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Get Your Students Ready to Shoot on Location

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We partnered with the powerhouse Location Managers from Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Transformers 2, Top Gun 2, Spiderman: Homecoming, and Grey’s Anatomy to give your students professional guidance on finding, managing, and shooting on location.

Check out a free preview of from “Working with Location Owners”

And as with all FilmSkills Academic lessons, the new location lessons come complete with test questions, fully illustrated companion text, and downloadable contracts and forms students can use on their own productions.

Lesson 1

Scouting Locations

Locations play a critical role in every film production, and in this lessons, students  will learn how to properly break down the script, scout locations, work on cold scouts, how to assess the technical feasibility of a location, and it’s local industry support. (19:13)

This lesson covers:

  • How to break down a script
  • How to properly generate a list of locations
  • How to scout locations
  • Available resources to help you location scout
  • How to conduct a cold scout
  • How to assess the technical requirements of the location

Lesson 2

Working with Film Commissions

Each state has a film commission tasked with attracting motion picture production to that state. In this lesson, students learn the services offered by a film commission, how to use their services to find the best location for your movie, liaise with local industry, and what hidden pricing traps.(24:53)

This lesson covers:

  • What a film commission does
  • How to use their location libraries
  • How to use their scouting services
  • Limitations of a film commission’s services
  • How a film commission can help you liaise with local industry and local government
  • How your budget affects the services they offer
  • How to find a film commission

Lesson 3

Working with Location Owners

Approaching and asking a location owner to use his or her property for your film shoot can be a daunting task. In this module, you will not only learn how to approach a location owner, but which contracts and forms are needed, proper protocol, how to deal with problems and how to help a location owner prepare himself for the whirlwind that is the production process. (34:47)
 
  • How to approach a location owner about using his or her property for your shoot
  • How to establish your credibility
  • How to speak and present your case to a location owner
  • The necessary contracts and agreements to protect yourself legally
  • How to conduct a walk through
  • How to deal with problems if the location owner decides to pull out at the last minute
  • The location release form and its importance

Lesson 4

Film Permits

In most major cities, filmmakers are required to obtain a permit to be able to shoot on both public and private property.  This lesson will guide students through the permitting process, when one is required, how to get one, the costs involved, and common traps associated with free permits.

(22:58)

  • What are permits
  • When is a permit required
  • Shooting guerilla without a permit
  • The difference between shooting on public and private property
  • Free permits and their hidden costs
  • How to use a permit on location

Lesson 5

Community Relations

No one makes a movie in a vacuum – every day a shoot will invariably affect someone, whether it’s one neighbor or an entire community. In this lesson, students will learn how their film shoot affects the public, how to work with local officials, how to notify residents, how to leave a positive impact on the community when they’re finished shooting, and a general code of conduct for crews when shooting on location. (25:00)
 
  • How to secure permission from the neighbors in the community in which you’re shooting
  • The public impact of a film shoot
  • How to work with the police
  • How to shoot in a public venue
  • How to deal with disruptive people when shooting in public
  • The proper code of conduct for motion picture crews when shooting on location

All New On-Set Audio Lessons

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Announcing a massive update to our already comprehensive on-set audio recording series. Engaging video tutorials feature Academy Award and Emmy winning filmmakers who methodically reveal industry best practices and techniques for recording high quality audio on set.

Lesson 1

The Physics of Sound

Before students can learn how to record sound, they need to understand how sound works. This lesson covers the the sound wave, how it can be measured and ultimately, how it is manipulated and captured to create emotion through story. (26:01)

This lesson covers:

  • What is sound
  • The sound wave
  • Frequency and amplitude
  • The human hear and its limitations
  • Measuring loudness

Lesson 2

How Microphones Work

Microphones are incredible devices that convert sound energy into electrical energy and can do so in different ways.  In this lesson, we explore how microphones capture sound, how that sound is converted into energy, and the strengths and weaknesses of each microphone type. (23:52)

This lesson covers:

