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The Guerilla Filmmakers Masterclass, a celebrated independent filmmaking event, is coming to Lancaster for the first time, hosted at the University of Cumbria on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026.
The two-day masterclass is led by filmmaker and bestselling author Chris Jones, whose career spans micro-budget British independent films all the way to an Oscar shortlist nomination and directing splinter unit on Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Parts 1 and 2.
The event brings together filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, directors and actors for two packed days covering the entire journey from idea to screen to sales - with nothing held back.
The masterclass is organised in association with The Bay International Film Festival and Bay Education and Creative Hub, both based in Morecambe - organisations committed to bringing world-class film events and career opportunities to Northern filmmakers, at a time when the vast majority of events like this happen exclusively in London.
Over 3,000 delegates have attended previous masterclasses, giving the event an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5. More than 99% agreed it was great value for money. 98% said they would recommend it to a friend.
Across two intensive days, delegates work through the complete filmmaking process: story development, screenwriting, budgeting, fundraising, casting, production, directing, camera and sound, post-production, sales, distribution, film festivals and what to do when Hollywood comes calling.
The tone is honest, practical and energising - the opposite of film school theory. Day 1 runs from 9:00am to approximately 7:00pm (registration from 8:30am). Day 2 includes a networking breakfast from 9:30am, with sessions running from 10am to approximately 6:00pm.
Chris Jones is a filmmaker, author and industry advocate who has spent his career at every level of the film industry. He began making feature films with no money and no connections, going on to achieve a cinema release, agent representation and Hollywood deals.
He is the founder and director of the London Screenwriters Festival - the world's biggest screenwriting event, which has served over 10,000 creatives since its launch in 2010. His short film Gone Fishing was Oscar-shortlisted. In recent years, he coexecutive produced a four-part docuseries for Apple TV and directed splinter unit on Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Parts 1 and 2.
He is also the author of six editions of the bestselling The Guerilla Film Makers Handbook, widely regarded as the definitive guide to independent filmmaking.
What delegates say:
“Chris’s seminar managed to refocus my career and was the most intense motivational filmmaking adrenaline shot I’ve ever experienced. Chris Jones is simply a movie Jedi master.” - Ray Brady, Producer and Director
“I learned more in 2 days than in 2 years of Media Studies.” - Stephen Pelly, Writer
“The Guerilla Filmmakers Masterclass is the two days that every film school should open with but never do.” - Giovanni Todeschini, Editor/Director
Dates: Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 June 2026 • Venue: University of Cumbria, Lancaster • Tickets: £95 + booking fee
Run in association with The Bay International Film Festival & Bay Education and Creative Hub • More information HERE
