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A Complete Filmmaking Curriculum

300+ lessons packed with on-set video tutorials taught by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmakers, illustrated articles, hundreds of downloadable forms, online resources, and much, much more.

Video Tutorials

Experience every part of the filmmaking process through engaging on-set video tutorials shot on working sets.

Articles

Supplement videos with thousands of illustrated articles on nearly every facet of the filmmaking process.

Downloadables

Download hundreds of real documents from top TV shows and movies, as well as blank templates you can use on your own productions.

Web Links

Connect with industry leading production companies, job boards, vendors, rental facilities, and online resources.

Explore the Lessons

Your academic license includes the following lessons which you can mix and match to create custom learning paths for your students.

This section helps students understand the requirements, challenges, and realities of working in the entertainment industry. Over 150 successful Hollywood filmmakers from all disciplines provide real world advice to help better prepare students for a career after school.

How to Break into the Film Industry
Career Advice from the Pros
21:13
HS
How to Get Your First Job
22:54
HS
How to Move to Los Angeles
18:13
How to Make Money in the Film Industry
24:37
Realities of a Career in the Film Industry
27:18
HS
The Art of Networking
22:17
How to Survive in Hollywood
17:00
Working Freelance
26:14
HS

The core screenwriting curriculum is organized into three stages, with all three guiding the student through the screenwriting process.

  • Section 1: Story Structure – this series of lessons focuses on how to build and structure the story, manage sub plots, and how to address story pacing issues.
  • Section 2: Character Development – this series of lessons guides students through the process of creating believable characters, developing strong backstories, and writing convincing dialogue.
  • Section 3: The writing process – In this section, students learn how to approach the writing process, from outline to rewrites.
Core Screenwriting Curriculum
Section 1: Story Structure
Lesson 1 – Beginning the Writing Process
Lesson 2 – Working with a Writing Partner
Lesson 3 – Finding Story Ideas and Inspiration
17:36
HS
Lesson 4 – Developing a Marketable Idea
19:40
Lesson 5 – Story Formats
17:18
Lesson 6 – The 7 Plot Types
20:01
HS
Lesson 7 – The Implications of Genre
16:40
HS
Lesson 8 – The Three Act Structure
39:00
HS
Lesson 9 – A-Story and Subplots
27:52
Lesson 10 – Techniques to Improve Story Pacing
14:40
Lesson 11 – Techniques to Engage the Audience
23:11
Section 2: Character Development
Lesson 12 – Creating an Amazing Protagonist
32:08
HS
Lesson 13 – Creating the Perfect Antagonist
23:23
HS
Lesson 14 – Conflict Types
22:33
Lesson 15 – How to Write Memorable Supporting Characters
18:54
HS
Lesson 16 – Understanding Character Archetypes
24:44
Lesson 17 – Designing Personality and Building Backstory
29:06
HS
Lesson 18 – How to Write Natural Dialogue
21:46
HS
Section 3: The Writing Process
Lesson 19 – Title, Theme, and Log Lines
15:02
HS
Lesson 20 – How to Write a Treatment and Outline
19:30
Lesson 21 – How to Format a Screenplay
18:13
HS
Lesson 22 – How to Write the First Draft
10:34
HS
Lesson 23 – Techniques for Rewriting and Refining Your Script
13:55
Lesson 24 – How to Market Your Script to Producers and Agents
21:18
Lesson 25 – Your Screenplay and the Real World
17:29
Additional Screenwriting Lessons
Beginning the Writing Process
Working with a Writing Partner
The Changing Landscape of Television
34:36
Defining and Writing Comedy
29:36
The Hidden Tools of Comedy
32:02
How to Become a Hollywood Writer Part I
10:53
How to Become a Hollywood Writer Part II
30:12
How to Work in a Television Writers Room
24:40
How to Write a Reality Television Show
22:22
Working with Final Draft Software
Final Draft – Script Basics
26:05
Final Draft – Using Templates
13:02
Final Draft – Story Organization
15:21
Final Draft – Distributing Your Script
17:37
Final Draft – Tips, Tricks, & Utilities
28:00
Final Draft – Production
23:15

Students learn the business of filmmaking, with emphasis on the studio and corporate structures, how to raise and manage money, work with unions, and handle the financial aspects of filmmaking.