  • How microphones work
  • How a dynamic microphone works
  • How a condenser microphone works
  • How a ribbon microphone works
  • What is the signal-to-noise ratio
  • What is sensitivity and how is it measured
  • What is the maximum sound pressure level
  • What is frequency response

Lesson 3

Microphone Pick-Up Patterns

In this lesson, learn about the important classification- the microphone’s pick-up pattern.  The pick-up pattern is the shape of the zone around the microphone in which it picks up sound the best.  If the sound-generating source is in the zone, the sound will be full and robust, but as the source leaves the zone, the sound becomes more distant or muddy. Learn about omnidirectional, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-of-8, multipattern mics, and much more. (19:09)
 
  • How pick-up patterns work
  • Omnidirectional mics
  • Cardioid mics
  • Hypercardioid mics
  • Shotgun mics
  • Figure of 8 mics
  • Multi-pattern mics
  • How to choose the best pick-up pattern for your shoot

Lesson 4

Audio Pre-Production

Recording on-set audio begins long before the cameras – or the sound recording devices – roll. By preparing the script, determining the proper crew size and creating a list of the required equipment, you’ll be prepared to capture strong audio every time. In this module, you will learn proper audio pre-production for your project.
(24:50)
 
  • How to break down the script
  • What to look for in each scene and how to determine the sound recording requirements
  • How to conduct a location scout
  • What problematic sounds to look for
  • How to deal with ambient sounds and reverb on location
  • How to work with a rental facility
  • How to track audio equipment

Lesson 5

Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier mics are small condenser microphones that can be worn on the body or hidden on set.  In this lesson,  we’ll show you how to get the most out of your lavalier microphones and how to deal with common problems. Learn various types of lavalier microphones, which mic to choose in different settings, how best to use lavalier microphones, and their limitations.
 
  • How lavalier microphones work
  • Whether to choose a transparent or a proximity lav
  • The difference between wired and wireless lavaliers
  • How to rig both exposed and hidden lavaliers both on set and on actors
  • How to avoid common problems with fabric rubbing against the mic and which fabrics can cause interference
  • Issues with wireless systems and how to avoid problems
  • Issues with multipath interference and how to avoid it

Lesson 6

The Microphone Boom

The boom mic is one of the most common tools used to properly position the microphone on set to record the highest-quality audio  In this lesson, you will learn how to choose the proper boom pole, the various types of shock mounts and wind reduction tools, how to combat wind noise, and how to get the best microphone boom pole for your money. Recording excellent audio begins with having the right tools. (19:08)
 
  • The types of boom poles available
  • The types of shock mounts and how they work
  • How to mount a microphone in a shock mount
  • The ideal microphone pick-up pattern to use on a boom pole
  • The types of wind reduction tools and how to use them including
    • Wind screens
    • Fuzzies
    • Zeppelins and dead cats
  • Techniques for monitoring audio

Lesson 7

Boom Operating Techniques

At first glance, the boom mic seems to be fairly simple and straightforward to operate. In actuality, however, it is a tricky skill that balances the ideal mic placement with the movements of the operator.  In this lesson, we examine the proper technique for using a boom pole to record on-set audio.

  • The various positions for a boom mic
  • How to properly place the microphone
  • Boom operating etiquette
  • How to deal with shadows and reflections
  • Communications techniques with the camera operator
  • What not to do on set

Lesson 8

Location Recording Techniques

Recording location sound is a challenging process – you need to contend with wind, traffic noise, and compete against the general ambience of the location to record clean dialogue. The decisions you make on set can either make the post-production process easy or add tens of thousands of dollars to your budget trying to fix problems that could have been avoided. In this lesson, learn how to properly prepare for a shoot – the type of gear you’ll need, how to conduct a location scout, and tips for minimizing location noise. (28:17)

  • How to control microphone perspective
  • How to conduct a sound check and set the levels
  • Techniques for monitoring audio
  • How to record multiple actors
  • What to do if there’s “no sound” in the scene
  • The importance of room tone and how to record it
  • How to fight the “fix-it-in-post” mentality

