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 access to the following six modules:

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. Students have one year from the date of enrollment to complete the course, but most finish in 3- 6 months.

Progress tracking lets you see where you are in your learning, making it easy to pick up where you left off next time you login. When you complete the course, we’ll mail you a personalized 8×10 course completion certificate!

STUDENT HUB

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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.

As you progress through the course, you’ll make friends with students and teachers from all over the map. Post updates about your film projects, comment on friends’ posts, and send private messages. You’ll also be able to search for members by their geographic location. You might even be able to collaborate with a Lights Film School student living in your area!

LAB CHATS & ONLINE THEATRE

Tune into our Lab Chats, live two-to-three hour lectures led by our teachers. They’re a great way to meet your fellow classmates and dive deeper into the subjects covered in the modules. In total, we offer 20 hours of Lab Chats scheduled at different times each month, so you’ll be able to attend regardless of what timezone you live in.

Our Online Theatre is a venue for screenings of independent films. We screen a film once a month as a group and break it down together, drawing on everything we’ve learned from the course materials so far.

ONE-ON-ONE GRADING CENTER

As you work through the course, you’ll complete a series of assignments, culminating in your very own 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’ll also have access to other students’ assignments and reviews. Identify peers with whom you might like to work and learn from both their successes and mistakes. Ultimately, the Grading Center is an open forum for constructive feedback and collective learning.

MEDIA LIBRARIES

As a Lights Film School student, you’ll have access to a script library, video tutorial library, stock music library, and sound effects library. The cost of these resources alone is more than the course’s enrollment fee. We include them as a part of our commitment to improving the production standards of your indie 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. For example, in the Sound Design module, you’ll use the audio files we provide to create and sweeten a soundscape according to our step-by-step instructions. By working virtually with us side-by-side, you’ll grow in confidence and ability.

Some lessons involve other types of “homework” – you might be asked to study a feature film we’ve handpicked, or break down a screenplay from our screenplay library.