Projects

This page is a curated collection of well-written, step-by-step guides for learning Film and Media Studies through hands-on, project-based practice.

What I cannot create, I do not understand — Richard Feynman.

These projects are meant to support learning throughout the curriculum, not only at the end.
By building, writing, creating, or reconstructing real artifacts in the field, learners develop practical understanding alongside theoretical study.

Tutorials

• Short Film
• Screenplay
• Documentary
• Experimental Film
• Video Essay
• Film Critique
• Academic Article
• Storyboard
• Cinematography Sequence
• Sound Design Project
• Editing Montage
• Media Installation
• Transmedia Story
• Fan Film / Remix
• Television Pilot

Make Your Own Short Film

• How to Make a Short Film — 12 Steps from Idea to Finished Film (Guide / Article)
• Make Your First Short Film: A Step By Step Guide (Guide / Article)

Write Your Own Screenplay

• How to Write a Screenplay: The Complete Guide (Guide / Article)
• How to Write a Screenplay (Guide / Article)

Produce Your Own Documentary

• Making Documentaries: A Step By Step Guide (Guide / Article)
• How to Make a Documentary: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (Guide / Article)

Create Your Own Experimental Film

• Experimental Filmmaking for Dummies (Part 1): Why You Should Be Making Experimental Films (Guide / Article)
• Experimental Filmmaking (Introductory Guide / Article)

Craft Your Own Video Essay

• Mastering Video Essays in 2025 (Guide / Article)
• Student Quick Guide: How to make video-essays (PDF Guide)

Write Your Own Film Critique

• How to Write a Movie Review: 10 Essential Tips (Guide / Article)

Compose Your Own Academic Article

• A Guide to Writing a Film Studies Paper (Guide / Article) — outlines research process, topic narrowing, and structure for film studies papers.
• Film Studies Writing Guide (Guide / Article) — details shot analysis and interpretive workflow for constructing arguments.

Draw Your Own Storyboard

• How to Draw a Storyboard film-and-media-studies Easy Step-by-Step Guide (Tutorial / Guide) — procedural steps for formatting, drawing, and editing storyboards.
• How to Storyboard: Step-by-Step Storyboarding Guide (Guide / Article) — covers planning, tools, and visualization for film storyboards.

Shoot Your Own Cinematography Sequence

• Shooting a Sequence film-and-media-studies HIKI NŌ Tutorial Series (Video Tutorial) — step-by-step on capturing sequences for coherent storytelling.
• How To Shoot A Sequence of ANYTHING! Our Go-To Formula (Video Tutorial) — formulaic shot list approach for dynamic sequences.

Design Your Own Soundscape

• Sound Design for Cinematic Filmmaking film-and-media-studies My Process (Video Tutorial) — demonstrates workflow for building film soundscapes.
• Sound Design 101: The Ultimate Guide To Great Film Sound (Guide / Article) — explains processes of recording, manipulating, and layering audio elements.

Construct Your Own Montage

• Montage Editing 101 (TUTORIAL) (Video Tutorial) — covers types, timing, and editing techniques for montages.
• 11 Keys to Creating a Memorable Cinematic Montage (Guide / Article) — practical keys for structuring and enhancing montage sequences.

Build Your Own Media Installation

• How to Create an Interactive Art Installation (Guide / Article) — breaks down concept, design, and build process for media-based installations.
• Approachable Art: A Beginner's Guide to Installation Art (Guide / Article) — offers entry points and artist insights for creating installations.

Develop Your Own Transmedia Story

• Transmedia Storytelling 101 (Essay / Guide) — foundational process for dispersing narrative across platforms.
• IQP Transmedia Storytelling Guide (Guide / Resource) — explains building stories with unique contributions per medium.

Remix Your Own Fan Work

• Fan Edits - A Guide to Getting Started (Community Guide) — outlines tools, steps, and file management for fan edits/remixes.
• Fan Films - Tutorials (Tutorial Collection) — covers development, scripting, and production for fan films.

Write Your Own TV Pilot

• How to Write a Pilot for a Television Series (Article / Guide) — details essential elements and construction of pilot scripts.
• How to Structure a Great TV Pilot (Guide / Article) — explains act structure, pacing, and benchmarks for pilots.