The 9+ Best Online Filmmaking Courses [in 2024]

Are you interested in learning how to create great films and videos?

Our list of the seven best online filmmaking courses contains excellent information to help you become a better filmmaker!

These courses will get you up to speed on all filmmaking-related areas, from pre-production planning tools, screenwriting techniques, cinematography tips, creative editing solutions, and sound design practices.

You’ll also be able to access valuable insider advice from instructors who have experience working in film and television productions. 

Check out these courses to improve your skills while leaning upon years of tried-and-tested expertise without enrolling in an expensive college program.

Take action on your filmmaking dreams by checking out this list of the top filmmaking courses!

The 9 Best Online Filmmaking Courses

1. Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

The Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking Masterclass is an invaluable learning experience for all aspiring filmmakers, providing deep insights into the art and craft of cinema from one of the most iconic directors in cinematic history.

Martin Scorsese brings his decades of experience to life by sharing anecdotes, stories, and footage from his films. The Masterclass offers critical lessons and insider tips from Martin Scorsese to help you become a better filmmaker and reach your creative goals.

From learning how to write powerful screenplays to exploring cinematography techniques, Martin Scorsese’s Masterclass covers all aspects of filmmaking in this comprehensive online course.

You can also check out the Masterclass options for screenwriting classes!

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2. Guerilla Filmmaking Course

Are you an indie filmmaker bursting with ideas for your next project but feeling limited by your budget and equipment? Check out “Guerilla Filmmaking” with Ryan Connolly!

You can join the founder of Film Riot on an immersive journey into envisioning, shooting, and producing films – no matter what gear or budget you have.

In this course, you’ll discover the step-by-step process of bringing your film to life from start to finish. Learn how to script, storyboard, scout locations, and cast actors. Ryan will share tips on how to work collaboratively with your crew while maintaining a professional environment on set.

You’ll also delve into doable lighting techniques with DIY structures or available light sources. And because the sound is equally important in creating a pro-level production, you’ll gain production and post-production audio skills.

This course provides the tools to create high-quality indie films showcasing your unique artistic vision! Creative Live has many quality courses that target different aspects of the filmmaking journey, making them the ultimate online film school!

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3. The Art of Filmmaking

This Art of Filmmaking course provides a comprehensive overview of the art of filmmaking and video production.

Students will learn about directing, screenwriting, scriptwriting, cinematography, visual effects, and video editing. The course covers the classic structure of a 3-act story to turn an idea into a compelling story. Students will develop scene creation skills by selecting actors, choosing shot types and camera movements, and sound design.

The course also covers the roles of various production crew members, such as producers, assistant directors, sound technicians, and costume designers. Post-production topics include editing and visual effects supervision.

Students will learn how to work with cinematographers to achieve excellence in visual quality while communicating effectively with a professional film production team.

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4. Getting Your Film off the Ground

The Getting Your Film Off the Ground Coursera filmmaking course is one of the best filmmaking courses for indie filmmakers who want to learn how to fund and market their films.

The course introduces various funding options and avenues, including grant researching and writing for fiction films and documentaries, crowdfunding, and seeking investors. Students will also learn about creating impactful film websites and the best social media practices for filmmakers.

Through these experiences, students will be prepared to seek funding for their film projects and build a digital audience. This course is a great starting point for turning film dreams into reality. Offered by Michigan State University.

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5. Cinematography Basics

If you’re interested in learning cinematography or looking to enhance your production value, the “Cinematography Basics: Understanding Filmmaking Style” course by Skillshare, taught by cinematographer Zak Mulligan is an excellent place to start.

This 30-minute course explores the fundamental concepts of cinematography and the various tools and choices that make a film look compelling and magical. You’ll learn about key considerations for cinematography, such as tactics for manipulating mood, tone, and feel, as well as tips for creating a shot list to organize cinematic details.

The exclusive “commentary” narration of a scene from the feature film Obselidia also helps you demystify the “visual language” behind film, empowering you to experiment with effects and techniques in your own projects.

Overall, this course provides an excellent foundation for understanding style and communicating your vision through your own film and photography.

