Best Online Courses for Video Production & Directing
There are tons of courses a person can take to learn more about producing and directing, whether that be for short form projects like music videos or comedy skits, or for longer length content such as TV shows or films. If you are looking for resources on how to get started in this space, we’ve got you!
Photo by Donald Tong from Pexels
Producing and directing certifications are available from many universities, including NYU, Los Angeles Film School, New York Film Academy, and university extension programs which offer online accredited courses. However, they often come with a rather hefty price tag, usually around the thousand-dollar mark. If you’d like to acquire new skills nowadays, there are affordable options that allow you to have the luxury of time (you can work these courses into your schedule) as well as the added bonus of not breaking the bank! The following courses are all under $20 per month, and they provide valuable insights into the world of filmmaking and video production.
1. Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography+ https://www.udemy.com/course/video-production-bootcamp/
4.5 stars with 8,000+ reviews
This course is put together for completely new video creators. While having any type of video experience will help, it’s not necessary.
Having any type of camera that shoots video (smart phones, DSLR, point and shoot, webcam) will help as they encourage you complete their practice exercises throughout the course.
Currently the course is on sale for $18.99
2. Hollywood Film School: Filmmaking and TV Directing Masterclass https://www.udemy.com/course/hollywood-film-television-video-directing-filmmaker/
4.5 stars with 1,600+ reviews
This course is for independent filmmakers, web series directors, television directors, film students, cinematographers, film producers, and anyone who wants to learn how to move the camera better to tell a story.
The course teaches when and how to move the camera to shoot the best moving master shot. It breaks down lensmanship, giving students the keys to understand all camera lenses.
Students will also learn the key components of shooting an action sequence, including fight scenes and chase scenes.
3. Video Production Masterclass: Complete Video Camera Course https://www.udemy.com/course/video-production-masterclass-complete-video-camera-course/
4.9 stars with 961 reviews, and currently the course is $14.99
Learn basic and advanced videography, including ISO, Aperture, Frame Rate, Shutter Speeds and much more.
Learn videography lighting using many different types of lights.
Learn audio recording using many devices, including lavalieres, handheld recorders, shotgun microphones, studio microphones and much more.
Materially improve the sound and lighting of your videos (for business or for personal use).
Master online video calls for interviews, business development, get more customers and more.
Create a basic or advanced studio in your house or at work.
Understand how gimbals, tripods and many more accessories work and how they can help take your video skills to the next level.
Learn to use sliders, jibs and other video tools to make your videos look more professional.
Learn how to edit videos like a pro!
4. Cinematography Basics: Understanding Filmmaking Style https://www.skillshare.com/classes/Cinematography-Basics-Understanding-Filmmaking-Style/784048048?via=browse-rating-film-production-layout-grid
Teaches the foundations for understanding filmmaking style.
Key considerations for cinematography — tactics for manipulating mood, tone, and feel
Tactical tips for creating a shot list — the key to organizing your cinematic details
Exclusive commentary narration of a real scene from the feature film Obselidia
All of these things will help you demystify the "visual language" behind film so that you can communicate your vision through your own film and photography. You'll leave empowered to experiment with effects and techniques on your next project, bringing together artistry, story, and style.
9 hands-on projects
28,000+ students have taken the course
Skillshare is free for the first month you sign up, then it’s $13.99 /month!
5. Introductory Producing (The Business of Film and Television) https://www.udemy.com/course/introductory-producing/
This course will take you through the initial steps necessary to understand and execute a proper business plan, a budget and schedule for a half hour drama, comedy or documentary. You will also be introduced to the concept of finding the underlying creative IP (Intellectual property) that any producer needs to create a project.
Or, you may want to be the line producer - responsible for the day to day running of the set. Arranging for the crew, cameras, locations, transportation, meals and the myriad of details that go into every production regardless of the size of the budget.
4.2 stars, 854 students have taken the course
Currently the course is $14.99!
6. Getting Your Film Off The Ground https://www.coursera.org/learn/film-off-ground
This course is an introduction to many of the possibilities that exist to fund your film, market it, and create an audience for it. It will give you a sense of possible options and avenues to explore and it will start you on the process of making your film dreams a reality.
The course covers the grant researching and writing process for fiction films and documentaries, strategies for developing impactful film websites, best social media practices for filmmakers, and how to approach crowdfunding and seeking investors.
Through these experiences you will be prepared to seek funding for your film and to build your own audience through digital spaces.
Free enrollment, 10,000+ students
7. Working in TV Production | Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television Masterclass https://www.masterclass.com/classes/shonda-rhimes-teaches-writing-for-television/chapters/working-in-tv-production
Shonda Rhimes teaches you her playbook for writing and creating hit television.
In this segment of the full course, Shonda talks about how a writer can best adapt to the fast-paced world of television production and the important lessons she has learned in over a decade of producing TV.
4.7 stars from students, and Shonda Rhimes’ full course includes 6+ hours of video lessons.
Masterclass is $180 per year (billed annually), which is only $15 per month.
8. Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking Masterclass https://www.masterclass.com/classes/martin-scorsese-teaches-filmmaking
Learn filmmaking from the legendary director Martin Scorsese. In 30 lessons, learn the art of film from the director of Goodfellas, The Departed, and Taxi Driver.
Topics include: discovering your process, channeling your influences, developing your style, casting and directing actors, location, production design, understanding cinematography, editing, color, and a myriad of other topics.
With a Masterclass subscription, you have access to all 150+ classes and categories, taught by experts who are the best in their fields.
Taking steps into the world of directing and producing is truly exciting, and there’s no better time to sharpen your skills than now. With the rise of online courses, even the most legendary directors can sit down to talk about their processes and give advice to those of us who want to soak it all in.
