GETTING STARTED WITH OUR FILMMAKING COURSE

You don’t need any prior knowledge. You don’t need any top-of-the-line filmmaking equipment, and you certainly don’t need to live in Hollywood! All you need is an internet connection, a camera with video capabilities, a computer with video editing software, and a passion to learn. We’ll provide the rest, including The following modules can be accessed.

INTRODUCTION

Discover the Lights Online Film School community and your new online learning environment. We lay out our expectations and explain how everything works to ensure you start off on the right foot. As a part of your orientation, we also frame subsequent modules with a discussion of filmmaking basics, beginning with an examination of two classic films.

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, mood, and more. As the director, you are 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 the three main components of cinematography – lighting, movement, and composition – and dive deep into shot types, shot continuity, color theory, and more.

EDITING

Learn the art and science of post-production. You’ll cover the paper edit, NLE software, file ingest, rough cuts, titling, color correction, and a vast range of editing theories and techniques, including project file organization and non-destructive editing. This module prepares you to “shoot for the edit” as you begin to brainstorm the production of your own short film.

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, equalization, noise reduction, and more.

PROGRESS TRACKING

Track your progress as you work through our online course at your own pace. Most students finish the course in 3-6 months, but only one year from the date of enrollment.

It’s easy to pick up where you left off when you log in with progress tracking. We will mail you a personalized 810 course completion certificate when you complete the course.

STUDENT HUB

You can enroll in our course from anywhere in the world. The Student HUB is the heart of our community, a place for us to connect regardless of geographic location. Here, you’ll be able to personalize your account – add a profile picture, your location, links to your websites, your film-related interests, and more.

You will make friends with students and teachers from all over the map as you progress through the course. Comment on friends posts, send private messages, and post updates about your film projects. You will be able to find members by their location. You may be able to work with a Lights Film School student in your area.

LAB CHATS & ONLINE THEATRE

Our teachers lead live two-to-three hour lectures. They are a great way to get to know your classmates and learn more about the modules. We offer 20 hours of lab chats at different times each month, so you will be able to attend even if you live in a different time zone.

Independent films can be screened at our Online Theatre. We screen a film once a month as a group and break it down into smaller pieces, drawing on everything we have learned from the course materials so far.

ONE-ON-ONE GRADING CENTER

As you work through the course, You will complete a series of assignments and make a short film. One of our teachers will review your work and provide critical, in-depth coverage to help you improve and grow your abilities as a filmmaker along the way.

You will have access to other students’ assignments and reviews. If you want to learn from their successes and mistakes, identify peers with whom you would like to work. The Grading Center is an open place for constructive feedback.

MEDIA LIBRARIES

You will have access to a script library, video library, stock music library, and sound effects library as a Lights Film School student. The cost of these resources is more than the course fee. We are committed to improving the production standards of your films.

INTERACTIVE EXERCISES

Our innovative Mirror Program provides studio-grade audio and video files for you to download and work with as you practice the concepts covered in your lessons. In the Sound Design module, you can use the audio files we provide to create a soundscape according to our step-by-step instructions. You will grow in confidence and ability when you work side-by-side with us.

You might be asked to do other types of homework, such as studying a feature film or writing a script.