|
Porthmeor Studios and around St Ives and the coast path, Cornwall
|
10% discount before end of February 2026 - apply now!
|
|
Spring Film Weekender:
Led by Dr Joanna Mayes 2nd May to 3rd May 2026 Welcome social on Friday 1st May for those who are staying nearby Price: £250 £225 with 10% discount applied supported place for Cornwall artist @ £150 - chosen by need and enthusiasm! 10% discount before end February 2026 Join us for a special extended weekend workshop in the inspiring surroundings of St. Ives, Cornwall, where we’ll explore the art and craft of experimental analogue filmmaking. This immersive opportunity takes place in late Autumn, with its sharp low light and wonderful Atlantic swell and surf. Porthmeor and the Coast Path come alive at this time of year where we feel at the very edge of the land. We plan to immerse ourselves in the interplay of light, nature, and film! 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:
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 film weekender is designed as a quick break, full of film and the wonderful atmosphere of St Ives in March, less people and exciting sea, sky and weather to enjoy. If you prefer to leave earlier on Sunday and catch a train back ready for work on Monday you are welcome to do that. Practicalities 9.30 for 10am on Saturday May 2nd to 5pm on Sunday May 3rd Price: £250 £225 with 10% discount supported place for Cornwall artist @ £150 - chosen by need and enthusiasm! 10% discount applies before end February 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. Camping at Ayr Caravan Park or other local campsites are a great option although weather can be changeable..:) Click here for St Ives tourist information Find out more about the historic Porthmeor Studios here . |
|
10% discount before end January 2026 - apply now to guarantee a place!
|
|
|