Queen’s Hall Arts Centre Film&Screen Saturday Club took part in a Masterclass with the director Christopher Lambert, exploring careers and practices within factual media.

Chris began the session by introducing his work and sharing insights into his career in the industry. He discussed the differences between factual and fiction filmmaking, offering Club members a valuable perspective beyond their usual experience. The session prompted thoughtful discussion, with participants asking questions about his career path, professional experiences and the realities of working in the field.

Club members then worked in small groups on a fluid creative brief inspired by observational and dramaturgical approaches to filmmaking. They were encouraged to construct a short sequence considering what, why, when and how, exploring different approaches such as interviews versus action-led scenes and, where appropriate, one-take or wide-lens shooting styles.

A key part of the Masterclass focused on practical learning. Club members had the opportunity to work with high-end camera equipment similar to that used in professional productions, giving them a more authentic understanding of industry-standard tools and techniques.

Through Chris’s reflections on real-world projects, including filming alongside Northumbria Police, participants gained insight into the complexities of factual filmmaking. Topics such as consent, unpredictability and the challenges of working in live, high-pressure environments introduced them to aspects of the industry they had not previously considered.

Overall, the Masterclass provided an engaging and eye-opening experience, broadening Club members’ understanding of filmmaking and expanding their awareness of potential career pathways.