The Ultimate Filmmaking Content Library

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. Mix and match to create custom learning paths for your students.

How to Break into the Film Industry
Career Advice from the Pros	21:13
How to Get Your First Job	22:54
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
The Art of Networking	22:17
How to Survive in Hollywood	17:00

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

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	19:11
Scheduling the Production	29:27
Scheduling the Day	30:03
How to Build a Budget	30:45
Production Insurance	19:45

The Crew
Crew Structures	–
Crew Positions	–
The Line Producer	37:33
The Unit Production Manager	28:57
Production Coordinator	19:53
1st Assistant Director	39:06
2nd Assistant Director	10:10
2nd 2nd Assistant Director	5:33
Production Assistants	31:36
Script Supervisor	28:44
Production Designer	21:14
The Art Director	11:26
Construction Coordinator	27:52
The Cinematographer	–
Camera Operator	26:13
1st Assistant Camera	11:24
2nd Assistant Camera	7:33
Key Grip	20:45
Best Boy	11:22
Grips	12:01
Working as a Grip	25:16
Dolly Grip	13:02
Gaffer	20:10
Best Boy Electric	9:57
Electricians	16:19

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
Frame Rates	20:02
Film vs Video	26:57
Tripods and Sliders	17:58
Introduction to Lenses	22:00
Lens Care	9:28
Focusing Techniques	23:21
How to Expose a Shot	25:16
F-stops and T-stops	17:42
The Zone System	23:03
Lens Focal Length	23:50
Depth of Field Tutorial	27:29
Macro Focus	9:28
Back Focus	4:51
The Shutter	12:54
Managing Your Media	–

Framing and Composition
The Visual Story	35:48
Composing the Shot	27:03
Creating Depth on Screen	25:43
Singles and Over the Shoulder Shots	24:25
Head Room and Lead Room	19:41
Eyelines	18:01
Screen Division and the Rule of Thirds	23:06
Screen Direction and the Rule of 180	23:06
Shot Types and Camera Movements	27:56
The Frame	24:45
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
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	26:43
Softening Light	26:50
Working with Reflected Light	19:18
Shaping Light	23:53
Color Temperatures	26:22
Lighting a Scene	24:42
Lighting Daytime Exteriors	23:10
Working with Mixed Light	22:32
Lighting People	23:36
Three Point Lighting	21:28
Key Light Techniques	25:20
Advanced Lighting Techniques	17:15
Green Screen Techniques	25:22
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
Stands	16:37
Rigging	17:59
Grips Support	8:02
Grips Rigs	19:09
Butterflies and Overheads	18:51
Dolly and Track	29:18
Grips Tools	9:20
Knots for On Set Rigging	–

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

Directing Actors
Analyzing Character	25:37
Rehearsing with Actors	25:37
Rehearsing Exercises	24:47
The Art of Directing Actors	30:07
Acting in a Changing Industry	19:48
Acting Techniques	–
Acting Techniques for the Screen	28:33
How to Direct Actors on Set	36:29
Common Directing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them	21:20
How to Direct Background Extras	29:54

The Directors Craft
Beginning a New Project	30:29
Developing the Visual Look of Your Movie	38:22
A Day as a Director	–
How to Shoot a Scene	39:23
How to Direct a Scene	31:19
Blocking Actors	34:22
Basic Coverage	20:21
Advanced Coverage	26:18
How to Direct a Chase Scene	21:39
How to Create Invisible Camera Moves	25:42
Storyboards and Pre-Visualization	31:02
How to Create a Shotlist	17:48
Continuity and Script Notes	23:26
Working with the Military	20:23
Reality Show Interview Techniques	25:00

Production Design
The Art Department	29:54
How to Design a Set	25:28
Set Construction – Building Your Set	35:15
How to Dress Your Set	33:16
Creating the Look of the Environment	32:10
Props	36:16
Tour a Prop House	6:08

Shooting on Location
Finding Locations	19:13
Film Commissions	24:53
Working with Location Owners	34:47
Shooting on a Studio Backlot	–
Film Permits	22:58
Location Tech Scouting	26:03
Community Relations	25:00

Production Life
What to Bring to Set	9:31
Filmmaker’s Toolkit	10:40
Proper Set Etiquette and Behavior	15:44
Working with Difficult Personalities	22:56
Walkie Talkie Etiquette	14:59
A Day on Set	–

Audio Recording
The Physics of Sound	25:33
How Microphones Work	21:56
Microphone Pick-Up Patterns	18:55
Audio Pre-Production	26:36
Lavalier Microphones	18:18
The Microphone Boom	17:29
Boom Operating Techniques on Set	20:36
How to Record Audio on Location	23:02
Recording the Audio	35:09
Audio Configurations	20:00
Working with Cables and Adapters	19:18

Documentary Filmmaking
Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking	24:51
Finding the Story	28:18
Documentary Pre-Production	18:51
Choosing the Right Gear	32:08
Finding the Interview Location	18:53
Interview Camera Set-Ups	25:05
Preparing for the Interview	33:03
How to Conduct an Interview	32:05
Ethics and Objectivity	21:37
How to Shoot Amazing B-Roll Footage	21:52
Field Shooting Techniques	20:17
Editing a Documentary	28:41

Safety Training
The Attitude of Safety	20:45
Basic On Set Safety	34:49
Equipment Use and Safety	18:47
On Location Safety	20:32
Studio Facilities Safety	24:14
Vehicle and Roadway Safety	21:13
Shooting Moving Vehicles	19:34
Lighting Equipment Safety	26:46
Grip and Rigging Safety	30:36
Electrical Safety I	39:10
Electrical Safety II	29:51
Lifts, Trucks, and Tools	24:25
Weapon and Prop Safety	29:08
Pyrotechnics and Special Effects	24:06
Environmental Safety	25:45

Editing
Introduction to Editing	–
Hiring an Editor	10:46
Working with an Editor	20:23
Concepts of Editing	37:39
Data Management and Workflow	26:39
The Assembly Cut	21:33
Stock Footage	20:58
How to Edit a Dialogue Scene	34:27
Editing Action	24:56
The Rough Cut	19:04
Test Screenings	21:34
The Fine Cut	14:44
Online and Offline Editing	8:28
Color Grading	15:40
Understanding Compression	–

Audio Post-Production
Intro to Audio Post Production	24:49
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
The Who and How of Music	31:29
Working with a Composer	47:33
Music Licensing	33:15

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 Ultimate Filmmaking Content Library

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