Lesson 9

Recording the Audio

Once the microphone picks-up sound, it is then encoded into either an analog or digital signal, then recorded to a device.  With advancements in technology, the quality of the recorded signal can be virtually indistinguishable from the original sound.  In this module, we explore how sound is recorded and encoded. (37:58)

  • The difference between an analog and digital signal
  • How to set proper audio levels
  • What is the noise floor and how it can adversely affect your audio
  • What is the sample rate and bit depth of a digital signal
  • What is auto gain
  • How compressors and limiters work
  • What happens when audio peaks
  • What is the dynamic range of the recorded sound and recording medium
  • How to determine the gain structure in your audio device chain
  • How bars and tone work

Lesson 10

Audio Configurations

Audio can be recorded many ways – directly into the camera, through a mixer, and/or to a separate recording device.  In this module, you will learn common techniques for recording sound, how to manage line/mic level inputs, work with dumb and smart slates, and work with timecode. (20:00)

  • The differences between single and dual system recording
  • Recording configuration techniques
  • How to work with Line/Mic level inputs
  • Working with dumb and smart slates
  • Working with Timecode

Lesson 11

Cables and Adapters

It’s so easy to focus on the specifications and quality of both the microphone and the recording device that you forget about the cables that connect them. Cables, although seemingly the least interesting equipment can make or break your shoot.  In this module, we’re going to look at the types of cables, and connectors, when to use them, and how to care for them. (21:16)

  • The various cable types
  • The difference between male and female connections
  • Adapters and which ones to use
  • How to adapt cables for DSLR cameras
  • Cable care
  • How to work with breakaways

All New Directing Lessons

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We are proud to announce the all new Directors Craft lessons. Designed to help students understand the director’s role in visual storytelling, the seven updated lessons combine interviews with Hollywood directors, on-set tutorials, and methodical step-by-step approach to the director’s process. 

Lesson 1

A Director's Prep -Beginning a Project

In this lesson, students learn how to begin a new production as a director, how to break down the script for theme, character, and plot, set-up the workspace, and identify the tone of the story. Working Hollywood directors reveal their process of preparing for the first day on set.

This lesson covers:

  • How to set up your workspace
  • How to read a script for the first time
  • How to perform a director’s breakdown
  • How to break down the script for story
  • How to break down the script for character
  • How to find the tone of the story

Lesson 2

Basic Coverage

Students learn the basic template for shooting the action in a scene – the master shot, individual coverage, inserts and cat-in-the-window shots. Then professional filmmakers reveal techniques to vary shot size to increase coverage, how to break the coverage template, plan for the edit, and ensure you get the coverage you need. (21:43)

This lesson covers:

  • How to prepare for the edit when determining coverage
  • How to frame and shoot a master shot
  • How to approach close-ups
  • Working with insert shots
  • Shooting cat-in-the-window shots

Lesson 3

Advanced Coverage

Students will learn advanced coverage techniques from working Hollywood directors. This lesson reveals how to craft a single-shot “oner,” how to create a psychological impact for each shot, design compelling establishing shots, manipulate the pacing and rhythm of a scene, determine the opening visual, and enhance transitions from one scene to the next.
 
  • How to vary your coverage beyond the typical master/coverage model
  • How to properly shoot a oner
  • How to determine the opening visual of a scene
  • How to determine the proper pacing and rhythm
  • How to mind the transitions from one scene to the next to keep up the pacing of the story
  • How to work within the restrictions of the schedule and budget

Lesson 4

Blocking Actors on Set

In this lesson,  students learn how to effectively block actors on set for a convincing performance, all while balancing the technical needs and restrictions of the set, what story cues to look for, how to develop emotionally-driven blocking, and how to work with the actors to get the best performance possible.
 
  • How to determine why the actor moves
  • How to determine where the actor moves
  • How to determine when the actor moves
  • How to determine how the actor moves
  • Macroblocking vs. microblocking
  • How to block depth in the frame
  • How to use floor plans

Lesson 5

Storyboards and Pre-Visualization

Students learn how to use storyboards to plan their scene coverage, how to use pre-visualization software, know how detailed storyboards should be, creative restrictions to be aware of, how to create storyboards even if you can’t draw, and when to use animatics.
 