Producing and Development
The Studio System
33:09
Working for a Studio
26:19
Making a Business Plan
30:53
Packaging Your Movie
29:29
Agents and Managers
23:37
How to Pitch and Sell a Reality TV Show
28:54
How to Raise Money for your Movie
39:30
Taking Advantage of Tax Incentives
21:54
Forming a Production Company
32:54
How to Manage the Budget Money
36:07
Hiring the Crew
30:31
Working with Vendors
18:34
Unions and Guilds
35:40
Working with SAG/AFTRA
25:47
Scheduling and Budgeting
Beginning Pre-Production
Breaking Down the Script
19:54
HS
Scheduling the Production
33:54
HS
Scheduling the Day
29:48
HS
How to Build a Budget
30:45
HS
Production Insurance
19:45
Expansion Lessons
How to Use Day-Out-Of-Days Form
How to Use the Daily Production Report
How to Use Crew Deal Memos
How to Create a Call Sheet

In this series, each lesson focuses on the duties and responsibilities of every major crew position. Students learn the crew hierarchy, what it takes to succeed in each role, and common career paths. In these “virtual job shadows,” working Hollywood filmmakers candidly share their knowledge, experiences, and advice from getting the phone call for a job through completion of a project.

The Crew
Crew Structures
Crew Positions
How to Find a Crew
The Line Producer
35:57
The Unit Production Manager
23:14
Production Coordinator
19:44
1st Assistant Director
2:26
2nd Assistant Director
9:23
2nd 2nd Assistant Director
5:59
Production Assistants
24:15
Script Supervisor
27:01
Production Designer
20:15
The Art Director
11:11
Construction Coordinator
14:55
The Construction Crew
9:28
The Cinematographer
Camera Operator
26:46
1st Assistant Camera
16:47
2nd Assistant Camera
7:33
Key Grip
17:05
Best Boy
12:27
Grips
11:49
Working as a Grip
25:16
Dolly Grip
12:40
Gaffer
19:38
Best Boy Electric
10:30
Electricians
16:36
Craft Services
Cinematography
An Overview of Cinematography
How a Cinematographer Preps a Project
Camera and Lens
Building the Camera Package
How to Prep a Camera
14:37
Imaging Sensor and ISO
20:25
HS
Frame Rates
20:02
HS
Film vs Video
26:57
Tripods and Sliders
17:58
HS
Introduction to Lenses
22:00
Lens Care
9:28
Focusing Techniques
23:21
HS
How to Expose a Shot
25:16
HS
F-stops and T-stops
17:42
HS
The Zone System
23:03
Lens Focal Length
23:50
HS
Depth of Field Tutorial
27:29
HS
Macro Focus
9:28
Back Focus
4:51
The Shutter
12:54
HS
Managing Your Media
Framing and Composition
Composing the Frame
21:48
HS
Creating Depth in the Frame
17:20
HS
The Actors’ Eyelines
9:26
HS
Framing People
17:19
HS
The Rule of 180 and Screen Direction
24:32
HS
Shot Types
28:07
HS
The Technicalities of the Frame
13:15
HS
Using a Clapboard
11:04
Using a Light Meter
12:34
Using a Production Monitor
14:29
Lighting
Introduction to Light and Exposure
23:27
HS
Attributes of Light
34:02
HS
Tungsten Lighting
11:01
HMI Lighting
20:02
Kino-Flo Fluorescent Lighting
14:02
LED Lighting
7:10
How to Build a Light Kit
15:31
HS
Low Budget Lighting Tools
9:37
Reducing Light
26:43
HS
Softening Light
26:50
HS
Working with Reflected Light
19:18
HS
Shaping Light
23:53
HS
Color Temperatures
26:22
HS
Lighting a Scene
24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors
23:10
HS
Working with Mixed Light
22:32
Lighting People
23:36
HS
Three Point Lighting
21:28
HS
Key Light Techniques
26:56
Advanced Lighting Techniques
17:44
Green Screen Techniques
25:22
HS
Lighting Demo – Kitchen Counter Daytime
19:14
Lighting Demo – Bedroom Dialogue Scene – Nighttime
23:19
Lighting Demo – Bedroom Daytime
20:19
Lighting Demo – Bathroom Daytime
24:22
Lighting Demo – Living Room Nighttime
12:34
Lighting Demo – Kitchen Table Daytime, Part I
19:59
Lighting Demo – Kitchen Table Daytime, Part II
13:20
Lighting Demo – Living Room Morning
16:21
Lighting Demo – Dining Room Nighttime
23:04
Grip and Rigging
C-Stands
17:59
Clamps
23:36
Dolly and Track
12:54
Grips Tools
9:20
Grip Rigs
19:09
Grips Support
8:02
Knots for On Set Rigging
Rigging
17:59
Stands
16:38
Expansion Lessons
Working with Waveform Monitors
Working with LOG Footage – an Introduction
How LOG Footage is Encoded
Working with LOG Footage – How to Shoot LOG
LUTs and How to Use Them
Prepping the Camera for a Walkaway
Working with a Follow Focus
Working with a Follow Focus

