camera work, including multiple exposures and consideration of approaches to more experimental ways of working.
  • Considering the benefits of ‘sketching’ on the simpler and more affordable Standard 8 Bolex cameras
  • For this workshop we are focusing on filming on land and sea. We will be seeking out sheltered spots for filming  but also enjoying the wonderful Atlantic sea around the St Ives coast path, alongside the more protected harbour with its fishing boats and stranded water.
  • We will be sharing eco-conscious film developing methods - caffenol and/or locally foraged plant materials.
  • Using Cameraless film production techniques and phytograms to make abstract images from plants foraged from The Island.
  • Sociable evenings sharing film with eachother - gaining inspiration from films and sharing our own practice
  • A chance to explore St Ives and it's coastline and enjoy sea swimming and/or surfing! 

Why Join?
This relaxed and collaborative workshop is open to all skill levels—no prior experience or filmmaking equipment is needed (but please feel free to bring your own), and all shared film stock and digitisation is included. Together, we’ll explore the creative possibilities of film, share skills, and connect with like-minded artists. The goal is to foster a supportive network and develop sustainable filmmaking practices that align with contemporary climate concerns. 

This two day film school is designed as a short break, full of film and the wonderful atmosphere of St Ives with exciting sea, sky and weather to enjoy. An opportunity for those with family, work or Uni commitments to get some hands on experience with analogue filmmaking.


Practicalities
9.30 for 10am start
Day 1 6pm finish, plus evening gathering and film sharing
Day 2 finish at 4pm to allow for travel home if needed
Arrival evening meet-up to welcome you into St Ives, for those who are already in town.

Price: £250  £225 with 10% discount
supported place for Cornwall artist @ £150 - chosen by need and enthusiasm!

10% discount applies for prompt payment before end June 2026

All filmmaking equipment is included (but please feel free to bring your own); workshop film stock and digitisation is included.

This opportunity does not include travel or accommodation, allowing participants to make their own choice about cost and location. There is a range of accommodation available on booking sites, including affordable rooms through Air BnB. Early booking is advised, especially in Summer. The next door town of Hayle has excellent transport links to St Ives and offers much more affordable accommodation when St Ives fills up! Camping at Ayr Caravan Park is a great option - £22 for a single backpacker, no need to book (October is for the more hardy campers, as weather is changeable!).

Click here for St Ives tourist information

Find out more about the historic Porthmeor Studios here
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10% discount before end February 2026 - apply now to guarantee a place!
download application form
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Thanks to Kodak for workshop film materials
and telecine support

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  • Home
  • Workshops
    • 2 Day Film Schools
    • 4 Day Film Schools 2026
    • Beltane: May Weekender
    • Past Workshops >
      • Focused Filmmaking March 26
      • February Film School 2026
      • November Deep Dive
      • Autumn Weekender
      • October School
      • Summer School
      • Solstice School
      • Spring School
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Looking for a camera?
  • St Ives Film in a Day
  • Contact