High School Trial Course

View all courses
  • This course is open for 1 weeks
  • 100 lesson series

JOIN NOW

Engage your students’ imaginations like never before with in-depth video-based tutorials taught by Oscar and Emmy winning filmmakers. Enhanced with a wealth of projects, illustrated tutorials, and thousands of test question, FilmSkills Academic brings the power of Hollywood to your classroom.

The lessons

  • Realities of the Industry

    The entertainment industry does a great job of creating an illusion of how it operates, but how does it really work?  Learn from top Hollywood filmmakers what really goes on behind the scenes, and how that impacts your career.
    Learn More

  • Careers in Filmmaking

    Learn what opportunities exist for a career in the film industry, how to choose the right one, and the best way to prepare for a long, successful career.
    Learn More

  • Working Freelance

    Learn the realities of working in a freelance-based industry, and how to survive.
    Learn More

  • Advice from the Pros

    Dozens of successful Hollywood filmmakers share their secrets, tips, and advice on how to make it in the most competitive industry in the world.
    Learn More

  • The Studio System

    In this module, you'll explore the studio system, learn who the players are, who the mini-majors are, the ever-evolving role of the studios as new corporate conglomerates, the types of movies they are making, and how you can be part of it.
    Learn More

  • Making a Business Plan

    Learn, step-by-step, how to build a business plan that will appease even the savviest investors. Hollywood producers take you through the process so you can go into the fundraising process confident in the movie you’re selling.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 8 - The Three Act Structure

     Learn how to properly write a story using the three act structure.  
    Learn More

  • Lesson 12 - The Protagonist

     Learn how to create a strong protagonist, the attributes of the protagonist, and how (s)he changes.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 13 - The Antagonist

     Learn to write a strong, multi-dimensional antagonist.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 15 - Developing the Supporting Characters

    Learn the role of supporting characters and how they can be used to support both the protagonist and antagonist.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 17 - Designing Personality and Building Backstory

     Learn how to create a real character with personality and backstory
    Learn More

  • Lesson 18 - How to Write Natural Dialogue

     Learn how to write compelling, realistic dialogue in your script.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 20 - How to Write a Treatments and Outline

    Learn how to develop your idea into a treatment and outline before writing the first draft.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 21 - How to Format a Screenplay

    Learn how to properly format a screenplay.
    Learn More

  • Lesson 23 - Improve Your Rewrites

     Once the first draft is complete, learn how to rewrite a script, from characters to plot to dialogue.  
    Learn More

  • Lesson 24 - Marketing the Script

    Learn how to pitch and present your script to producers, agents and managers.
    Learn More

  • Raising Money

     Learn how money is raised for motion pictures, from equity and debt financing to tax incentives
    Learn More

  • Forming a Production Company

    Learn how to choose the right corporate structure, set up a company, open the proper accounts, establish the legal framework for the production, work with an attorney, and set-up the production office.
    Learn More

  • Money Management

    Learn to manage the budget, set-up a bank account, manage the flow of money throughout the production including payroll, loan outs, kit fees, per diems, mileage, and petty cash.
    Learn More

  • Hiring the Crew

    Learn how to hire an experienced crew, work with above the line vs, below the line, union vs. non-union crew members, manage pay or play deals, work with independent contractors and employees, address personal conflicts on set, and ultimately assemble the most talented professionals for your project.
    Learn More

  • Breaking Down the Script

    Learn to properly break down the script,  line the script, techniques for breaking down each scene, how to use scene breakdown forms, and how assistant directors and line producers should manage the breakdowns from other departments on the project. 
    Learn More

  • Scheduling the Production

    Learn to determine the number of shooting days needed to shoot your film, how to determine the shooting order, manage day and night shoots, account for turnaround time, and the benefits of shooting consecutive shooting days.
    Learn More

  • Scheduling the Day

    Learn how to schedule company moves, meal breaks, learn the productivity arc of a shooting crew, how to work with the director’ shot list, skills for managing a shoot running over schedule, how to generate a one-line schedule, and how to create call sheets.
    Learn More

