CINEMATIC VERTICAL STORYTELLING
An immersive short-form filmmaking experience in Porto
Create a one-minute cinematic vertical film in Porto using real locations, lightweight filmmaking techniques, and a shared story framework.
No previous filmmaking experience required.
Develop. Film. Edit. Share.
THE NATA BANDIT FRAMEWORK
One shared story. Completely different films.
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Participants build from the same cinematic framework while creating their own visual interpretation.
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Participants explore:
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• development and pre-production
• directing and cinematography
• editing and sound design
• social storytelling and distribution
Lightweight filmmaking:
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• smartphones and handheld cameras
• natural lighting
• minimal production footprint
• filming throughout Porto
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Original Nata Bandit footage was filmed in Porto using this lightweight production approach and approved for filming within public city spaces by the Porto Film Commission.
THE EXPERIENCE
Three Phases of the Creative Process
THE PLAN
Shape the story together.
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Participants collaboratively build the one-minute story framework through:
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• character and casting choices
• location selection
• storyboarding
• visual blocking
• chase design
• camera movement ideas
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A shared roadmap creates efficiency while leaving room for individual storytelling.
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THE SHOOT
Film throughout Porto.
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Participants meet on location using smartphones or lightweight cameras to capture cinematic moments within real public spaces.
Participants step into multiple creative roles:
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• directing
• cinematography
• framing and movement
• editing
• sound design
• visual storytelling
Each participant captures the same core scenes while building their own visual style and cinematic interpretation.
THE SHOW
Edit. Screen. Share.
Participants independently assemble their footage into a one-minute vertical cinematic film using their own pacing, music, sound design, and emotional tone.
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The experience concludes with a collaborative screening celebrating each filmmaker’s unique interpretation of the shared framework.
Final films are encouraged to be shared across:
Instagram Reels • TikTok • YouTube Shorts
ABOUT BOB TAPPER
Bob Tapper is a creative producer, actor, storyteller, and founder of Filmmaking Portugal based in Porto, Portugal.
After a career in business in the United States, Bob relocated to Portugal and began building a filmmaking community centered around collaborative storytelling, cinematic experimentation, and independent production.
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He created and hosts the Filmmaking Porto Meetup group, where filmmakers, writers, actors, cinematographers, and storytellers regularly collaborate on projects developed and produced in Porto.
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Several concepts have emerged from the filmmaking community, including The Nata Bandit.