10 Best Filmmaking Courses, Classes with Certifications

The world of filmmaking is getter bigger and better; the evidence is the high-quality films currently available globally. And gone are the days when many of us thought that it was almost impossible to join the field of filmmakers. For years now, many people have thought it was a place for the older generation since most of the filmmakers most of us have met are of the other generations. However, this notion is not true. Becoming a filmmaker today is as simple as ABC. Why not, when you can easily access some of the filmmaking courses available that will equip you with the facts you need to explore this field comfortably.

So, suppose you wish to become a filmmaker, things are not as hard as before where you needed to attend a film school. Note that joining a film school is also okay. However, you can choose to explore some amazing filmmaking courses available for all. Under these courses, you will learn all the fundamentals in the field and what you need to know for a successful career.

Besides, you have access to professionals with a fantastic reputation for exceptional work. They will guide you on some of the dos and don’ts in the field. Note that different courses will have different features and requirements; hence, good research is essential before partaking in any course. This article will explain some of the 10 best filmmaking courses you can take. Under each course, the article will highlight important requirements to keep in mind and what to expect from the course. Check out the details below.

1. Color Grading to create an exemplary cinematic look

If you are familiar with film work, you probably understand the importance of colour in every video. Generally, a cinematic look will help you tell a story, especially when you need to create the mood of a situation. As a result, colour grading is an important course that all filmmakers must learn. This course under Skillshare is an excellent option for you. Why? Because you will learn under the guidelines of Fred Trevino, a popular teacher and colourist. Under this course, you will learn the most effective way of achieving a good cinematic look and what tools to use. It is a great opportunity for beginners and intermediates since they can easily achieve great colour grading skills.

Features

• Learn multiple skills related to colour grading
• The instructor is a popular colourist with years of experience
• It is available online
• Actual projects to test your skills

2. Introduction to Virtual Filmmaking

Have you watched some pretty much fictional movie with unreal visuals? If yes, then you probably have many questions on the field. As a filmmaker, it is crucial to equip yourself with all the necessary information making you a fit choice for different areas. So, have you ever heard of virtual filmmaking, and do you want to pursue this area? If yes, then this program is the best place to be since it educates you on this type of filmmaking, which involves virtual and physical aspects. Before, it was only possible for films with huge budgets, but things are becoming better since virtual production is becoming more obtainable. This course specializes in teaching you to create virtual works using fake engines. Under this course, you will learn all the essentials of virtual production.

Features

• It is for beginners but requires you to have prior knowledge of using unreal engine
• Available online
• You have to complete a project before completion of this course
• Access to critical details in the department

3. Basics of Cinematography, Lighting Techniques

What makes the difference between one film to another is the quality. And quality has everything to do with the lighting techniques. So, as a filmmaker, it is crucial to learn all the vital details of the lighting techniques. This cinematographic program allows you to learn all the fundamentals of lighting and some critical things to keep in mind. It is a course by a famous cinematographer, Zak Mulligan, who has exemplary skills. As a result, this expert is sure to guide you in the right direction as an upcoming filmmaker.

Features

• Learn ways of using lighting to deliver different types of moods
• Available online
• The program teaches seven critical elements of lighting
• It is a beginner course that every filmmaker must take

4. Foundations of Screenwriting

Filmmaking mainly involves telling a story in videos and creating different moods to fit different moments. However, you will realize that most of the filmmakers you come across are also screenwriters. They write a story and later film it for all to see. Therefore, as an individual interested in film, you can choose to start from screenwriting. This course is the ultimate choice for all because it teaches you ways of creating a marketable story for all to see. There are three key elements you will learn under your instructors, mind mapping, concept and theme.