  • What are storyboards
  • How to work with a storyboard artist
  • How to draw effective storyboards
  • How to use pre-visualization software
  • When to use animatics
  • How animatics and storyboards can be used in the editing room

Lesson 6

Creating a Shotlist

Students will learn how to create a shot list, location requirements, how to decide your shots, the elements in a shot list, how the shot lists are used to schedule and budget a film, and to prepare for days when you go over schedule or over budget.
 
  • What is a shot list?
  • How are the elements that make up a shot list?
  • How the crew uses the shot list when scheduling and budget the production

Lesson 7

Continuity and Script Notes

A movie set is a machine with hundreds of moving parts – each department focusing on their contribution, each individual creating his piece of the story, all while the director helps manage it all.  Sitting beside the director is the script supervisor, whose systematic and careful attention to all these moving parts helps ensure continuity.  In this lesson, students learn the process of tracking continuity and how to create script notes used to ensure the hundreds of individual filmed shots work together as one, fluid story.

On-Set Lighting Demos

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Emmy-winning cinematographer Jason Tomaric goes on set to block, light, and shoot 8 sample scenes, methodically walking students through every step of how to achieve professional cinematic results. Whereas previous FilmSkills lessons focus on the tools, this series applies that knowledge to practical, real-world settings. In this comprehensive series, students learn a variety of skills and techniques.

  • How to choose the lens, plan the camera movement, and set the frame
  • How to identify exposure and color problems
  • How to gel windows to balance brightness of sunlight with production lights
  • How to effectively use white balance and color temperatures to achieve the desired color palette
  • How to shoot a night scene while producing a clean, solid image
  • How to use a waveform monitor and false color
  • How to use a light meter to determine contrast
Play Video

Interior Counter Top - Daytime

Students learn how to address exposure issues when shooting on location with windows, how to gel windows, balance exposure, and create natural, motivated lighting.

Kitchen Table - Nighttime

Students learn how to shoot dialogue scene between two people at night, on location. Covering both his and her shots, this tutorial guides students through the blocking, composition, and lighting decisions behind creating a cinematic night scene.

Interior Bathroom - Daytime

Shooting in a small, confined space like a bathroom creates a range of production challenges, which we systematically address in this engaging tutorial. From a simple bathroom to a dramatic shot, students learn how to achieve the desired look on set.

Interior Bedroom - Daytime

Students learn how to create a sculpted light in a bedroom interior during the day. In this lesson, students learn how to balance exposure between the subject and outside sunlight, all while creating a cinematic look.

Living Room - Morning

In this on-location tutorial, students learn how to create a morning light on a nighttime set. From working with haze and creating volumetric light, students learn to block and light for a cinematic look.

Kitchen Table - Daytime

One of the most common scenes in a student production is the interior dialogue scene. Students learn how to address exposure issues when shooting on location with windows, how to gel windows, balance exposure, and create natural, motivated lighting.

Bedroom Dialogue - Nighttime

In this tutorial, students learn to shoot a realistic night scene that achieves the desired emotional tone, all while producing a clean, noise-free image.

Living Room - Nighttime

In this lesson, students learn how to light and shoot a scene with practical light fixtures, how to enhance the light so it is motivated, and how to bring the outside into the latitude of the camera

Brand New Core Lighting Curriculum

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Announcing all new lighting lessons, which visually guide students through lighting tools and techniques. We partnered with LEDGO to produce an intensive, on-set series that demonstrates key lighting tools in visually-engaging video tutorials.

