A free Halloween family learning day exploring scary movie filmmaking techniques — followed by a screening of Hocus Pocus with free popcorn.

What makes a horror film actually scary? This Halloween half term, find out — then watch it in action.

Get On Set: Scary Movie Family Edition is a FREE Halloween family learning day at Crew Gal Creative House, North Shields — exploring the filmmaking techniques behind the most spine-tingling moments in cinema history. How directors use camera angles, shot sizes and movement to build tension, create danger and make audiences grip their seats. And how Foley artists create the sounds that make your skin crawl — snapping bones, creaking doors, things that go bump in the dark.

Then, once the workshop is done, stay for a free screening of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus — with free popcorn included.

Delivered by Crew Gal Creative House and funded through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, this is a full day of Halloween fun with real film industry learning at its heart.

No experience needed. No industry knowledge required. Just bring your family — and maybe a costume.

What Happens During The Day?

Welcome & Industry Introduction

An introduction to careers in the screen industry — the roles, the routes in and the opportunities available across film and TV in the North East.

Free Crew Lunch

A complimentary Halloween crew lunch is provided for all attendees.

The Workshop — Scary Movie Filmmaking & Foley Sound

🎬 Scary Movie Filmmaking — explore the camera techniques filmmakers use to create suspense, danger and fear on screen. Camera angles, shot sizes and movement — you’ll learn the techniques and then try them out for yourself.

🔊 Foley Sound — discover how Foley artists create the sounds that bring horror films to life. Snapping bones. Crunching footsteps. Things you won’t be able to unhear. You’ll try your hand at creating your own Foley sounds using everyday objects — just like the professionals do on a real film set.

Screening — Hocus Pocus 🎃

After the workshop, settle in for a free screening of Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. Free popcorn provided.

What’s included — all free

Welcome session and industry introduction

Guest speaker Q&A

Scary movie filmmaking workshop

Foley sound workshop

Free crew lunch

Monster Family screening

Free popcorn and a drink 🍿

This session is best suited to families with older children and teenagers — the scary movie filmmaking workshop and Foley sound content is designed to be most engaging for young people aged 10 and above, and Hocus Pocus carries a PG certificate. Younger siblings are welcome to attend with the family, but the content is pitched at an older audience.

We welcome:

Parents, carers, grandparents and older siblings

Young people aged 10+ curious about film and TV careers

Families with teenagers who want to explore screen industry opportunities together

Adults considering a move into the screen industry

Community groups and family networks attending together

Created especially for communities that are often overlooked or underrepresented in the TV and film industry.

Description supplied by the event organiser.