Features

• One of the primary education formats is straightforward videos explaining every step
• Learn ways to conquer writer’s block
• Unlimited access to all the resources
• The lessons are available online, and you can work on them as per your schedule
• Experienced tutor to guide you throughout the process

5. Udemy Complete Filmmaker Guide

Do you wish to become a filmmaker? If your reply is a yes, then here is your chance under this program from Udemy. It gives you a chance to study all the basics of film work in several hours from beginning to end. The course is available online in English. But, Udemy offers subtitles in several languages; hence you can settle for your favourite. Under this course, you will learn key areas such as sound recording, lighting, editing, and cinematography. Besides, you learn tricks on making use of every advantage of the equipment you own.

Features

• It is an excellent choice for newbies and professionals
• One of the basic requirements is having video editing software, and a camera hence ensure that you have them
• Available online for all
• Reliable instructors with years of experience

6. Cinematography Masterclass Udemy

Everyone who wishes to join filmmaking hopes to become a pro to stand out among their competitors. However, for a while now, becoming a pro is not a walk in the park. But with Udemy Masterclass, you stand to become a filmmaker pro in no time. It is a videography guide course that educates learners on settling the equipment, lighting, recording and shooting videos. The instructors are confident that they will help their learners effectively evident in the 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Also, the tutors offer you important principles to keep in mind since they come in handy when doing an actual project.

Features

• The course is available online at a standard cost
• Interactive exercises to test your progress
• Reliable instructors who will guide you until you are a pro
• English lessons but English subtitles
• It is an excellent place for beginners

7. Filmmaking masterclass by director James Cameron

There is no easier way to learn filmmaking than through a professional with the skills and experience to provide the guidance you need. Lucky for all aspiring filmmakers, this course offers you this chance. It is a program under famous director, James Cameron who is ready to offer you the necessary skills to enter filmmaking. It includes fifteen video lessons that you can learn at your own pace. The instructor gives his behind-the-scenes details of popular films he has worked on, showing you how things get to what you see in a film. Besides, you will learn essential technologies to keep in mind and some tricks to help you stick to your budget, whether low or high.

Features

• Available online
• Fifteen well-explained videos by a professional
• It is a program by a popular director, James Cameron
• The best program for newbies

8. LinkedIn Become a Cinematographer Course

LinkedIn is a popular platform where people build a portfolio as they hope to build their careers. However, many people don’t know that the platform also offers courses that can help you start your career in different areas, including filmmaking. This program is one of the courses in the world of filmmaking under LinkedIn. It teaches learners the easiest path to become a film pro by teaching all the essentials you must learn. The course has multiple sections that you must follow as you chase your dream of becoming a cinematographer. Note that most of the courses include details in mastering the art of video production, telling a story via video, and creating a unique cinematic look that grabs the attention of all.

Features

• It features six essential items you must learn
• Free month trial before subscribing to the course
• Instructions from well-experienced instructors
• The lessons are available online

9. Creating a Modern Cinematic Documentary Film

Like all the other careers, filmmaking has multiple areas, and you can specialize in your area of choice as per your taste or preference. Suppose you wish to create modern documentaries; then this program is the ultimate choice. It is a one-hour and forty-nine minutes course of fifty-two lessons under a professional documentary filmmaker. She educates you on some of the critical areas you must pay attention to and what sells one documentary more compared to others. In others words, you will learn how to become the best in the field. It covers the entire process of filmmaking, kicking off from planning, shooting, and editing. The instructor is precise and goes straight to the point without causing any confusion.

Features

• An experienced instructor with good experience for exemplary work
• It includes class projects to test your skills
• Available online for free
• Thousands of learners are taking this course
• Unlimited access to all the available resources

10. the University of East Anglia, Introduction to Screenwriting

You can now gain access to a course of screenwriting by the UEA, University of East Anglia. It is a chance for learners to explore different writing methods and what makes one film better than others. The lectures explain the main principles and details you must pay attention to when writing a script. The course is free. But you can get extra benefits by upgrading to another level using $64. It is a course run by instructors and alumni of the school who have a good reputation in creative writing. Note that anyone interested in filmmaking can settle for this course since it doesn’t require any prior knowledge in the field.

Features

• It is available 100% online
• 2-weeks course where learners need to study at least three hours
• Reliable tutors with the best experiences in the field
• There is a free and paid option