Lesson 1

Techniques to Reduce Light

The all-new video tutorial methodically guides students through the tools and techniques used to reduce light on your subject. This lesson covers:

  • Working with wire scrims
  • Working with dimmers
  • Remotable Wi-Fi dimming options
  • Solids, cutters, and floppies
  • Creating negative fill
  • Lensers and Courtesies
  • Protecting fabric scrims
  • Scrim and C-stand rigging safety
  • Neutral Density gel on windows

Lesson 2

How to Create Soft Light

In this in-depth tutorial, students learn how to create soft light using a variety of techniques:
 
  • How to control the size of a light source
  • Using Fresnels to craft the spread of light
  • Controlling wraparound
  • Working with diffusion on barn doors
  • Working with soft boxes and Chimeras
  • Skinning 4x4s
  • Working with 6×6 overheads
  • How to control spill from soft light sources
  • Real world demo

Lesson 3

Techniques to Shape Light

Creating light is easy – the art of lighting is in how the light is shaped. In this lesson, students experience industry-standard techniques to shape light to create the desired look. 
 
  • The power of shadows
  • Creating internal vs external shadows
  • Benefits and drawbacks of bard doors
  • Working with black wrap
  • Egg crates and louvres
  • Flags and solids
  • Creating gobos
  • Working with a cucoloris and brancholoris
  • Building duvatyne skirts

Lesson 4

Working with Reflected and Bounced Light

While the previous lessons teach direct lighting techniques, this lesson shows students techniques on how to work with bounced and reflected light.
 
  • Factoring in the Inverse Square Law
  • Foam core and bead board
  • Collapsable reflectors
  • Shiny boards
  • Physics of reflected light
  • Bouncing light off ceiling
  • Working with overheads
  • Shaping hair lights
  • Working with mirrors

Lesson 5

Color Temperatures and White Balance

The all-new video tutorial introduced students to color theory, how color is rendered on screen, and how common light sources appear on screen. This lesson covers:
 
  • Defining how a camrea sees white
  • The Kelvin scale – origins and how it’s used
  • How the imaging sensor sees color
  • Measuring light sources with a spectrometer
  • White balancing techniques
  • How to cheat white balance

Lesson 6

Working with Mixed Light

From gelling lights to working with variable-color temperature LEDs, students learn how to color balance lights on set to achieve the desired look. This lesson covers:
 
  • How to use gels to color correct light sources
  • Light loss calculations through gels
  • Working with LEDs
  • Working with sunlight
  • How to gel windows

Lesson 7

How to Light and Shoot Green Screen

The all-new video tutorial methodically guides students through the process of lighting, exposing, and recording green screen footage.  This lesson covers:
 
  • When to choose green or blue
  • Differences between chromakey and digital blue/green
  • Shooting in a studio vs on location
  • How to light green screen (space lights, cyc lights, LED, Kino-Flo, book lights)
  • How the bit depth and compression affect a key
  • Capturing in LOG vs REC709
  • How to expose actors
  • How to reduce spill and create a cleaner key

All New Grip and Rigging Lessons

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Many of you have contacted us requesting more grip and rigging lessons. Since these are difficult practices to teach online, we partnered with Matthews Studio Equipment to produce an extensive series on grip gear and rigging techniques. Students are introduced to each piece of grip equipment – from stands and clamps to complex rigs – how to properly rig them, and on-set safety protocols.

Lesson 1

Grip and Rigging: Clamps

We unload the grip truck for students and  show them how to use common clamps used on film sets, including mafers, cardellinis, C-clamps, furniture clamps, playtpus clamps, scissor clamps, gaffer grip, and how to use each clamp safety.

Lesson 2

Grip and Rigging: Rigging Hardware and Techniques

Students learn how to safely use grid and pipe clamps, lollipops, offset arms, wall plates, double and triple headers, grip heads, wall spreaders, Mattpoles, putty knife, and chain vice grips.

Lesson 3

Grip and Rigging: Stands

From baby and combo stands, to hi-his and low boys, students learn how to safety use industry-standard stands on set.

Lesson 4

Grip and Rigging: C-Stands

Students learn how to properly use a variety of C-stands, including turtle base, spring loaded, as well as rigging options for grip heads and arms.

Lesson 5

Grip and Rigging: Grip Support

Students learn how to properly use sandbags, apple boxes, taco carts, and furni pads on set.

25 All New Screenwriting Lessons

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I’m excited to announce the release of our all-new 25 lesson screenwriting series, where we tapped into the knowledge and experience of Academy Award and Emmy-winning filmmakers to guide you through the entire screenwriting process.

