Screenwriting

A screenplay is the foundation of most successful films. We demystify story structure and explain how it’s relevant to both narrative and documentary projects. Expect to learn about western dramatic structure, “the hero’s journey” and character archetypes, how to construct and pace tension, how to balance action and dialogue, and much more.

Directing

We equip filmmakers to direct their projects with proficiency, confidence, and tact. The director is the captain of the ship; it’s your vision that steers the film’s cinematography, performances, and more. The director is the leader, and you must know how to think creatively and communicate clearly. We’ll teach you how to navigate these waters.

Cinematography

Like screenwriting, cinematography requires an acute awareness of language. In our cinematography module, you’ll study the works of the masters while developing a visual vocabulary all your own. Explore three of the main components of cinematography – lighting, movement, and composition – and dive deep into shot types, shot continuity, and more.

Sound Design

The aural experience is 50% of a film, influencing an audience’s perception of its production value, and by extension, its quality. We discuss topics including microphone choice, sample rates, and space acoustics. We also explore editing and mixing questions of audio synchronization and processing effects like compression,  and more.