Online Filmmaking Courses: Learn the Art of Filmmaking

Learn the Art of Filmmaking

Improve your craft with the industry's most complete filmmaking courses developed by filmmakers for filmmakers

Learn from filmmakers whose work you see every day

I’m Jason Tomaric. As an Emmy-winning filmmaker and educator, I’ve met too many people who struggle to break into the industry, talented filmmakers buried under massive college debt, and content creators tired of scouring YouTube for quality training. That’s why I created a more affordable alternative to film school where you learn directly from master filmmakers.

Over 150 industry professionals who have been honored with over 70 Academy Awards, Emmys, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes partnered with me to guide you step-by-step through the filmmaking process.

Whether you want to make better independent films, TV commercials, documentaries, or industrial videos, join the inner circle of master filmmakers whose work has grossed tens of billions of dollars around the world.

Do you teach filmmaking at a university, high school, film commission, or production company? Check out FilmSkills Academic where you can build your own fully-branded online film training program.

FREE 1-hour filmmaking course

Learn my top 10 secrets to making your content more professional, how to accelerate your career, and how to make money in this $14 billion/year industry.

Discover What's New

We are constantly updating our lessons to bring you the latest techniques. FilmSkills Unlimited members receive these updates for free… for life!

Crew Job Shadows

There are a lot of craftspeople on a film set, and in this all new 23-part series, leading Hollywood crews from blockbuster TV shows and

New Scheduling and Budgeting Lessons

In this engaging new series, learn how to balance the business of filmmaking with the art through effectively breaking down the shooting script, developing a

Learn to Direct Actors

All new lessons reveal how professionals direct actors on set for convincing, authentic performances. Lesson 1 Analyzing Character Characters, like people in real life, function

Shooting on Location

We partnered with the powerhouse Location Managers from Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Transformers 2, Top Gun 2, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Grey’s Anatomy to give you

New On-Location Cinematic Lighting Demos

Emmy-winning cinematographer Jason Tomaric goes on set to block, light, and shoot 9 sample scenes, methodically walking you through every step of how to achieve

What's Inside FilmSkills?

Our complete online filmmaking program is designed for filmmakers who want to learn every aspect of the filmmaking process. Emmy and Academy Award winning filmmakers take you onto the set from the birth of your idea through distribution in groundbreaking detail.

Learn 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 you for a career in the film industry.

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
Working Freelance	26:14

Quick Start lessons have been specifically designed to guide you through basic camera functions, audio recording, and production techniques. Each lesson includes a downloadable and printable quick start guide to help you on set.

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

The core screenwriting curriculum is organized into three stages, with all three guiding you 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 you through the process of creating believable characters, developing strong backstories, and writing convincing dialogue.
Section 3: The writing process – In this section, 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
Lesson 4 – Developing a Marketable Idea	19:40
Lesson 5 – Story Formats	17:18
Lesson 6 – The 7 Plot Types	20:01
Lesson 7 – The Implications of Genre	16:40
Lesson 8 – The Three Act Structure	39:00
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
Lesson 13 – Creating the Perfect Antagonist	23:23
Lesson 14 – Conflict Types	22:33
Lesson 15 – How to Write Memorable Supporting Characters	18:54
Lesson 16 – Understanding Character Archetypes	24:44
Lesson 17 – Designing Personality and Building Backstory	29:06
Lesson 18 – How to Write Natural Dialogue	21:46
Section 3: The Writing Process
Lesson 19 – Title, Theme, and Log Lines	15:02
Lesson 20 – How to Write a Treatment and Outline	19:30
Lesson 21 – How to Format a Screenplay	18:13
Lesson 22 – How to Write the First Draft	10:34
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

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	19:11
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
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

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	20:26
Clamps	23:36
Dolly and Track	12:54
Grips Tools	9:20
Grips Support	8:02
Knots for On Set Rigging	–
Rigging	17:59
Stands	16:38

The directing curriculum has been divided into two sections. The first focuses on the director/actor dynamic and provides tools to help you 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.

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	20:27
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

Get 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	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

Learn the marketing and distribution process of a movie. These lessons can be paired with the producing and screenwriting lessons. This series of lessons is intended to demystify the distribution process and help you 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

18 Filmmaking Master Courses

Screenwriting Master Course

Learn the step-by-step process of writing a script from top Hollywood writers. You will learn how to develop a marketable idea, create dynamic characters, unlock story structure, target your rewrites, and finally learn how to market your script.