Quick Start lessons have been specifically designed for non-technical students such as acting or screenwriting students. These lessons guide students through basic camera functions, audio recording, and production techniques to alleviate pressure from the instructor when assigning student projects requiring school equipment.

Each lesson includes a downloadable and printable quick start guide to help students on set.

Quick Start Lessons
Setting Up Your Camera
12:36
HS
Basic Shooting Techniques
16:56
HS
Basic Framing Techniques
16:27
HS
Basic Audio Techniques
15:21
HS
Basic Production Techniques
15:51
HS

The directing curriculum has been divided into two sections.  The first focuses on the director/actor dynamic and provides tools for students to communicate with actors, determine underlying motivations and subtext, and techniques for getting the performance they want.

The second section focuses on the director’s craft, focusing on how to shoot a scene, blocking and coverage techniques, and how to prepare for a day on set.

Casting
Finding Actors & Casting Directors
23:43
Auditions
27:35
Callbacks
12:44
The Art of Auditioning
18:38
Working with Local Celebrities
15:46
Directing Actors
Analyzing Character
30:19
Rehearsing with Actors
26:47
Rehearsing Exercises
12:49
The Language of Directing Actors
34:07
HS
Acting in a Changing Industry
19:48
Acting Techniques
Acting Techniques for the Screen
28:33
How to Direct Actors on Set
38:28
HS
Common Directing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
21:20
How to Direct Background Extras
24:35
HS
The Directors Craft
A Director’s Prep– Beginning a New Project
27:17
HS
Developing the Visual Look of Your Movie
38:22
A Day as a Director
How to Shoot a Scene
33:55
HS
How to Direct a Scene
31:00
HS
Blocking Actors
33:11
HS
Basic Coverage
21:45
HS
Advanced Coverage
25:54
How to Direct a Chase Scene
21:39
How to Create Invisible Camera Moves
25:42
Storyboards and Pre-Visualization
30:47
HS
How to Create a Shotlist
17:41
HS
Continuity and Script Notes
22:12
Working with the Military
20:23
Reality Show Interview Techniques
25:00
Expansion Lessons
Factors to Consider When Planning Moving Shots
Shooting the Rehearsal
Setting Actor’s Marks
How to Shoot Car Scenes
Production Design
The Art Department
29:54
HS
How to Design a Set
25:28
HS
Set Construction – Building Your Set
35:15
HS
How to Dress Your Set
33:16
HS
Creating the Look of the Environment
32:10
Props
36:16
HS
Tour a Prop House
6:08
Shooting on Location
Scouting Locations
18:51
HS
Film Commissions
25:49
Working with Location Owners
34:02
HS
Shooting on a Studio Backlot
Film Permits
24:33
Location Tech Scouting
26:03
HS
Community Relations
26:41
HS
Expansion Lessons
How to Use a Location Agreement
How to Use a Location Release
Production Life
What to Bring to Set
9:31
Filmmaker’s Toolkit
10:40
Proper Set Etiquette and Behavior
15:44
HS
Working with Difficult Personalities
22:56
Walkie Talkie Etiquette
14:59
A Day on Set
Audio Recording
The Physics of Sound
26:01
HS
How Microphones Work
23:52
Microphone Pick-Up Patterns
19:10
Audio Pre-Production
24:52
Lavalier Microphones
20:33
The Microphone Boom
19:09
HS
Boom Operating Techniques on Set
23:02
HS
How to Record Audio on Location
28:17
HS
Recording the Audio
37:58
Audio Configurations
23:35
Working with Cables and Adapters
21:16
Documentary Filmmaking
The Documentary Format
17:05
HS
Documentary Story-Telling Tools
23:01
HS
Finding the Story
24:50
HS
Documentary Pre-Production
18:51
Choosing the Right Gear
32:08
Finding the Interview Location
18:53
Interview Camera Set-Ups
25:05
HS
Preparing for the Interview
33:03
HS
How to Conduct an Interview
32:05
HS
Ethics and Objectivity
21:37
How to Shoot Amazing B-Roll Footage
21:52
HS
Field Shooting Techniques
20:17
HS
Editing a Documentary
28:41

