10 Best Filmmaking MasterClass Courses for Storytellers
Do you aspire to be a filmmaker? Or a screenwriter? If you do not have the accessibility to an academic program, then this is the perfect article for you. Get to know about the amazing filmmaking masterclasses that can enrich you with movie-making knowledge. These courses cover a lot and are worth taking if you’re serious about the film industry.
There are many ways to learn filmmaking. You can find online classes on Udemy, Coursera, and Masterclass. You can check out the best filmmaking courses on Udemy and if you are passionate about screenwriting, then check out these courses. These platforms provide a range of topics in the world of cinema.
MasterClass has become one of the most popular forms of virtual learning since its launch in 2014.
Filmmaking Masterclass Courses
ICYMI, MasterClass is an online subscription-based learning platform that offers courses on a variety of subjects like Sports, Business, Music, and of course, Film. But here’s the catch: every MasterClass is taught by an industry veteran in that particular discipline. This masterclass review highlights that it is one of the best ways to learn from the best filmmakers around.
With that in mind, it would be any aspiring filmmaker’s dream to learn from the person who made their favorite movie. With Filmmaking Masterclass courses, that dream becomes closer to reality. These courses are highly praised in masterclass review articles for their depth and engagement.
Also, the annual membership for the masterclass class starts from $120. Once you have subscribed you can have unlimited access. This includes unlimited access to a wide range of topics across different fields.
With all these options out there, here are the best courses online to get you started.
1. James Cameron Teaches Filmmaking
James Cameron is a popular director and filmmaker known for directing some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood history. Well, if you are quite serious about a career in filmmaking, watching James Cameron and studying his filmmaking techniques would be the way to kickstart.
James Cameron’s Titanic and Avatar have been two of the highest-grossing films ever until only recently being toppled by Avengers: Endgame. Cameron’s work also incorporates groundbreaking techniques that have marked the history of cinema.
James Cameron is most notably known for incorporating highly advanced and innovative technologies in his filmmaking process. This is how he made the VFX of Terminator: Judgement Day look better than any other movie around that time. This course also breaks down scenes to show the nuts and bolts of filmmaking.
James Cameron’s masterclass offers the following:
- Identifying the correct ideas.
- How to use authenticity in developing a story.
- Creating attention-grabbing scenes.
- Preparing for low-budget shoots. This course offered insights into making movies on a budget.
- Scene breakdowns from some of his most popular movies.
- Properly introducing a character.
- The thought process behind developing Avatar’s groundbreaking technology.
- How to lead as a director.
Pros:
- Very useful for those trying to understand how Cameron became a pioneer in using innovative technologies for a film.
- Explains how to create great protagonists.
- Very good advice for shooting on a budget.
Cons:
- Some of the lessons may be familiar to students.
- Heavy focus on scene breakdowns might stop some from learning new concepts.
At a little over three hours, this masterclass is worth checking out for anyone looking to understand how one of the most successful Hollywood directors approaches filmmaking. The course also covers a lot in terms of content, providing the inspiration you need.
The insights gained into creating set pieces and using new ways to make films will be of value to all aspiring directors.
2. David Lynch Teaches Creativity and Film
David Lynch is an American filmmaker whose most notable work includes Twin Peaks, Dune, and Mulholland Drive.
Before starting his journey in Hollywood, David Lynch had experience in directing short films. He also studied painting and is a creative person all around with interests and work in the fields of music as well as acting.
David Lynch was nominated for an Oscar three times in the Best Director category. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Academy Honorary Award. Lynch’s work has had a significant impact on the new Hollywood era.
In this masterclass, students can learn a broad overview of the creative side of making movies from unique ideas. This course offered by Lynch covers a lot and is easy to follow.
Here is what students can learn from this course:
- Increasing your creativity.
- Generating new ideas and discovering your process.
- Start writing without the constraints of a traditional process.
- Gaining inspiration from other filmmakers.
- Casting the right actors for the role.
- Working with actors to get the best performance.
