New FilmSkills Lessons List - Filmskills Academic

Screenwriting
Beginning the Writing Process	–
Working with a Writing Partner	–
Developing the Idea	34:58
The Changing Landscape of Television	34:36
How to Structure Your Story	33:07
Defining and Writing Comedy	29:36
The Hidden Tools of Comedy	32:02
The Three Act Structure	35:45
A-Story and Subplots	28:27
How to Fix Story Pacing Problems	37:01
Creating an Amazing Protagonist	33:13
Creating the Perfect Antagonist	23:08
Conflict Types	20:20
How to Write Memorable Supporting Characters	18:24
Understanding Character Archetypes	21:45
How to Develop Your Character’s Personality and Backstory	29:49
Writing Original Dialogue and Subtext	25:48
The Writing Process from Title to Outline	26:00
How to Write the First Draft	22:36
Techniques for Rewriting and Refining Your Script	31:52
How to Market Your Script to Producers and Agents	27:09
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

How to Write Your Screenplay
Beginning the Writing Process	–
Working with a Writing Partner	–
Developing the Idea	34:58
The Changing Landscape of Television	34:36
How to Structure Your Story	33:07
Defining and Writing Comedy	29:36
The Hidden Tools of Comedy	32:02
The Three Act Structure	35:45
A-Story and Subplots	28:27
How to Fix Story Pacing Problems	37:01
Creating an Amazing Protagonist	33:13
Creating the Perfect Antagonist	23:08
Conflict Types	20:20
How to Write Memorable Supporting Characters	18:24
Understanding Character Archetypes	21:45
How to Develop Your Character’s Personality and Backstory	29:49
Writing Original Dialogue and Subtext	25:48
The Writing Process from Title to Outline	26:00
How to Write the First Draft	22:36
Techniques for Rewriting and Refining Your Script	31:52
How to Market Your Script to Producers and Agents	27:09
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

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

Framing and Composition
Composing the Frame	21:48
Creating Depth in the Frame	17:20
The Actors’ Eyelines	9:26
Framing People	17:19
The Rule of 180 and Screen Direction	24:32
Shot Types	28:07
The Technicalities of the Frame	13:15
Using a Clapboard	11:04
Using a Light Meter	12:34
Using a Production Monitor	14:29

Camera and Lens
Building the Camera Package	–
How to Prep a Camera	14:37
Analog vs Digital	6:41
Film vs Video	26:57
Tripods and Sliders	17:58
Introduction to Lenses	22:00
Lens Care	9:12
Focus	23:21
Exposure	26:43
The Zone System	23:03
Focal Length	25:00
Macro Focus	9:28
Back Focus	4:51
ASA and Gain	4:13
The Shutter	11:19
Managing Your Media	–

Lighting
Attributes of Light	34:02
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
Low Budget Lighting Tools	9:37
Reducing Light	20:31
Softening Light	24:00
Shaping Light	17:51
Color Temperatures	23:05
Lighting a Scene	24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors	23:10
Working with Mixed Light	29:06
Lighting People	23:36
Key Light Techniques	25:20
Advanced Lighting Techniques	17:15

Grip and Rigging
C-Stands	20:26
Clamps	19:19
Dolly and Track	12:54
Grips Tools	1:39
Rigging	9:45
Stands	2:50
Roller Stands	2:50
Reducing Light	20:31
Softening Light	24:00
Shaping Light	17:51
Color Temperatures	23:05
Lighting a Scene	24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors	23:10
Working with Mixed Light	29:06
Lighting People	23:36
Key Light Techniques	25:20
Advanced Lighting Techniques	17:15

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

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

How to Write Your Screenplay
Beginning the Writing Process	–
Working with a Writing Partner	–
Developing the Idea	34:58
The Changing Landscape of Television	34:36
How to Structure Your Story	33:07
Defining and Writing Comedy	29:36
The Hidden Tools of Comedy	32:02
The Three Act Structure	35:45
A-Story and Subplots	28:27
How to Fix Story Pacing Problems	37:01
Creating an Amazing Protagonist	33:13
Creating the Perfect Antagonist	23:08
Conflict Types	20:20
How to Write Memorable Supporting Characters	18:24
Understanding Character Archetypes	21:45
How to Develop Your Character’s Personality and Backstory	29:49
Writing Original Dialogue and Subtext	25:48
The Writing Process from Title to Outline	26:00
How to Write the First Draft	22:36
Techniques for Rewriting and Refining Your Script	31:52
How to Market Your Script to Producers and Agents	27:09
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

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

Framing and Composition
Composing the Frame	21:48
Creating Depth in the Frame	17:20
The Actors’ Eyelines	9:26
Framing People	17:19
The Rule of 180 and Screen Direction	24:32
Shot Types	28:07
The Technicalities of the Frame	13:15
Using a Clapboard	11:04
Using a Light Meter	12:34
Using a Production Monitor	14:29

Camera and Lens
Building the Camera Package	–
How to Prep a Camera	14:37
Analog vs Digital	6:41
Film vs Video	26:57
Tripods and Sliders	17:58
Introduction to Lenses	22:00
Lens Care	9:12
Focus	23:21
Exposure	26:43
The Zone System	23:03
Focal Length	25:00
Macro Focus	9:28
Back Focus	4:51
ASA and Gain	4:13
The Shutter	11:19
Managing Your Media	–

Lighting
Attributes of Light	34:02
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
Low Budget Lighting Tools	9:37
Reducing Light	20:31
Softening Light	24:00
Shaping Light	17:51
Color Temperatures	23:05
Lighting a Scene	24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors	23:10
Working with Mixed Light	29:06
Lighting People	23:36
Key Light Techniques	25:20
Advanced Lighting Techniques	17:15

Grip and Rigging
C-Stands	20:26
Clamps	19:19
Dolly and Track	12:54
Grips Tools	1:39
Rigging	9:45
Stands	2:50
Roller Stands	2:50
Reducing Light	20:31
Softening Light	24:00
Shaping Light	17:51
Color Temperatures	23:05
Lighting a Scene	24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors	23:10
Working with Mixed Light	29:06
Lighting People	23:36
Key Light Techniques	25:20
Advanced Lighting Techniques	17:15

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

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
How to Get Your First Job	22:54
Realities of a Career in the Film Industry	27:18
Working Freelance	26:14

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

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

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

The star indicates bonus lessons only included in FilmSkills Gold

Need help? Contact us at info@filmskills.com or 323-886-FILM

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