  • Budgeting

    Learn to create an accurate budget, tricks to reducing the budget if you’re running over, how to plan for contingencies, how to manage crew expectations, and how to go into production knowing you’ll have the money to finish.
    Learn More

  • Finding Actors

    Learn how to work with casting directors to approach recognizable actors, how to develop a script that appeals to certain talent, the art of packaging, casting actors on your own, and the pros and cons of working with unknowns.
    Learn More

  • Auditions

    Learn how to find the ideal audition space, attract qualified actors, conduct auditions, and learn what to look for so you can find the perfect cast for your movie.
    Learn More

  • Callbacks

    Learn how to conduct the second and third auditions, what to do after the auditions, recognize danger signs in actors, and how to prepare the actors for the next step: the rehearsals.
    Learn More

  • The Language of Directing Actors

    Learn from Hollywood actors and directors on how to approach and work effectively with actors on set, how to deal with problematic actors, and how to communicate in the actor’s language.
    Learn More

  • Directing Actors on Set

    Learn what to say to an actor at the beginning of every scene – 30 seconds before you call action and 30 seconds after you call cut, learn how to rehearse on set, establish strong blocking, and how to help actors balance their performance with the technicalities of film production.
    Learn More

  • Directing Mistakes

    Learn to identify common directing problems and how to fix them to ensure you get the best performance on set possible.
    Learn More

  • Directing Extras

    Learn how to find extras, the right way to direct them, how to cheat them on set, liability concerns and how to avoid them, logistics on the shooting day, and the most common problems filmmakers encounter when working with extras
    Learn More

  • The Art Department

    Learn the structure and hierarchy of the Art Department, the duties and responsibilities and how this department can be scaled up based on the size of the production.
    Learn More

  • Set Design

    Learn how to design sets on both large and small budget productions.
    Learn More

  • Set Construction

    Learn how movie sets are constructed to create both a convincing environment and a workable production setting.
    Learn More

  • Set Dressing

    Learn how to dress both practical locations and constructed movie sets to create a realistic environment for the characters.
    Learn More

  • Props

    Learn how props are created, gathered, and organized for a movie.
    Learn More

  • Location Scouting

    Learn how to scout locations and work with local resources to find the best possible environment for your movie
    Learn More

  • Working with Location Owners

     Learn how to work with location owners, negotiate location agreements and deal with problems.
    Learn More

  • Location Tech Scouting

    Learn how to properly scout a location, what to look for and how to prep it for your shoot.
    Learn More

  • Community Relations

    Learn how to professionally integrate a film production into a community
    Learn More

  • What to Bring to Set

    As you prepare for your first day on set, this lesson walks you through what to wear and the tools to bring.
    Learn More

  • Proper Set Etiquette and Behavior

    Learn the unspoken rules of how to behave on a movie set.
    Learn More

  • Walkie Talkie Etiquette

    Learn how to properly use walkie talkies on set.
    Learn More

  • Tripods and Sliders

    Learn the types of camera support equipment - from tripods to jibs - and how to properly use them.
    Learn More

  • Introduction to Lenses

    Learn about the attributes of the camera lens and how to choose the best lens for your production
    Learn More

  • Attributes of Light

     Learn the basic attributes of light and how to craft it to achieve the ideal cinematic look.
    Learn More

  • How to Build a Light Kit

    Learn how to build a light kit.
    Learn More

  • Low Budget Lighting Tools

    Learn how to use simple, inexpensive lighting tool if you're on a budget or on the road.
    Learn More

  • Reducing Light

    Learn the tools and techniques for reducing the brightness of light from a light source.
    Learn More

  • Softening Light

     Learn tools and techniques for softening or diffusing light.
    Learn More

  • Shaping Light

     Setting up a light is easy, but crafting it is an art.  Learn the tools and techniques for shaping light to achieve the desired look.
    Learn More

  • Color Temperatures

    Learn about the colors of different light sources, how they affect the format on which you're shooting, and how to properly compensate.
    Learn More

  • Lighting a Scene

    Learn how to assess an existing location, scene blocking and existing lighting to deterine the best way to light a set.
    Learn More

  • Lighting Daytime Exteriors

    Learn how to light actors outside using only sunlight, reflectors and diffusion.
    Learn More

