Hollywood in Your Pocket: Smartphone as Movie Camera

Instructor: Jay Ignaszewski

Dates: Thursdays, September 17 - October 8, 2026

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Ages: 16+

Members: $108

Non-Members: $120

Registration deadline: September 11

Description:

Transform everyday videos into compelling stories—right from your pocket. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to shoot, edit and enhance videos using just your smartphone. From framing shots to cutting scenes and adding sound, we’ll cover the techniques professionals use to engage audiences—simplified for your phone. You will learn how to structure your story, apply dynamic shooting techniques, editing skills using mobile apps, and how to add music, captions and special effects. 

Whether you’re creating content for social media, documenting personal adventures or building a brand, you’ll leave with the skills to turn raw clips into polished, share-worthy stories. No fancy gear. No expensive software. Just your phone, your creativity and your new storytelling toolkit.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• Fully charged smartphone

• Phone charger

• Notebook

Instructor Bio:

With nearly 50 years in the cutting room, Jay Ignaszewski is an Emmy Award–winning film editor whose work has shaped stories for the big screen and beyond. From high-pressure studio productions to intimate independent films, He has honed the art of storytelling through precise, powerful editing. Now, Jay brings decades of professional wisdom to help you unlock the full potential of your smartphone—and your story.

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive, Torrington, CT 06790

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here