Basic Filmmaking Workshop with Nathaniel Magbanua

Basic Filmmaking Workshop with Nathaniel Magbanua

Dates: February 5 – April 6, 2026
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays (evenings), plus select weekend sessions
Location: Winnipeg Film Group – 100 Arthur Street
Deadline to Apply: January 23, 2026 @ Midnight

The Basic Filmmaking Workshop is an in-depth, hands-on program held over two months, designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of independent filmmaking. The workshop covers the full creative process—from concept to final cut—including screenwriting, directing, camera operation, lighting, sound, producing, and editing.

Participants will gain practical experience by collaboratively writing, shooting, and editing a short film or video, while learning industry-standard workflows in a supportive, in-person learning environment.

Note: This in-person application-based workshop is limited to 12 participants. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon acceptance. Successful applicants will be contacted and provided with an invoice for the registration fee ($500 for WFG Members, $550 for non-members).

Presented in partnership with On Screen Manitoba.

Schedule

Day 1 – Intro to the Program
Thursday, February 5 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor, 100 Arthur Street

Day 2 – Screenwriting 1
Tuesday, February 10 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 3 – Screenwriting 2
Thursday, February 12 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 4 – Directing 1
Tuesday, February 17 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge, 3rd Floor

Day 5 – Directing 2
Thursday, February 19 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 6 – Camera 1
Tuesday, February 24 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge, 3rd Floor

Day 7 – Camera 2
Thursday, February 26 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 8 – Lighting & Grip
Tuesday, March 3 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge, 3rd Floor

Day 9 – Producing
Thursday, March 5 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 10 – Sound
Tuesday, March 10 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge, 3rd Floor

Day 11 – Editing
Thursday, March 12 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 12 – Production Meeting
Tuesday, March 17 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge, 3rd Floor

Day 13 – Film Shoot Day 1
Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge & Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 14 – Film Shoot Day 2
Sunday, March 22 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
WFG Black Lodge & Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 15 – Editing Night 1
Tuesday, March 24 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Day 16 – Editing Night 2
Thursday, March 26 | 7:00–10:00 PM
WFG Media Lab, 3rd Floor

Two weeks of optional editing on students’ own time

Day 17 – Final Screening
Monday, April 6
Dave Barber Cinematheque, Main Floor, 100 Arthur Street

How to Apply

Apply by clicking on Register Now, and fill out the form by January 23, 2026!

Spaces are limited. Successful applicants will be contacted and provided with an invoice for the registration fee ($500 for WFG Members, $550 for non-members).

No prior filmmaking experience is required!

This workshop is provided in partnership with On Screen Manitoba, and through generous support from The Winnipeg Foundation. Thanks to their contribution, we’re able to offer more affordable, hands-on filmmaking opportunities for our community throughout the year.

About the Instructor

Nathaniel Jordan Magbanua is a filmmaker and cinematographer from Swan Lake First Nation, currently based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He studied Filmmaking at the University of Winnipeg, earned a diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Herzing College, and is an alumnus of the NSI – New Indigenous Voices program. Over the past several years, he has worked on a variety of projects—from documentaries to short films & music videos—focused on capturing meaningful visuals and telling compelling stories through film.

As the instructor for this year’s Winnipeg Film Group’s Basic Filmmaking Course, Nathaniel is excited to support new and emerging filmmakers. His goal is to create a welcoming, hands-on learning environment where students can build skills, explore their creativity, and gain the confidence to begin making films of their own.

REFUND POLICY

The Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to cancel any course where the minimum registration has not been met. Anyone registered for a course that has been cancelled is eligible for a full refund, Cancelled course fees may also be used towards any other Winnipeg Film Group training programs.

Assistance and accommodations are available to participants with different disabilities. Please call or email us for more information: john@winnipegfilmgroup.com