  • Lighting People

     Learn how to use the three-point lighting system to properly light people.
    Learn More

  • A Director's Prep - Beginning the Project

    Learn how to begin the directing process, read the script for the first time, best prepare long before you even set foot on set, and how to breakdown the script for character and story.
    Learn More

  • How to Shoot a Scene

    Learn the process of how to shoot a scene: blocking, light, rehearse, tweak, and shoot.
    Learn More

  • Blocking Actors

    Learn how to block the actors, what story cues to look for, how to drive the blocking emotionally, and how to work with the actors to get the best physical performance possible.
    Learn More

  • Basic Coverage

    Learn the basic template for shooting the action in a scene - the master, coverage, inserts and cat-in-the-window shots, learn how to vary shot size to increase coverage, break the standard, plan for the edit, and ensure you get the coverage you need.
    Learn More

  • Storyboards and Pre-Visualization

    Learn how to work with a storyboard artist, use pre-visualization software, know how detailed storyboards should be, creative restrictions to be aware of, how to create storyboards even if you can't draw, and when to use animatics.
    Learn More

  • Creating a Shotlist

    Learn how to create a shot list, location requirements, how to decide your shots, the elements in a shotlist, how the shot lists are used to schedule and budget a film, and to prepare for days when you go over schedule or over budget.
    Learn More

  • Green Screen Techniques

    Learn how to properly light and expose green screen shots.
    Learn More

  • The Documentary Format

    Learn about documentary storytelling, the types of documentaries, the challenges of the medium, observational cinema vs objective-driven stories.
    Learn More

  • Finding the Story

    Learn how to find the story by refining the subject matter, develop a viable and engaging hypothesis, unlock the secrets of the story arc, find a balance between the art and commerce of documentary filmmaking, know the audience, and narrow down broad concepts.
    Learn More

  • Interview Camera Set-Ups

    Learn how to shoot interviews alone with one camera, one camera with an operator, a cross-shooting two-camera technique, how to work with different frame sizes, work with monitors, techniques for shooting on the run, and how and when to use auto settings.
    Learn More

  • Preparing for the Interview

    Learn how to find qualified subjects, techniques for preparing to shoot the perfect interview, tips on what to wear, how to select the right chair, how to work through a translator, and how to deal with release forms – especially in a heated or controversial interview. 
    Learn More

  • The Art of the Interview

    Learn how to warm up a nervous subject, how to determine the objective of the interview, the first question you should always ask, how to uncover the truth especially with subjects intent on deceiving or leading you, how to work with difficult subjects, how to conduct interviews in which you are also on camera, and how to conduct man-on-the-street interviews.
    Learn More

  • Shooting B-Roll Footage

    Learn to harness the power of B-Roll for your film, how to use verité footage, basic coverage techniques in the field, how to shoot sequences, how to tailor B-roll for interviews, and how to shoot B-roll after the edit. 
    Learn More

  • Field Shooting Techniques

    Learn when to shoot in auto or manual modes, how to properly shoot your coverage, how to adjust the amount of footage for the project, how to shoot green screen plates, how to work with ambient sound, and how to manage the legalities of a shoot.
    Learn More

  • The Physics of Sound

    Learn how the sound wave works, why we hear sound, how frequency and amplitude affect the sound and our approach to recording it.
    Learn More

  • The Microphone Boom

    Learn about the types and uses of boom poles, windscreens, shock mounts and techniques for monitoring audio
    Learn More

  • Boom Operating Techniques

    Learn techniques for the proper placement and operation of the boom mic on set
    Learn More

  • Location Recording Techniques

    Learn techniques for recording high-quality sound on location.
    Learn More

  • The Psychology of Editing

    Learn when to cut, how to determine whether you should cut or not, the hierarchy of story-telling importance when editing, what to show or not show, and how to use psychology to craft a scene the invokes powerful emotions.
    Learn More

  • Data Management and Workflow

    Learn how to develop a system for organizing the footage from set to post, how to develop a workflow that keeps the process smooth and conflict-free, how to conduct post-production meetings, the role of the post-production supervisor, standard techniques for labeling and managing footage, and data handling techniques.
    Learn More

