From blackboard to clapperboard – how an idea turned into a short film for COPC adult learners

You wouldn’t think a group of adult learners studying photography would branch out into filmmaking, but an intrepid band of City of Portsmouth students have done just that.

The 14-strong group, whose lessons are on a Tuesday, have formed the Tuesday Club Studios and created a short film, Lessons Learnt, that has its premiere on Wednesday March 18, 2026 at Highbury Campus.

Lessons Learnt is a gripping story set with in the halls of college life. When a group of mature students return to education determined to rewrite their futures, they find themselves navigating more than just assignments and deadlines. Their new teacher – young, ambitious and eager to prove herself – quickly begins to feel out of her depth in a classroom filled with life experience and strong personalities. But as tensions rise, strange and unsettling events begin to unfold on campus. What starts as self-doubt and classroom friction slowly gives way to something far more sinister. As reality blurs and suspicions grow, both students and teacher are forced to confront truths they never expected.

Richard Gardner, a member of the Tuesday Club Studios, said: “One of our classmates, Chris Jupp, has directed short independent films in the past and suggested to our teacher that we could possibly extend the course to make a short film. We are currently a group of 14 people, including our teacher Karah Mew, with additional support from other people, including the cameraman, an actor, and a film score composer.”

Originally, the group – of which only one had ever made a film before – began working on a piece called Old Souls, but it was decided (mainly due to weather) to pause that project and make a short film in-house to better understand the complexities of making a film.

“We started on Lessons Learnt, which we filmed over two to there weeks in the classroom, with some of us being actors, while others were behind the scenes. We have tried to make the whole process enjoyable, so we do indulge in a lot of coffee and cakes, especially when out and about!”

While initially it was a main challenge to only have one person in the group with experience, what transpired was something inspiring. Every member, along the way, realised they had transferable skills to bring to the production – from scriptwriting and lighting to camera work, website builders and social media experts

The group is now excited to premiere their film and share it to wider audiences. It’ll be shown at 6.15pm and include a series of bloopers, a short film from the charity we are supporting, Film Crew 4U, and more. There will also be a display of photographs showing the behind-the-scenes moments, together with a display of the class’s own favourite photographs.

“Although we have seen the film ourselves on a small screen, it will be great to be able to share the experience of seeing it on a large screen with family and friends and anyone else who would like to join us on March 18,” said Richard.

The film will be entered into festivals both locally, nationally and internationally – and there are also plans to show it on the giant screen in the Guildhall Square.

Up next for the Tuesday Club Studios is to complete Old Souls, which should be finished in the coming months, with a potential new project later in 2026.

“We’re hoping some of the other photography students will join us if we go ahead with another film and possibly these films will inspire other people to join our classes at the college for either the photography or film making classes,” said Richard.

Follow the Tuesday Club Studios on Instagram, check out their website, and if you want to buy a ticket to the premiere, they’re just £5 and available from admin@tuesdayclubstudios.co.uk

This week (2-6 March) is Colleges Week, a nationwide celebration of all that’s great about further education. If you’ve been inspired by our intrepid adult learners turned filmmakers, why not follow in their footsteps. A world of adult learning awaits on our course pages.