While I’ve always liked the idea of shooting a short film for YouTube, my technical inadequacies have held me back. So, after trawling through hours of out-of-focus footage from my holiday in Asia last summer, I decided to sign up for a course in film-making for the internet.

In 01zero-one’s airy Soho basement, tutor Simon Walker explains how to use a digital camera. He covers the rules – and how to break them: “Always think about what you’re filming for. If it’s for YouTube, how good does the quality need to be?”

As we gingerly distribute PD100 digital video cameras around the group, the studio manager, Erik, tells us to “try to get comfortable with throwing the camera around – it’s meant to be used”. We’re using broadcast-quality equipment, but the principles are the same for my more basic version at home. After a few minutes I’m zooming, focusing and listening through the headphones like a pro.

My course buddy and I decide to interview people about the MPs’ expenses scandal. The first take is great – until I realise I haven’t been recording the sound. Panic ensues as we reconvene our unimpressed subjects for a second take.

When the video is uploaded, I’m pleasantly surprised by the quality of the footage, although the sound leaves a lot to be desired. After a few hours in the cutting room, a narrative begins to emerge. Simon guides us through colour correction, adding text and music, and uploading to the internet.

As my film plays to the group, I feel a tinge of pride. Spielberg may not be stepping aside just yet, but there’s at least the chance that my next holiday will be preserved in glorious Technicolour.

..........................

The details

Three-day internet film-making course, £450. www.01zero-one.co.uk/course_internet_film.htm