| Programme Overview
This bespoke two-session training programme is designed specifically for the West Hub community, empowering participants with practical skills and confidence in creating engaging video content for social media platforms.
Through hands-on learning, collaborative group tasks, and personalised feedback, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of video content creation from concept to social media platforming. All training materials will be hosted on Google Drive/Google Classroom, enabling participants to access slides, make notes in real-time, complete interactive tasks, and build a collaborative learning environment throughout the programme.
| Programme Structure
This is a 2-session programme
By signing up, you are registering for both sessions:
- Session 1: Friday 6 February, 10am to 1pm (3-hour workshop)
- Session 2: Friday 6 March, 10am to 1pm (3-hour workshop)
You do not need to book twice, one booking covers both sessions.
Session 1: Creating Video Content for Social Media
Date: Friday 6th February
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Interactive workshop with practical filming exercise
Session Objectives
Understand the fundamentals of effective social media video content
Learn platform-specific best practices (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook)
Master essential filming techniques using smartphones and basic equipment
Discover editing basics and time-saving tools
Apply learning through practical filming exercise at West Hub
Session Content
Part 1: Foundations of Social Media Video (60 minutes)
What makes video content successful on social media?
Understanding your audience and platform algorithms Content types: Stories,
Reels, long-form, live video.
Planning your content: scripting, storyboarding, and shot lists Lighting, sound, and composition essentials.
Interactive Group Task 1:
Participants work in small groups via Google
Classroom to analyse successful social media videos, identifying key elements that make them effective. Groups share findings and add notes to collaborative slides.
Part 2: Technical Skills & Tools (45 minutes)
Smartphone filming techniques and settings Working with natural and artificial light Audio considerations and simple solutions Introduction to editing apps and software Captions, graphics, and accessibility features
Interactive Group Task 2:
Using Google Classroom worksheets, groups create a content plan and shot list for a 30-second social media video. Real-time collaboration allows participants to build on each other’s ideas.
Part 3: Practical Filming Exercise at West Hub (60 minutes)
Guided filming session around the stunning West Hub building and surroundingWest Cambridge campus
Participants work in pairs/small groups to create short-form content pieces showcasing West Hub’s architecture, green spaces, and vibrant atmosphere
Real-time coaching and feedback during filming
Capturing B-roll and establishing shots of the building’s unique features (atriums,internal gardens, study spaces)
Groups document their filming process using the Google Classroom task Checklist
Part 4: Review & Next Steps (15 minutes)
Quick review of captured footage on shared screen
Groups upload their raw footage to designated Google Drive folder Setting goals for Session 2
Homework assignment via Google Classroom: edit and post one piece of content using session learnings, ready for review in Session 2
Session 2: Group Focus & Content Review
Date: Friday 6th March
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Interactive workshop with personalised feedback
Session Objectives
Address specific challenges and questions from Session 1 Review and critique participant-created content
Refine skills based on group needs
Develop sustainable content creation workflows
Build confidence and ongoing best practices
Session Content
Part 1: Feedback & Challenges (45 minutes)
Group discussion via Google Classroom response board: experiences since Session 1 Reviewing homework submissions through shared Drive folder
Common challenges and collaborative problem-solving
Q&A based on participant needs documented in Google Classroom
Sharing successes and learning moments
Interactive Group Task 1:
Groups analyse each other’s homework content using peer review templates in Google Classroom, providing constructive feedback and highlighting effective techniques.
Part 2: Content Review & Critique (90 minutes)
Participants present pre-recorded footage for group review (uploaded to Google Drive in advance)
Constructive group feedback sessions with note-taking in collaborative Google
Slides Live editing demonstrations with screen sharing
Before/after comparisons showing improvement techniques
Tips for elevating existing content
Interactive Group Task 2:
Working in groups, participants select one piece of raw footage from the shared Drive and collaboratively edit it during the session, discussing decisions and techniques in real-time. Groups present their final edits with rationale documented in Google Classroom.
Part 3: Deep Dive Topics & Group Activities (45 minutes)
Content determined by group feedback and needs, may include:
Advanced editing techniques
Content calendaring and planning Analytics and measuring success
Repurposing content across platforms
Building a consistent brand style
Working with trending audio and formats Interview and talking-head techniques
Interactive Group Task 3:
Based on the chosen deep dive topic, groups complete a hands-on activity. For example:
Create a 4-week content calendar template in Google Sheets
Storyboard a multi-platform content series using Google Slides
Practice filming interview techniques in pairs, with peer feedback via Google Forms
Part 4: Action Planning & Wrap-Up (30 minutes)
Creating personal content strategies using Google Docs template
Setting realistic goals and timelines in individual Google Classroom worksheets
Resources and tools for continued learning (saved to shared Drive)
Group sharing of action plans and accountability partnerships
Final Q&A and course evaluation via Google Forms
| What’s Included
Two comprehensive 3-hour interactive training sessions
Complete Google Workspace integration:
- All training materials hosted on Google Drive for easy access
- Google Classroom setup for course delivery, task management, and participant collaboration Interactive Google Slides for real-time note-taking during sessions
- Google Docs templates for action planning and content strategy
- Google Sheets templates for content calendaring
- Google Forms for feedback, peer reviews, and evaluation
- Shared Drive folder for uploading and reviewing video content
- Hands-on practical filming experience around the beautiful West Hub building and West Cambridge campus
- Multiple in-person group tasks and collaborative activities designed to reinforce learning
- Personalised feedback on participant content
Digital resource pack including:
- Session slides and materials (accessible via Google Drive)
- Recommended apps and tools list
- Quick reference guides
- Content planning templates (editable in Google Workspace) Filming checklist and shot list templates
- Access to trainer for email questions between sessions
- Post-programme support (2 weeks following final session)
- All materials remain accessible to participants after programme completion
| Learning Outcomes
- By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- Plan, shoot, and edit engaging video content for social media
- Understand platform-specific requirements and best practices
- Use smartphones effectively as professional content creation tools
- Apply composition, lighting, and audio principles
- Create content that aligns with brand values and audience needs
- Troubleshoot common technical challenges
- Develop a sustainable content creation workflow
- Collaborate effectively with team members on video projects
- Utilise Google Workspace tools for content planning, collaboration, and project management
- Provide and receive constructive feedback on video content
- Showcase the West Hub and West Cambridge environment through compelling visual storytelling
About The Trainer: Matthew Harris
Video Practitioner & Media Educator
Matthew Harris brings over 25 years of experience as a video practitioner and educator in media, combining extensive industry expertise with a passion for teaching and skills development.
Matthew has worked across multiple sectors throughout his career, providing consultation and practical delivery for award-winning digital agencies, large corporations, and SMEs. His diverse portfolio demonstrates a deep understanding of how video content functions across different industries and platforms.
In 2023, Matthew founded The Blah Blah Company, dedicated to providing production, training, and education services that empower individuals and organisations to harness the power of video storytelling.
He has gained qualifications in the subject of Film, Media and Video Production from University of Cambridge and the National Film and Television School. Matthew’s films have gained national and international recognition, screening at BIFA and BAFTA- qualifying festivals across the UK and beyond. Most recently, in 2025, he received a nomination for Best Digital Short Form at the prestigious Royal Television Society East awards.
This combination of practical filmmaking excellence, educational expertise, and industry experience makes Matthew uniquely positioned to deliver training thatbridges creative vision with practical, real-world application.
