Wave Makers Creative Producers Lab

8th February onwards, at various venues in Portsmouth.

The Wave Makers Creative Producers Lab is an innovative program dedicated to empowering producers to create dynamic, community-curated cinema and immersive live and event cinema exhibitions. It focuses on fostering collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, equipping participants with the skills to design and deliver unique, audience-centred film events. Through hands-on workshops and expert mentorship, the lab champions creative storytelling and redefines how cinema connects with communities.

Workshops include:

Acting & Directing for Immersive Cinema Experiences

Saturday 8th February from 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Staggeringly Good Brewery, Unit 10, St Georges Industrial Estate, Rodney Rd, Portsmouth, PO4 8SS

In partnership with Mary Rose Productions, and supported by Film Hub Southwest, BFI Film Audience Network and Portsmouth Creates.

Discover the unique challenges of acting and directing in immersive storytelling. This hands-on workshop explores audience interaction, non-linear narrative design, and character development for immersive theatre and live cinema. Led by renowned practitioner Joe Hufton, participants will create scenarios and ideas for an experience to be staged at the Making Waves Film Festival in March 2025. Optional opportunities to perform in the final production are available.

Tickets: £5

Unlocking Funding for Community Cinema

Saturday 8th February 12 pm - 3 pm

Location Menuhin Room, 3rd Floor, Central Library, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2DX

Supported by Film Hub Southwest, BFI Film Audience Network and Portsmouth Creates.

Designed for community facilitators and organizers, this workshop dives into securing funding for community-led film events. Participants will explore funding opportunities from Film Hub Southwest and learn how to develop strong applications. With guidance from Making Waves, you'll also discover the process of curating and running community screenings, with the chance to develop events for the March festival or join a collective bid for 2026.

Tickets: £5

Designing Worlds: Build Sets, Costumes, and Props for Immersive Storytelling

Saturday 8th February onwards - details to follow

Location will be confirmed shortly.

In partnership with DVMISSION.

Bring your creative visions to life in this four-day workshop focused on scenic design, costumes, and props for immersive storytelling. Guided by Alice Kristina Rose, participants will create designs for the gala night of the DVMISSION 48-Hour Film Challenge. Learn how to scale your creativity on a budget while building skills in immersive design for theatre and live cinema.

NOTE THIS WORKSHOP IS FUNDING DEPENDENT - REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW AND WE WILL CONTACT YOU ONCE IT IS CONFIRMED.

Tickets are FREE to register an expression of interest but will be £5
Creative Producers Lab Thumbnails - Screenwriting 1

Write Your Story: Create Micro-Movies and TikTok Series

Date & Time - More information coming soon!

Location The Base, Guildhall, Portsmouth.

In partnership with The Base, and supported by Portsmouth Creates.

Perfect for aspiring storytellers aged 16–25, this playful workshop teaches screenwriting fundamentals with a modern twist. Learn how to craft powerful micro-short films under two minutes and develop mini-series tailored for TikTok. Celebrating Portsmouth’s literary heritage, this workshop encourages creativity while exploring themes for the In My Own Words Festival.

Tickets: Free