- Working on the art of “Show-don’t-tell” using production design and storyboards.
- Cinematography. Using his work as an example.
- Using sound to enhance the film, including voice-over techniques.
- Keeping your creativity focused.
Pros:
- Focuses on creativity and film through online learning.
- Targeted towards those who are interested in learning the style of David Lynch’s work.
Cons:
- Some of the topics can get too abstract at times.
This is a quick course that lasts about three hours. New filmmakers can use this to start educating themselves before moving on to the longer, more detailed filmmaking masterclasses. The course is minutes long but packed with insights provided by Martin Scorsese throughout the course.
3. Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
Martin Scorsese is arguably one of the most well-known and exceptional film directors out there. It is common knowledge that his movies are always highly successful in both critics and audience reviews, they also make for very strong awards contenders.
Recently, his movie The Irishman was released in theatres as well as on Netflix. Some of Martin Scorsese’s other hits are The Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, The Departed, etc. Martin also provides the inspiration behind these films in his masterclass.
This course teaches aspiring filmmakers a little bit about all branches of filmmaking. The modules of the course include :
- Martin Scorsese’s background and early life.
- Importance of classic cinema.
- The value of every shot.
- Finding one’s filmmaking process, also known as discovering your process.
- Discovering your influences and channeling them effectively.
- How style affects one’s movie.
- Technical aspects of directing.
- Reading a script as a director.
- Working with actors.
- Efficient location scouting.
- The importance of production design.
- Costume design in a film.
- Cinematography and the importance of a DP.
- Working on low-budget films.
- Managing relationships with a crew.
- The editing process.
- Use of color in a film.
- Using sound to create atmosphere.
- Methods to promote a film.
- Case studies from Martin Scorsese’s previous work.
Pros:
- Highly valuable information throughout the masterclass.
- Very helpful examples to explain different concepts.
- Teaches one how to make a short film, inspired by techniques used by Stanley Kubrick.
- Gives you access to film courses and video lessons by industry experts.
- Highly valuable information throughout the masterclass.
- Very helpful examples to explain different concepts.
- Teaches one how to make a short film.
Cons:
- Virtually none, it is one of the best masterclasses out there.
A masterclass that provides such an exhaustive list of course modules is sufficient for any aspiring filmmaker to pick up a camera and start their filmmaking journey.
4. Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking
Jodie Foster is primarily known as an actor for her roles in movies like Silence of the Lambs, Panic Room, Taxi Driver, etc.
She won the 2021 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for The Mauritanian. In recent years, Jodie Foster has taken up directing as well. She has directed an episode of Black Mirror, the movie Money Monster, and Little Man Tate, among other titles.
Jodie Foster’s masterclass course for filmmaking offers the following:
- Using your identity to produce authentic films.
- Learning how to generate ideas and use them as tools for a film.
- Creating a movie from a story.
- A conversation with screenwriter Scott Frank who works with her on a draft of a screenplay.
- Preparing the schedule for a film.
- Casting actors.
- Getting the best performance out of actors.
- Using different shots when shooting your films.
- Assembling a scene in the editing room.
- Using music in a film.
Pros:
- Well-planned course.
- Helpful lessons on storyboarding and generating ideas.
- Offers a glimpse into the collaboration process.
Cons:
- Might be less detailed than Martin Scorsese’s masterclass.
Jodie Foster’s experience in front of the screen and behind the screen is why this masterclass course is so important, especially for filmmakers who also want to start on some of their projects.
5. Ron Howard Teaches Directing
Ron Howard is an Oscar-winning director but also excels in making highly commercial blockbuster movies.
He has directed the very popular formula one racing movie Rush. Ron Howard was also behind the Star Wars prequel Solo, which is supposed to give audiences an origin story for the very popular character named Han Solo.
Ron Howard most recently worked on a Netflix movie called Hillbilly Elegy, which provided the inspiration for many budding filmmakers.