The FilmSkills Safety Training program has been modeled after California’s Safety Pass program and features many of the Safety Pass instructors. Designed to improve student safety and reduce your school’s liability, this comprehensive curriculum covers most major safety issues students will encounter.

Safety Training
The Attitude of Safety
20:27
Basic On Set Safety
34:55
On Location Safety
18:51
Studio Facilities Safety
19:42
Vehicle and Roadway Safety
16:37
Shooting Moving Vehicles
20:12
Lighting Equipment Safety
24:23
Grip and Rigging Safety
25:34
Electrical Safety I
32:19
Electrical Safety II
28:20
Lifts, Trucks, and Tools
18:49
Weapon Safety
25:13
Pyrotechnics and Special Effects
23:51
Environmental Safety
27:27

This series of lessons provide students with an inside look into the technical and artistic process of the post production process. Lessons cover data management and workflow, working with producers and clients, the art of the edit, plus the process of audio mixing and scoring.

Editing
Introduction to Editing
Hiring an Editor
11:35
Working with an Editor
22:21
Psychology of Editing
29:10
HS
Data Management and Workflow
20:32
HS
The Assembly Cut
19:28
HS
Stock Footage
20:58
How to Shoot and Edit a Dialogue Scene
28:57
How to Shoot and Edit Action
19:49
The Rough Cut
19:42
HS
Test Screenings
24:18
The Fine Cut
16:01
HS
Online and Offline Editing
7:46
Color Grading
25:53
Understanding Compression
Audio Post-Production
Intro to Audio Post Production
24:49
HS
ADR
30:31
Directing Actors in ADR
28:19
Foley
33:33
Sound Effects
24:49
Mixing the Audio
31:18
Music Composition
Emotion Through Music
28:25
HS
The Who and How of Music
31:29
HS
Working with a Composer
47:33
Music Licensing
33:15

This section exposes students to the marketing and distribution process and can be paired with the producing and screenwriting lessons. This series of lessons is intended to demystify the distribution process and help student understand the business of filmmaking, what distributors are seeking, and how to identify and reach the target audience.

Film Marketing
Film Marketing
15:41
Reaching Your Audience
26:05
Designing the Key Art
16:11
Making a Movie Trailer
27:23
Building Your Website
5:43
Building a Press Kit
13:35
Working with the Media
17:56
Distribution
Introduction to Distribution
32:55
Film Ratings and the MPAA
14:09
Domestic Distribution
23:32
Foreign Distribution
37:19
Mistakes Filmmakers Make at Film Festivals
30:05
Film Festivals
26:46
Online Distribution
27:34

325+ On-Set Video Tutorials

The heart of the FilmSkills curriculum is the ever-growing video library, in which top Academy and Emmy Award winning filmmakers show your students the process of filmmaking. Each video is fully chapterized and can be assigned whenever you want.

Includes 4000 Test Questions

You read that right. Our academic team scrutinized each lesson and wrote a library of test questions so you wouldn’t have to.  With our advanced testing tool, you can mix and match questions, add your own, and customize a test in under a minute.

Includes Hundreds of Projects and Exercises

We’ve crafted hundreds of hand-on exercises designed to help students apply and practice the skills they learned through the FilmSkills lessons. With our advanced platform tools, students can submit the results which you can grade and provide feedback instantly.

Downloadable Forms and Templates

Students can download hundreds of industry-standard templates and forms for use on their own productions, including actual examples from working Hollywood productions which allow your students can see how the pros do it.

Add FilmSkills To Your Curriculum

Over 80 schools and film commissions have used FilmSkills to enhance their curriculum and better prepare their students for a life in the film industry. Discover how affordable FilmSkills Academic is.