Best Filmmaking Courses Online:
Lights, Camera, Action!
Last updated on: February 29, 2024, Written by:
Bill Tremlon
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Whether you’re a budding filmmaker eager to explore the world of visual storytelling or a seasoned professional seeking to refine your techniques, filmmaking demands a multifaceted approach blending theory, practice, and expert guidance. While traditional film schools bestowing degree in filmmaking offer valuable in-person instruction, the best online filmmaking classes provide unparalleled flexibility and accessibility to enthusiasts worldwide.
This comprehensive guide unveils a curated selection of the best filmmaking courses online, each promising to unlock your creative potential and elevate your craft from cinematography to discovering the unique offerings that set these courses apart and embark on a transformative journey of cinematic expression and mastery.
Contents
The 3 Must-Try Filmmaking Courses of 2024
| 🥇 | 🥈 | 🥉 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Scorsese | Short films 101 | Advanced Cinematography Career Path | |
| 📈 Suits best for: | Overall best course to start learning filmmaking | Filming short films | Advanced filmmakers |
| 🕒 Lenght: | 4 hours and 35 minutes | 1 hour 6 minutes | 25+ hours |
| ⏳ Platform: | MasterClass | MZed courses | Intermediate to Advanced |
| 🛍️ Level of difficulty: | Beginners | Beginners | Intermediate to Advanced |
| 💼 Instructor: | A highly respected and influential figure in the film industry | An award-winning short film and branded content filmmaker | A renowned cinematographer with over 30 years in the industry |
| 📜Certification: | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 💵 Price: | Starting at $10/month (billed annually). For a single plan | $65 for a single course | Starting at $9.99/month for an essential subscription |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee | 7-day money-back guarantee for MZed Pro subscriptions | Payments are nonrefundable |
| 🎁 Free trial: | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Our Top Pick: Martin Scorsese a Filmmaking Masterclass with an Icon
Our top pick for online filmmaking courses is the Martin Scorsese Masterclass. Led by one of the most iconic directors in cinematic history, Martin Scorsese, this online filmmaking course offers invaluable insights and techniques. With 30 lectures totaling 4 hours and 35 minutes of content, participants can expect to delve deep into storytelling and working with actors. These online courses provide a rare opportunity to learn from a legendary director, making it our first choice for aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles.
Our Evaluation
Total score: 9.2
In These Online Filmmaking Courses, you’ll learn
How to Start Learning Filmmaking
Learning filmmaking encompasses a variety of methods and techniques tailored to individual preferences and resources. In-person workshops and courses offer hands-on guidance and personalized instruction, facilitating immediate feedback and deeper exploration of the craft.
Conversely, an online film school provides great interactive courses, tutorials, and webinars led by seasoned filmmakers, offering flexibility and accessibility. These platforms often feature video lectures, quizzes, and downloadable resources for self-paced learning. Books, blogs, and forums serve as valuable resources for self-study and continuous growth in addition to filmmaking courses. Ultimately, the ideal approach to learning filmmaking depends on one’s learning style, preferences, and the availability of resources.
Can I Learn Filmmaking Online?
You absolutely can learn filmmaking online! Your learning journey and foundation could start from comprehensive online courses on platforms like MasterClass or Coursera to YouTube tutorials from seasoned professionals, the options are endless. Dive into interactive workshops, engage in forums, and even join virtual communities where aspiring filmmakers share experiences and knowledge. Embrace the convenience and flexibility of online learning, where passion meets possibility, and your filmmaking journey begins with just a click.
Best Online Speed Reading Course Reviews
1. Learn Filmmaking with the Legendary Martin Scorsese on MasterClass
Top-Ranked Course
Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking, a course on Masterclass that offers a comprehensive exploration of the art and craft of filmmaking. Through 30 engaging video lessons, participants will learn about storytelling, editing, cinematography, film production, and working with actors. The course utilizes Scorsese’s experiences and insights, making it a unique and valuable learning experience for aspiring filmmakers. Comprising 30 engaging video lectures, this online filmmaking course best suits beginners and intermediate learners.
| 💲Cost: | Starting at $10/month (billed annually) for unlimited access to all classes and sessions on the platform |
| ⏱️Duration: | 4 hours and 35 minutes |
| 🛍️Total lessons: | 30 |
| 🎁Free Trial: | No |
| 🔄Refund Policy: | 30 days satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎓Platform: | MasterClass |
| 🚀Level of difficulty: | Easy |
| 🔍Best for: | Aspiring filmmakers seeking to deepen their understanding of filmmaking. |
Key Things You Learn:
- Gain insights into the art of storytelling and its application in filmmaking.
- Develop proficiency in editing techniques to enhance narrative flow.
- Learn fundamental concepts of cinematography for visual storytelling.
- Acquire strategies and skills for effective collaboration with actors in filmmaking projects.