The previous classes were focused on filmmaking as a whole, this one more closely deals with directing movies. It might be interesting to those keen on stepping up their directing skills.
In this masterclass, Ron Howard will teach students:
- The importance of a director to the story.
- Understanding a story to improve its direction.
- Editing a script to make it camera-ready.
- Collaborating with a team to make the best version of a film.
- The role of the cinematographer.
- Using colors in production design, as Stanley Kubrick often did.
- Working with the right actor.
- Develop an editing style.
- Add depth to a film using music.
Pros:
- Good lessons to explain the subject of cinematography.
- Get to see how Ron Howard directs a movie.
- Helpful case studies.
Cons:
- Might not be for those less interested and enthused about directing.
This masterclass will help all directors find their philosophy when it comes to directing. The class is also a taste for filmmakers interested in other areas of the subject to check if the direction is something they would be interested in pursuing.
6. Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking
Werner Herzog is a German filmmaker who is associated with the New wave of german cinema. He has a very unique style of filmmaking where the protagonists aspire to achieve impossible and unrealistic goals in life.
He is also a screenwriter, actor, director, and opera director. He has a very strong impact on the world of filmmaking and is popular for filming without storyboarding. His acclaimed works in the field of cinema have brought him many titles and awards.
Truffaut once called him “the most important film director alive”. He has been stated as the director who “has never created a single film that is compromised, shameful, made for pragmatic reasons, or uninteresting. Even his failures are spectacular.”
Werner aspires to teach students the following, channeling influences from his vast experience:
- The art of storytelling.
- Scriptwriting.
- How to finance beginning films.
- How to work with multiple cameras.
- Managing actors and the set.
- Sound designing and editing.
- Documentary filmmaking.
- Career aspects of a filmmaker.
Pros:
- Great class to cover the complete aspects of filmmaking and documentary making, provided the inspiration by Werner Herzog’s extensive portfolio.
- Multiple and inclusive syllabi.
Cons:
- Not for beginners.
- You have to have some prior practical knowledge of filmmaking.
This is an informative masterclass that can be among the first priorities of any aspiring filmmaker. As one starts gaining minor knowledge in the field of filmmaking, this course can enhance their level and approaches.
7. Spike Lee Teaches Independent Filmmaking
Spike Lee is a renowned, highly acclaimed film director, producer, screenwriter, and professor. He has made several films that have won prestigious awards including Academy Award, BAFTA, and Emmy.
His production company has made more than 35 films since 1983. Lee’s films have critically fought against the improper notions of inequality, racism, and colorism. His films are a subject of study and he himself is studied as the source of such important and aesthetically excellent films, much like Stanley Kubrick’s work is analyzed for its depth and impact.
In his masterclass, Spike Lee covers the various aspects of independent filmmaking and the problems faced by independent filmmakers.
The masterclass includes the following:
- Scriptwriting.
- Storytelling elements.
- Financing independent films.
- Sound and video editing.
- Sequences of a film.
- How to adapt screenplays.
- Case studies base on his own films.
Pros:
- Lessons learned from a pro himself.
- Covers the most important aspects of independent filmmaking.
Cons:
- One needs to have a basic knowledge of filmmaking and its aspects.
- Practical knowledge in filmmaking is also required.
Learn from the expert and enhance your knowledge. This masterclass has rich content that can help aspiring filmmakers to a large extent.
8. Mira Nair Teaches Independent Filmmaking
Mira Nair is an award-winning director. She is of Indian- American origin and has made several noteworthy films. Her film Monsoon Wedding has received enormous appreciation from international film cultures.
Mira Nair specializes in films that have a glance of Indian society and its deep-rooted cultures and prejudices in a contemporary scenario. She has also made several documentaries in her career.
Mira Nair teaches independent filmmaking in a masterclass that covers some important aspects of independent filmmaking focusing mainly on the filmmaking process. In this course, you will discover your process and techniques that work best for you.
The course covers the following:
- Finding the story.
- Stretching the budget.
- Casting the actors.
- Directing.