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6. Visual Effects For Directors

Visual Effects for Directors by Hollywood Camera Work is an invaluable filmmaking course for indie filmmakers. In this course, aspiring directors gain the tools to achieve a professional level of visual effects through in-depth tutorials and demonstrations from experienced Hollywood professionals.

From keyframing, keying, rotoscoping, and compositing, to color correcting, green screen techniques, and 3D animations, this course provides the foundation for anyone looking to create stunning visuals for film or video marketing.

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7. Storyboarding for Film or Animation

The “Storyboarding for Film or Animation” course is an excellent resource for those interested in learning the art of drawing storyboards.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to storyboarding for film, television, or animation, covering everything from drawing characters and perspective to camera angles and shots.

With almost 2 hours of relevant and detailed material, students will learn how to make their shots and scenes flow together to create a professional standard portfolio. Overall, this course serves as a fantastic starting point for those looking to pursue a full-time career in gaming, animation, sketching, comic books, or filmmaking.

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8. Pixar In A Box

Pixar In a Box, created by Khan Academy in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, is an online resource for independent filmmakers and aspiring animators.

It offers video tutorials and interactive activities that give insight into the principles of animation, animation styles, the art of storytelling, and the technical aspects of producing animated films. The tutorials are crafted using Pixar’s own creative processes and expertise so that users can learn from the same techniques used by professional full-time animators.

In addition to tutorials, interactive exercises allow users to create their own animated scenes as part of the learning experience. With Pixar in a Box, independent filmmakers and aspiring animators can now access high-level animation knowledge at no cost!

9. Production Concept Art

Are you interested in designing stunning worlds for films and games?

Learn Squared’s Production Concept Art course can help take your concept art to the next level. Led by industry veteran Jan Urschel, this course will teach you how to build major production assets following a professional brief.

From covering architecture and design to visualization, you’ll learn to approach your concept art from a theoretical and technical standpoint.

With Jan’s guidance, you’ll even learn how to be a DOP of your own creations. Get ready to elevate your skills and create breathtaking concept art like never before!

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What are Filmmaking Courses Online?

Many options are available depending on what kind of online filmmaking courses you’re looking for.

If you want to learn the basics of filmmaking, plenty of introductory courses can give you a broad overview of the industry. These courses usually cover story structure, camera techniques, and editing.

If you’re looking for something more specific, some courses focus on certain aspects of filmmaking, like screenwriting, producing, directing, or even CGI. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of courses available to help you learn more about filmmaking.

What are the Benefits of Taking Filmmaking Courses Online?

If you’re considering taking a filmmaking course online, you’re probably wondering what the benefits are. You may wonder if they are less effective than in-person film school courses.

But, there are several benefits to taking film industry courses online. Here are just a few of them: 

You can learn at your own pace.

One of the best things about online courses is that you can learn at your own pace.

This is especially beneficial if you’re trying to fit learning new filmmaking skills into a busy schedule. You can rewatch lectures and review materials as often as you need to until you feel confident in your understanding of the material. 

You can choose from a variety of courses.

When you take film courses online, you’re not limited to the courses offered at your local college or university. Instead, you can choose from various courses different schools and filmmakers offer. This allows you to find a course that’s right for your interests and experience level. 

You have access to expert instructors.

When you take an online course, you have access to some of the leading minds in the filmmaking industry.

Many instructors offer courses through online learning platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Masterclass. They can offer their expertise to a global audience, which means you can benefit from their knowledge and experience regardless of where you live!

Final Thoughts

With the rise of accessible filmmaking equipment, editing software (including artificial intelligence editing software options!), and VFX software, there’s no better time to learn how to create beautiful films.

Whether your focus is on improving your existing technical know-how or expanding your creative vision, with any of these courses, you’ll be able to dive into an exciting world of cinematic magic.

As an indie filmmaker myself, I know how amazing it feels to see your work on the big screen after years of struggle! These courses can help you get there too.

From learning the essential framework of cinematography (as noted in this article from Studiobinder) to creating an agile production pipeline, one of these classes can get you started building your dream projects in no time.

By investing in yourself and taking advantage of one of these online filmmaking classes, you’re positioning yourself to land great jobs in filmmaking and bring your stories to life! 

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