  • The Assembly Cut

    Learn how to approach the assembly cut, how to manage music and sound effects, what should or shouldn’t be included, and how to address issues of pacing, story, and character development.
    Learn More

  • The Rough Cut

    Learn how to approach the rough cut, determine what moments work, how to re-structure the story, and ultimately create a movie that stands on its own- divorced from the script.
    Learn More

  • The Fine Cut

    Learn techniques for perfecting every single frame of your movie before locking the picture edit, how you will know when the movie is done, the implications of locking the picture, and the process of prepping the film for audio.
    Learn More

  • Intro to Audio Post-Production

    Learn the five components of audio and go to the sound studio to experience the construction of the audio for a scene.  Learn the ADR process, the contributions of Foley to the mix, the role of sounds effects and ambience, and the music.
    Learn More

  • Emotion Through Music

    Learn to use music as a dramatic player in a way that properly supports the emotion of the scene without overwhelming the performance.
    Learn More

  • The Who and How of Music

    Learn the people involved in crafting the score to a movie, the types of scores available, and how music is recorded - from synth to live instruments.
    Learn More

  • Film Marketing

    Learn how the massive marketing machine works in hollywood and how you can use it to promote your movie.
    Learn More

  • Reaching Your Audience

    Learn how to effectively determine, define, and market to your audience.
    Learn More

  • Intro to Distribution

    Learn how the distribution process works, the way studios approach the process, the windows and time frames of distribution, how to approach self-distribution, and knowing your audience.
    Learn More

  • Story Structure

     Learn how stories are structured and how you can properly structure your screenplay.
    Learn More

  • Basic Camera Techniques

    A quick guide for basic camera functions and techniques.
    Learn More

  • Basic Shooting Skills

    Learn basic shooting techniques to make the best quality footage, both visually and for the edit.
    Learn More

  • Exposure

    Learn how to properly determine the exposure of your shot
    Learn More

  • Focal Length

    Learn how changes in the focal length affect the shot, both creatively and technically  
    Learn More

  • Focus

    Learn how to properly set focus, set focus marks, rack focus and work with the hyperfocal point.
    Learn More

  • ASA and Gain

    Learn about the imaging sensors work, and how to properly determine your ASA on set.
    Learn More

  • Lens Care

    Learn how to properly handle and care for a camera lens
    Learn More

  • Developing the Idea

    Learn how to find and develop a marketable idea, what producers are looking for and which ideas will prevent your project from selling.
    Learn More

  • Composition

    Learn compositional techniques including the rule of thirds, how the great painters used mathematical principals like the golden ratio to create the perfectly composed images, how to balance line, color, and shape, and then how to break these rules.
    Learn More

  • Creating Depth

    Learn techniques for crafting foreground, midground, and background elements, how to manage depth or flatness as a narrative tool, techniques used in network television shows to cheat depth, and the ways the camera lens can affect depth.
    Learn More

  • Eye Lines

    Learn how to choose the best eye line, directing techniques for ideal camera placement, how to overcome challenges when working with visual effects, and how to fine tune actor’s eyelines within mere inches to achieve the desired emotional impact.
    Learn More

  • Framing People

    Learn techniques for framing people from lead room to headroom, how networks and major studios influence framing choices of their programs, how to use single and dirty shots to convey connection or distance between characters, and how directors and cinematographers decide on common guidelines for each production.
    Learn More

  • Shot Types

    Learn the intricacies of framing, the basic shot types, advanced variations on these shot types, how to quickly communicate your vision to the cinematographer, and the emotional responsive invoked by various shot types.
    Learn More

  • The Frame

    Identify and work with different aspect ratios, manage conversions from film to HD, NTSC to HD, title safe requirements, and how various aspect ratios are adjusted for different exhibition and broadcast formats.
    Learn More

  • Rule of 180

    Learn the core fundamentals of screen direction, how to establish the line of action, the rule of 180, exceptions to the rule of 180, instances where the line of action doesn’t apply, how to shoot multiple character with an ever-moving line of action, and how to prepare your shot lists to avoid catastrophic editing problems.
    Learn More
BACKProceed to Checkout