- Various stages of rehearsal and pre-production.
- Storyboarding.
- Coordinating with the cinematographer.
- Importance of sound and music.
Pros:
- Learn from the expert.
- Special case study.
- Focus on the filmmaking aspect.
Cons:
- Needs prior filmmaking experience.
Mira Nair is among the popular names in international cinema. You must not leave a chance to let go of such a course that can have a huge impact on your filmmaking career.
9. Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking
Ken Burns is a widely popular American filmmaker and documentarian. His documentaries have achieved the hour of many prestigious awards and titles. He specifies using archival footage and photographs in his documentary films.
His most popular documentaries involve Brooklyn Bridge, The Statue Of Liberty, The Civil War, and The Vietnam War. He has a unique style of filming that makes him special and different from other documentarians. His techniques are often compared to the legendary Stanley Kubrick for their meticulous detail and impactful storytelling.
In this masterclass, he teaches the art of documentary filmmaking and its various aspects. You will learn the following:
- Documentary storytelling.
- Treatments, pitching, and funding.
- Documentary narrative.
- Sourcing archival materials.
- Shaping and building characters.
- Scriptwriting for the documentary.
- Visual storytelling.
- How to conduct interviews.
- Editing.
- Sound design.
- Promotion.
Pros:
- The course contains a detailed structure of documentary filmmaking.
- Learn from the expert.
Cons:
- There is no such disadvantage of the course.
Documentary making is one of the most challenging types of filmmaking as one needs to deal with real circumstances who are not obliged to listen to the director. A masterclass on this subject can sure help one learn valuable lessons.
10. Judd Apatow Teaches Comedy Writing
Comedy filmmaking has always been in the scene of motion pictures. In this first-of-its-kind masterclass, Judd Apatow preaches the art of incorporating comedy into your film. The comedy genre specifically remains one of the most enjoyed, however, difficult to portray.
In this informative and excitingly curated masterclass, popular comedian, Judd Apatow teaches comedy in films. To get you confident about him; he is the creator behind all the humor-filled films such as 40-year-old Virgin, Knocked Up, Bridesmaid, and Freeks and Greek.
Under the comprehensive masterclass, you will learn:
- How to set the script of a stand-up comedy act
- Developing life into the story
- Crafting comedic storylines
- Structuring film
- Writing the first draft
- Character building
- Television Writing
- Directing, shooting, and producing comedy storylines
- Incorporating music into comedy
- Editing and testing in films
Pros
- learn comedy genre to the core
- Learn from case studies and the experts
Cons
- There are no such cons of this masterclass.
If you are aspiring enough to delve into the vast world of filmmaking, knowing the comedy genre and how to successfully incorporate it into your storylines is as essential as water.
Who are some of the instructors in filmmaking MasterClass courses?
MasterClass offers courses from filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, and Spike Lee, who share their expertise on storytelling and directing.
What topics are covered in these filmmaking courses?
These courses cover a range of topics, including directing, screenwriting, editing, and the art of storytelling from concept to final production.
Are these MasterClass courses suitable for beginners?
Yes, the courses are designed for all levels, with instructors breaking down complex filmmaking techniques for both beginners and advanced learners.
Do these courses include practical exercises?
Yes, many courses provide practical exercises, downloadable resources, and assignments that allow students to apply what they’ve learned to their filmmaking projects.
Final thoughts
While exploring these masterclasses, you’ll find that Marting also provides a variety of courses to help you hone your craft. Whether you are drawn to documentary, comedy, or independent filmmaking, there’s something for everyone.
While these might be the masterclasses to get you started, the platform also has a lot more to offer. Some of these honorable mentions are: Creating Outside the Lines with Issa Rae, Writing for Television with Shonda Rhimes, and filmmaking techniques by Stanley Kubrick.
Given this abundance of choices and a yearly subscription plan, anyone keen on becoming a filmmaker can hone their skills through these masterclasses. Marting also provides a range of courses tailored to different aspects of the industry.
