Education

Video equipment is small, in-expensive and accessible. All you need is a little encouragement to make great videos.

Consultation & Workshops

Corporate Videography Consultation

We can help you improve your in-house videos! Let Colin share his experience, educational resources and equipment recommendations with your marketing or communications team and they'll write, plan, shoot and edit better videos. Consultations bookings vary in length and can be done virtually for an hourly rate.

1-on-1 Photography Workshops

Learn how to use your digital camera in a hands-on workshop with Colin. Using his own visual aids and exercises, he will explain camera settings and functions, how to achieve sharp focus and provide advice on equipment. From public school and college students to corporate teams, Colin has taught camera basics to people with a wide range of experience.

Video Portfolio Development

Do you love smartphone videography but don't know where to point your creative ideas? Colin can help you focus your ideas to build a useful video portfolio for post secondary admission. Stop motion? Snowboarding videos? Video game reviews? We can help you make them better. Let's take a hobby and turn it towards a career together.

Colin + Carla + a pile of professional equipment in a classroom full of kids = Hands-on learning magic!

With special funding, Colin and Carla have been creating specialized, targeted media programs since 2007. Their creative lessons fully engage the students in achieving Ministry expectations in ways that classroom teachers have neither the time, nor the equipment and training to deliver. Contact us to develop a customized program.

“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world.”

Robert McKee

Community Blog

Explore projects from Empty Cup Media’s education programs and student creations

When Covid began locking Durham Region down in the spring of 2020, Durham Region went full steam ahead to try and promote and support small local businesses. Durham Region reached out to Empty Cup Media to help them make promotional material for the downtowns of......

What’s included in our video consultations? Equipment Recommendations Every business has slightly different video needs. We can make recommendations on the necessary equipment to make professional videos that suit the style you’re looking for. You don’t need a fancy camera to get started, but there......

What is Videography Portfolio Development? If you are a student who loves videography and want to make money making videos then you need a portfolio. Before you earn your first dollar as a videographer, you have to prove you’re capable of delivering a good video.......

1-on-1 Photography Workshop If you are still shooting on automatic mode or want to get more out of your camera, then sign up for Colin’s photography workshop. Each workshop focuses on improving the types of things you like to shoot. Do you want to shoot......

This two and a half minute video is a product of an Artist in Residence project through the Durham District School Board. Local artist Colin Burwell visited Sir Samuel Steele Public School to teach an English lesson through cinematography for three straight days to three......

  • My class and I had the fortunate opportunity of being connected with Empty Cup Media through the Ontario Arts Council grant. This experience was truly amazing! My students learned so much about what was involved in creating a movie, from lighting, sound, cameras, acting, props, costumes and set design, and what a movie they created! Thanks again Colin, Carla and Karen for such an amazing 3 days! Your passion, talent, creativity and knowledge shined through every day you were with us and I look forward to our paths crossing again in the near future!

    Sarah Carroll

  • The Empty Cup team was very professional during all the work they have done for us. Colin is a master of his art and was not only able to make our vision a reality, but exceeded our expectations with the passion and interest he poured into each project. We will be working with Empty Cup Media in future for all of our professional media needs.

    Jeremy Blowers, Executive Director of the Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum

  • I've worked with Empty Cup Media on several projects and will do it again (whenever I get the chance). Carla and Colin are skilled filmmakers; fun to work with; and always professional. They're great people who do great work.

    Greg Murphy. Dean of the School of Media, Art and Design, Durham College

  • I’ve had the privilege of working with Empty Cup Media on different occasions. They have a keen ability to parse out the real “story” behind the projects they’re involved in. That ability results in well-constructed, professional work that flows from beginning to end and somehow manages to channel both Colin and Carla’s remarkable energy.

    Linda Jansma. Senior curator at Robert McLaughlin Gallery

  • I met Colin and Carla a few years ago when they did a short documentary on my son. They were so personable, professional and really made it an experience I will never forget. I would confidently, recommend their service to anyone - they are the only company I would hire for future jobs - they were that good 🙂

    Wendy Kamstra

  • I've worked with Empty Cup Media for years. They are professional, creative and sooooo fun. Just hire them 🙂

    Cheryl Boyce

  • A true film and media professional right here in Durham Region!

    Maddie Longo