PROS
CONS
Martin Scorsese as an Instructor
Martin Scorsese is a great influential figure in the film industry. With a career spanning several decades, he has directed numerous acclaimed films such as “Goodfellas,” “Taxi Driver,” and “The Departed.” Scorsese’s expertise and passion for filmmaking shine through in his Masterclass, where he shares personal anecdotes, insights, and techniques garnered from his extensive experience. Learners can benefit significantly from this film production course with the wealth of knowledge and cinematic expertise Martin brings.
| Lessons | Topics |
| Fundamentals | Introduction to filmmaking essentials. |
| Technique | Developing skills and style. |
| Production | Managing the filmmaking process. |
| Technical Skills | Equipment and editing expertise. |
| Analysis & Insights | Scene breakdowns, industry knowledge. |
2. Short Films 101 by Seth Worley on MZed
Best Course for Short Films Directing
Short Films 101 with Seth Worley is an immersive course designed to guide aspiring filmmakers through creating compelling short films. Over 15 meticulously crafted modules, participants delve into the intricacies of storytelling, production, and post-production techniques, drawing from Seth Worley’s extensive experience in the field. Focusing on practical insights and creative exploration, this course equips learners with the essential skills to elevate their short film projects to new heights.
| 💲Cost: | $65 for a single course |
| ⏱️Duration: | 1 hour and 6 minutes |
| 🛍️Total lessons: | 15 modules |
| 🎁Free Trial: | No |
| 🔄Refund Policy: | 7-day money-back guarantee for MZed Pro subscriptions |
| 🎓Platform: | MZed |
| 🚀Level of difficulty: | Beginner to Intermediate |
| 🔍Best for: | Aspiring filmmakers seeking to master the art of short film production |
Key Things You Learn
- Discovering your unique voice as a filmmaker;
- Understanding the importance of short films in the filmmaking landscape;
- Generating and refining creative ideas;
- Mastering various aspects of production, including writing, directing, and post-production technique.
PROS
CONS
Lesson structure of Seth Worley Filmmaking Class
Seth Worley, an esteemed instructor, is renowned for his award-winning short films and branded content. With extensive experience collaborating with prestigious clients and media outlets, he is recognized for his innovative storytelling and visual effects. Highly regarded within the filmmaking community, Worley’s contributions and expertise have earned him widespread respect and admiration.
| Lessons | Topics |
| Introduction & Overview | Initial understanding. |
| Voice & Purpose | Developing a unique perspective and reasons for short film creation. |
| Ideas & Structure | Generating concepts and organizing narrative. |
| Writing & Design | Script development and visual crafting. |
| Execution | Planning, directing, enhancing, and finalizing. |
3. Advanced Cinematography Career Path by Shane Hurlbut on Filmmakers Academy
Best for Cinematography
The online filmmaking course, ‘Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking’, explores the documentary filmmaking process in-depth. With 26 video lectures totaling 4 hours and 56 minutes, participants learn how to navigate research and utilize audio and visual storytelling methods to bring history to life. Ken Burns, a 5-time Emmy Award winner, shares his expertise and techniques, offering valuable insights into distilling complex truths into compelling narratives for intermediate to advanced learners.
| 💲Cost: | Starting at $9.99/month for basic subscription |
| ⏱️Duration: | 25+ hours |
| 🛍️Total lessons: | 182 |
| 🎁Free Trial: | No |
| 🔄Refund Policy: | Not specified |
| 🎓Platform: | Filmmakers Academy |
| 🚀Level of difficulty: | Interdemiate to Advanced |
| 🔍Best for: | Aspiring cinematographers seeking to elevate their skills to a professional level |
Key Things You Learn
- Developing leadership skills and work ethics is crucial for effective collaboration on set;
- Understanding the art and science behind cinematography, including character design and camera techniques;
- Analyzing real-world examples to enhance comprehension of lighting, composition, and shot planning;
- Learning the intricacies of pre-visualizing shots, blocking scenes, and managing logistics for efficient production;
- Exploring color correction, grading terms, and creative LUT applications to enhance visual storytelling.
PROS
CONS
Lessons and Instructor
Renowned cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, ASC, brings over 30 years of industry experience. With his expertise, learners can expect comprehensive insights into the art and craft of cinematography. Hurlbut’s curriculum promises to guide students through advanced techniques and strategies, yet the lack of clarity in the course content regarding cost and certification could pose challenges for prospective enrollees.
| Lessons | Topics |
| Leadership and Industry Responsibilities | Developing leadership skills and understanding professional responsibilities in the filmmaking industry. |
| Advanced Cinematography Theory | Exploring theoretical concepts and techniques in cinematography. |
| Cinematography Case Studies | Analyzing practical examples and case studies in cinematography. |
| Cinematographer’s Preparation | Preparing for cinematography work, including planning, logistics, and equipment setup. |
| Blocking, Composition, and Lighting Techniques | Techniques for effective blocking, composition, and lighting in filmmaking. |
4. Learn Documentary Filmmaking with Ken Burns on MasterClass
Best Course for Documentary Filmmaking
The online filmmaking course, ‘Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking’, explores the documentary filmmaking process in-depth. With 26 video lectures totaling 4 hours and 56 minutes, participants learn how to navigate research and utilize audio and visual storytelling methods to bring history to life. Ken Burns, a 5-time Emmy Award winner, shares his expertise and techniques, offering valuable insights into distilling complex truths into compelling narratives for intermediate to advanced learners.
| 💲Cost: | Starting at $10/month (billed annually) for unlimited access to all classes and sessions on the platform |
| ⏱️Duration: | 4 hours and 56 minutes |
| 🛍️Total lessons: | 26 |
| 🎁Free Trial: | No |
| 🔄Refund Policy: | 30 days satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎓Platform: | MasterClass |
| 🚀Level of difficulty: | Interdemiate to Advanced |
| 🔍Best for: | Aspiring documentary filmmakers and history enthusiasts interested in storytelling through film |
Main Skills You’ll Learn:
- Gain insights into the art of storytelling and its application in documentary filmmaking.