Learn More

Cinematic Lighting Master Course

Make your videos more cinematic and attract bigger clients. In the FilmSkills Cinematic Lighting Master Course, Emmy-winning cinematographer teaches you how to get the most out of your gear, professional Hollywood lighting techniques, and real-world demos to help you light common scenes.

Learn More

Camera and Lens Master Course

Unlock the full potential of your camera with of the most thorough and complete cinematography courses available. Whatever camera type you’re using – whether it’s a DSLR or Arri Alexa, learn cinematic techniques and produce professional results.

Learn More

View all Courses

Meet a few of your 150 instructors

This is no ordinary film school. You will learn from the best of the best. Our instructors have been honored with over 70 Academy Award and Emmy wins and nominations. No film school on Earth has this caliber of instructors.

Rob directed "The X-Files" movie, numerous episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and was the Executive Producer of ABC's hit drama, "Castle."

Rob BowmanDirector, Producer

Josh is the producer of "Avatar," the X-Men movies, "Logan," "Real Steel," and, as James Cameron's 1st AD, ran the sets of "Titanic," "Avatar," and dozens of other Hollywood blockbusters.

Josh McLaglenProducer, 1st Assistant Director

Two-time Emmy winning director, Mary Lou has helmed episodes for dozens of prime time shows, including "NCIS: New Orleans," "The Quad," "Hart of Dixie," "The Game," "Monk," and "The Hughleys."

Mary Lou BelliTelevision Director

As an Academy-Award winning cinematographer and two-time Emmy nominee, David has worked on "American Gods," "Breaking Bad," "X-Men," Hollow Man," and is the technical chair of the ASC.

David Stump, ASCCinematographer

Alexa is the former Vice President of Development at Sony Pictures Animation and Vice President of Production at New Regency Productions.

Alexa AminStudio Executive

Jeff was the Head of Worldwide Distribution and Online for LucasFilm, overseeing the release of the Star Wars prequels.

Jeff UlinStudio Executive

Cristen ran productions for Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me if You Can," and "Charlie Wilson's War," Academy-Award winning, "American Beauty," and over a dozen other blockbusters.

Cristen Carr StrubbeUnit Production Manager

Two-time Emmy winner, Steve is the Executive Producer on "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Hot in Cleveland," "'Til Death," and "School of Rock," and produced the Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee, "An Unreasonable Man."

Steve SkrovanExecutive Producer

Anne Marie served as COO of Morgan Freeman's production company, Revelations Entertainment, and is the producer of Oscar nominated "Fried Green Tomatoes."

Anne Marie GillenProducer

20,000 members and growing!

FilmSkills is WORLD CLASS. I don’t know how you did it Jason, but thank you for building such an incredible site. I never thought I’d be able to learn from the directors, producers, cinematographers – basically everybody behind my favorite TV shows. The lessons are so concise without the fluff. Thanks to you, I got my first paid production job. Thanks Jason!

– Nathan M, Chicago, IL

THANK YOU JASON! I bought your book, “Filmmaking,” and learned so much. Then I found FilmSkills and it seriously blew my mind. Thanks to you and your incredible team. My productions improved dramatically. I nearly doubled my clients, and am earning about $2000 a DAY.

– Christian P, Atlanta, GA

I decided to drop out of engineering school and take the plunge as a filmmaker. I didn’t want to start over, so I was stoked when I found FilmSkills. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. You literally tapped the Hollywood inner circle and have brought so much valuable knowledge to us aspiring newbies. If I ran a film school, I’d be scared. FilmSkills is a powerhouse.

– Barry C., Des Moine, IA

Are you ready to get started?

Check out our flexible programs designed for every interest level and budget.

Learn the Art of Filmmaking

Improve your craft with the industry's most complete filmmaking courses developed by filmmakers for filmmakers

Learn from filmmakers whose work you see every day

FREE 1-hour filmmaking course

Learn my top 10 secrets to making your content more professional, how to accelerate your career, and how to make money in this $14 billion/year industry.

Discover What's New

Crew Job Shadows

New Scheduling and Budgeting Lessons

Learn to Direct Actors

Shooting on Location

New On-Location Cinematic Lighting Demos

What's Inside FilmSkills?

18 Filmmaking Master Courses

Screenwriting Master Course

Cinematic Lighting Master Course

Camera and Lens Master Course

View all Courses

Meet a few of your 150 instructors

20,000 members and growing!

Are you ready to get started?

Need help? Contact us at [email protected]

About Us

Training

FilmSkills Academic