Lessons: 25 core lessons, averaging 20 minutes per lesson

Total Video Length: 8 hours

Learn from the Best

STEVE SKROVAN
Emmy-Winning Executive Producer
Two-time Emmy winner, Steve is the Executive Producer on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “‘Til Death,” and “School of Rock,” and produced the Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee, “An Unreasonable Man.”

ALEXA AMIN
Studio Executive
Alexa is the former Vice President of Development at Sony Pictures Animation and Vice President of Production at New Regency Productions.

ANNE MARIE GILLEN
Producer
Anne Marie served as COO of Morgan Freeman’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, and is the producer of Oscar nominated “Fried Green Tomatoes.”

ANDREW DAVIS
Director
Andy is best known for directing Harrison Ford in the Oscar nominated, “The Fugitive.” He has also directed numerous feature FilmSkills, including “Under Siege,” “Above the Law” (both starring Steven Segal), “Code of Silence,” “Holes,” “The Package” and “The Guardian.”

WAYNE FITTERMAN
Head of Production at William Morris-Endeavor
Wayne Fitterman leads the WME’s Production Department, one the top five most powerful talent agencies in the world. His clients have included, Oscar-winning cinematographers, production designers, producers, and actors.

EDWARD RICOURT
Screenwriter
Edward has received screenwriting credit for “Now You See Me,” “Jessica Jones,” “Now You See Me 2,” and “Wayward Pines”

CHRIS HUNTLEY
Academy Award Winner
Chris Huntley won the Academy Award for his groundbreaking story structure software DRAMATICA.

KEN DANCYGER
Screenwriter
Ken Dancyger is the author or co-author of seven books on screenwriting, directing, film editing and production. Ken is past Chair of Undergraduate Film and Television, TISCH School of the Arts, New York University, where he is a Full Professor.

RICKY MARGOLIS
Investor
Ricky serves as the Vice President of Future Films, LLC. The Future Film Group is a major financier and producer in the media sector having raised over $2bn in finance and having been involved in over 200 films and TV shows.

NEIL LANDAU
Screenwriter
Neil has penned screenplays for “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” Melrose Place,” Doogie Howser, M.D.” “Tad: The Explorer,””The Magnificent Seven,” and “Undressed”

GUY GALLO
Screenwriter
Guy has penned the screenplays for “Under the Volcano,” “American Playhouse,” and “Takes from the Darkside”

Lesson 1

Beginning the Writing Process

Congratulations!  You’re ready to start writing your movie script, but where do you start?  Before we jump into developing characters and discussing story structure, you need to prepare your tools and set-up a space to work. In this lesson, we will share some tips and tricks to helping you prepare to write your screenplay.

Lesson 2

Working with a Writing Partner

Writers rarely approach a new script alone, but working with a writing partner can introduce its own challenges.  In this lesson, we will show you tips and techniques for finding and establishing a good relationship with a writing partner.

Lesson 3

Finding Story Ideas & Inspiration

It takes a long time to make a movie, and the pressure to find an idea that you are willing to work on for years is high.  In this lesson, the writers behind dozens of TV shows and movies, including Everybody Loves Raymond and Now You See It, plus studio executives, top Hollywood agents, and the Academy Award-winning Christ Huntley who defined the Hollywood story structure teach you how to find inspiration and develop your idea.

Lesson 4

Developing a Marketable Idea

As a creative people, we’re flooded by interesting ideas for movies all the time. But are those ideas marketable? Will an audience want to see them?

Movie making is one of the most expensive and time-consuming art forms, and before you embark on months, even years of work, it’s wise to research the potential audience for your movie.  In this lesson, I partnered with Emmy and Academy Award-winning writers, studio executives, and screenwriting professors to reveal dozens of tips and tricks to determining the market for your story concept.

