Improvised Filmmaking Workshop Berlin
Weekend Intensive
This immersive weekend workshop in Berlin gives you the tools to develop compelling narratives, direct actors for spontaneous performances, harness locations creatively, and capture genuine moments on camera, all through the power of structured improvisation.
Move beyond over-planning and discover a more dynamic, collaborative, and often more joyful way to create films.
Who is this filmmaking workshop for?
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🎬 Filmmakers and storytellers who want to break free from rigid planning and explore more spontaneous, creative processes: directors, writers, DOP's, producers.
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🎭 Actors and performers looking to sharpen improvisation skills and learn how to collaborate on story creation from scratch.
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🎥 Film students interested in crafting engaging scenes with minimal gear and planning.
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✨ Beginners and pros alike who crave a fresh, playful, and human-centered approach to filmmaking.
If you're curious, collaborative, and eager to experiment, join us!
Essential workshop details
- Format: Full Weekend Workshop: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
- Two Available Dates (2025):
- May 24-25
- July 5-6
- Workshop Language: English
- Registration Fee: €275
- Early Bird Offer: Save €50! Register at least three weeks before your chosen date for just €225. (See registration section below for codes).
- Flexible Payment: Pay later and pay in installments options available via Klarna at checkout.
- Intimate Setting: Maximum of 8 Participants for personalized guidance and collaboration.
Workshop location
Reflektor Neukölln | Weisestraße 27, 12049 Berlin
This is a dynamic Art Project Space located in the heart of the vibrant Schillerkiez neighborhood and right next to Tempelhof.
Its layout, featuring a spacious main art room, a large kitchen, other adaptable spaces, and direct access to the street, presents fantastic potential for our location-based improvisations.
Why embrace improvisation in filmmaking?
Traditional filmmaking can feel rigid, leaving little room for the magic of spontaneity. While meticulous planning has its place and it's sometimes necessary, many powerful stories, especially in independent cinema, thrive on discovery, adaptation, and in-the-moment collaboration.
This workshop isn't about chaos; it's about structured improvisation. It provides a framework to move beyond preconceived ideas, capture genuine emotion, work dynamically with your team, and develop the essential skill of thinking on your feet, which is crucial on any film set.
Rediscover the excitement where unexpected moments become cinematic gold.
What will you learn?
- Develop compelling narratives using structured improvisation techniques.
- Direct actors to achieve authentic, spontaneous, and engaging performances.
- Shape the story and create compelling characters through active collaboration with your director and crew, and in-the-moment choices.
- Master practical methods for capturing improvised scenes effectively on camera.
- Seamlessly blend scripted elements with improvisation when needed.
- Utilize locations and environments effectively as part of the storytelling.
- Gain confidence in adapting creatively to unexpected challenges during production.
- Understand effective strategies for editing and structuring improvised footage.
- Find fresh, unconventional ways to tell stories that feel alive.
WORKSHOP PROGRAM AND METHOD
INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVISED FILMMAKING - BERLIN
MY TEACHING METHOD
I design all my Workshops as creative experiences to be shared and enjoyed collectively by you as a participant and by me as an instructor.
To me, this is not a mere transfer of knowledge: we are equals and creative partners, and my job is to coordinate and guide a collective process.
What I offer you is my very personal view on creation, with a great focus on DIY, independent, and unique storytelling.
SATURDAY
UNDERSTANDING IMPROVISED FILMMAKING
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Why improvise? What it means for directors, actors, and the audience.
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Improvised, not random. The essential preparation behind improvisation.
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Avoiding clichés. Keeping improvised stories fresh and authentic.
IMPROVISATION AND STORYTELLING
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Finding a setting and narrative structure within improvisation.
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Mixing scripted and improvised elements.
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Writing on the day, writing with actors.
IMPROVISATION AND THE CAMERA
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How to capture improvisation visually.
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Handheld vs. steady shots. Choosing a shooting style that fits improvisation.
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Coverage strategies. Shooting with intention.
SUNDAY
IMPROVISATION AND ACTING
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Being in the moment. Finding authenticity in performances.
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Watching, listening, reacting. How actors develop natural interactions.
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Space and movement. How physicality, spatial awareness, and movement shape performances.
SHOOTING, EDITING AND SCREENING
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Final filming sessions. Applying improvisational techniques in fully realized scenes.
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Editing in improvised films. Structuring and pacing without a fixed script.
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Screening and Feedback. Watching final scenes, analyzing the creative process.
Meet your instructor: Flavio García
I'm Flavio, a Berlin-based award-winning film director and dedicated film teacher. Since 2005, I've been passionate about sharing practical filmmaking knowledge through workshops, online courses, and coaching. I specialize in independent cinema and love helping filmmakers find and develop their unique voice and projects. I also produce and direct my own independent movies.
A bit more about my approach
I started making "movies" when I was eight years old, drawing scenes on rolled paper and charging neighbors 25 cents so I could buy materials for the next one. I remember those days a lot, because they defined so much of who I am today as a film director: the love and need for storytelling and working independently to find my own ways to produce films, which, honestly, is the only way I know how to create.
Teaching filmmaking has been part of my professional life since the very beginning, back in 2005. Filmmaking and teaching are deeply connected for me and just feel natural: they both involve sharing ideas, inspiring others, and working together to create something beautiful. While teaching is now also my main source of income, I promise you: my motivation is not just economical. I teach because I genuinely love to do it: the shared experience, the connection, and the joy.
More about meSee film improvisation in action
Watch two short films I directed using these techniques (No budget, minimal crew, locations as characters).
Please, do me a favor, and watch them on full screen. Click on the Quality button and select 1080p minimum.
- Best Actress (Esther Rivas), 9th Ibero-American Short Film Competition - Versión Espanola, 2009
- Best Actress, Movil Film Fest, 2009
- Best Movie, Movil Film Fest, 2009
- Best Mobile Movie, Inter-face, Barcelona Visual Sound, 2009
Beyond the workshop: added benefits
Your learning doesn't stop when the weekend ends. I offer these exclusive benefits to all participants:
Exclusive Members Community
Connect and collaborate in our dedicated, distraction-free online space (not a Facebook group!). Share your work, seek feedback, or offer your insights.
Workshop Assignments
Engage with optional creative exercises before and after the workshop to prepare and solidify your learning. I provide personal feedback on your submissions.
Improvised filmmaking workshop registration
Secure Your Spot Now – Only 8 Participants Per Workshop!
Payment Options
Pay securely via debit/credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
Pay in Installments
Choose Klarna at checkout for: pay later, or pay in 3 installments with no interest.
Early Bird Discount
Save €50! Register at least three weeks before your workshop date.
Early Bird offer for the May 24th/25th edition ends soon:
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 14 days before the start of the workshop for a full refund. Please understand that refunds won't be possible for later cancellations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a camera or any filmmaking equipment to join?
Is previous experience required?
How can I know more about the instructor?
Have more questions?
Please reach out here or with WhatsApp: +49 1525 946 76 20