- Develop proficiency in editing techniques to enhance narrative flow.
- Understand fundamental concepts of cinematography for visual storytelling.
- Acquire strategies and skills for effective collaboration with interview subjects and storytelling in documentary filmmaking projects.
PROS
CONS
Ken Burns, as an Instructor
Ken Burns is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over four decades of experience. His acclaimed works, such as “The Civil War” and “The Vietnam War,” have captivated audiences worldwide. With a meticulous approach to research, directing, and storytelling, Burns shares great insights and techniques in his Masterclass, offering aspiring filmmakers a unique opportunity to learn from a craft master.
| Lessons | Topics |
| Fundamentals | Introduction and essential skills. |
| Storytelling Process | Selecting, shaping, and structuring narratives. |
| Production Techniques | Techniques for filming, interviewing, and recording. |
| Post-Production | Editing, sound design, and distribution. |
| Case Studies and Challenges | Analysis of successful documentaries and strategies for overcoming obstacles. |
5. Video Editing on iPhone & Android Edit Smartphone Videos by Robb Montgomery on Udemy
Best Course for iPhone Video Editing
Video Editing on iPhone & Android! Edit Smartphone Videos! is a comprehensive online course designed for beginners in mobile filmmaking. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating, this course covers the fundamentals of smartphone video production and editing. Participants will learn about essential gear, storytelling techniques, camera settings, and the free apps for enhancing smartphone videos. Led by Montgomery, an experienced filmmaker and educator, this course provides valuable insights and practical skills for creating professional-quality videos using smartphones.
| 💲Cost: | $54.99 |
| ⏱️Duration: | 5 hours and 20 minutes on-demand video |
| 🛍️Total lessons: | 79 |
| 🎁Free Trial: | No |
| 🔄Refund Policy: | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| 🎁Platform: | Udemy |
| 🚀Level of difficulty: | Beginners |
| 🔍Best for: | Aspiring filmmakers and content creators interested in mobile video production and editing |
Key Things You Learn
- Gain practical skills in smartphone video production and editing.
- Understand the principles of compelling storytelling and cinematography.
- Learn to utilize smartphone camera settings, directing, and editing apps to enhance video quality.
- Master techniques to shoot cinematic shots and angles using smartphones.
- Explore using additional equipment with smartphones like gimbals, drones, and action cams.
PROS
CONS
Lessons and Instructor
Montgomery is an accomplished filmmaker and author known for his mobile journalism, screenwriting, and filmmaking expertise. With extensive experience in documentary filmmaking and journalism, Montgomery has received prizes at prestigious film festivals worldwide. He leads global mobile journalism and filmmaking training courses for clients and teaches at esteemed journalism schools. As the founder of the Smart Film School, Montgomery offers certificate online programs and campus licenses for online film schools, with his training courses utilized by major media organizations and educational institutions globally.
| Lessons | Topics |
| iMovie Basics | Learn editing fundamentals with sample clips. |
| Mobile Editing Techniques | Explore advanced editing with a free app. |
| Filmmaking Skills | Develop visual storytelling through 10 projects. |
Explore Other Platforms Worth Checking Out
Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular online learning providers, with a massive choice of various classes. The learning platform covers a range of comedy film and creativity courses,
Coursera
Coursera is another big name in the online courses market, with a lot to offer in film-related fields. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge of the field without spending much money on online learning.
Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on practical courses, with educational videos substituting expensive college courses. The aim is to provide users with marketable skills for finding a job. There are some courses related to movies, writing, and directing.
Conlucion
After immersing ourselves in the breadth of best online courses led by seasoned professionals, it becomes evident that online acting classes hold good value. These platforms offer accessibility to aspiring actors worldwide, providing expert instruction, flexible learning schedules, and diverse content covering foundational techniques to career insights.
Despite the online classes’ limitations, such as the absence of in-person interaction and practical application, the accessibility, affordable pricing, and flexibility of these courses make them worthwhile investments for actors at all levels. While an online class cannot fully replace traditional acting training, they serve as valuable supplements, enabling learners to refine their craft, connect with industry experts, and pursue their passion for acting with greater confidence and proficiency.
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon
I’ve spent the last ten years passionately studying various online learning platforms. Udemy, MasterClass, Coursera, and Skillshare are the main ones, but I review lesser-known study tools as well. I test and analyze each course and lesson thoroughly before sharing my research.
Blogger | Life-long learner
Bill Tremlon