Education

All you need is a little encouragement to make great visual content.

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 are all virtual for an hourly rate.

1-on-1 Photography Workshops

Learn how to use your DSLR or Mirrorless camera with 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. Workshops are 3 hours and are a blend of theory and practice.

High School Mentorship

We can help make your hobby videos more professional! If you're a high school student who makes videos for fun, we can help you crank up the awesome and help develop your professional video portfolio. Your career in videography is waiting for you and we can help you get there.

Flash Photography Workshop

Get the most out of your external speed light for your DSLR or Mirrorless camera. Learn how to use your flash and separate yourself from other photographers by developing a lighting style that's unique. This workshop is 2 hours and is practical and theoretical.

You’re already awesome at taking photos and videos. Let’s get more awesome together.

Empty Cup Media has been teaching filmmaking and photography since 2007 to a wide range of students. From grade school students to corporate communications teams, Colin can take what skills you currently have and expand on them using his own visual aids, insight and friendly teaching style.

“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

Over a handful of years, Colin designed and built about half a dozen filmmaking gizmos out of reclaimed pallet wood and a few other store bought pieces. They assist in filmmaking in a variety of ways. Some help get unique angles, some provide a new......

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......

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......

School photography projects can have several types of finished products. Some examples of projects we’ve done in the past are: -Hard cover photo books (30-60 pages) -Soft cover photo books (30-60 pages) -Calendars -Large scale canvas wraps (up to 40″x 60″) If you’re thinking of......

This documentary was shot the grade 8s at Clara Hughes Public School over a single school day. Empty Cup Media, through an arts infused learning program, taught the students the elements of a documentary, how to shoot interviews with good questions and then edited all......

  • 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