Lesson 5

Story Formats

Stories can be told in a number of different ways, and in this lesson, we’re going to look at how a story is structured in feature and short films, animation, commercials, documentaries, music videos, and corporate videos

Lesson 6

The 7 Plot types

Every story that has every been told, is being told, and will ever be told can be distilled into one of seven basic story lines. And every story is a variation of one of these plot types. In this lesson, we will explore each of these 7 plot types and how you can adapt them to your story.

Lesson 7

The Implication of Genre

Genre is the style that wraps around your plot structure. Each genre comes with its own story conventions,  guidelines for the protagonist, scope of the antagonist, and plot structures. In this lesson, we look at the range of genres and how they impact your story and your ability to market your production.

Lesson 8

Three Act Structure

In this module, we’ll show you how to use the three act structure to properly pace your story, what should occur in each act, the length of each act, what happens at the beginning, middle and end of each act, and how to apply these techniques to your story.

Lesson 9

A-Story and Subplots

If you were to describe a movie in a few sentences, you would probably give me a great summary of the main plot of the story- “Raiders of the Lost Arc is about an archaeologist who goes in search of the Arc of the Covenant.” Or “Twilight” is about girl torn between two men – a vampire and a werewolf.” In both of these examples, you would be correct – but what you told me was what is part of what’s called the “A” plot, or the main storyline of the movie. Movies can also include several smaller stories called subplots, which help reveal character, push the story forward and ultimately support the A-plot. In this module, we’re going to look at how to effectively write both the A-plot and the subplots.

Lesson 10

Techniques to Improve Story Pacing

A good screenplay takes the audience on an emotional roller coaster, and one of the challenges facing each writer is how to keep the audience engaged through each and every minute of the story. In this module, learn literary techniques for maintaining strong pacing – especially through the second act.

Lesson 11

Techniques to Engage the Audience

Story pacing is critical to keep your audience engaged and interested in your movie. In this lesson, we’re going to reveal top literary tools you can use in your screenplay to keep people visually, emotionally, and psychologically engaged in your story.

Lesson 12

The Protagonist

As you’re writing your screenplay, the most important character to write is the protagonist. But you have several choices – is he also the main character? Does the protagonist change or remain steadfast? How do you write a character the audience will care about? How can flaws help the protagonsit solve the story problem?

Knowing the answers to these question will help you craft a compelling character, so in this module, we’re going to explore techniques for writing a strong, multi-dimensional protagonist.

Lesson 13

The Antagonist

The antagonist has been classically referred to as the bad guy, the villain, or the adversary. But more properly defined, he, she or it is the literary opposite of the protagonist – the character who opposes the goals of the protagonist. In this module, we’re going to explore techniques for writing a strong antagonist, how to make him, her or it a real, multidimensional character.

Lesson 14

Conflict Types

Conflict in a story is everything – it defines the very purpose of the protagonist. We can divide the types of conflict into one of several categories – each category helping to define the antagonist’s role in the story. They are man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. society, man vs. nature and man vs. the supernatural. So in this module, we’re going to explore these various types of conflict and how you can use them to craft a compelling antagonist.

Lesson 15

Supporting Characters

A movie is populated with dozens of other characters – many of whom have an influence on the protagonist and the antagonist. These supporting characters either help or hinder, compliment or compete with our protagonist and antagonist. They add vibrancy and excitement to the story, all while serving as a valuable literary tool for you as you write the screenplay. In this module, we’re going to explore the function of supporting characters.

Lesson 16

Character Archetypes

All characters can be broken down into eight different archtypes – now these are the basic ingredients of creating a character, so of course you can mix and match them to create more complex, unique characters.  But every supporting character fulfills one of more of these roles.  The eight archtypes are the protagonist and the antagonist, Reason, Emotion, The Sidekick, The Skeptic, the Guardian and the Contagonist. So, in this module, we’re going to explore the six archetypes that make up supporting characters.

Lesson 17

Designing Personality and Building Backstory

The act of writing is much more than simply creating characters – it’s about writing real people with real fears, ambitions, strengths and weaknesses. But although you need to be able to create real, believable people, every choice you make when creating them needs to support the story. Who they are helps them confront the plot, learn more about themselves and ultimately succeed or fail. Their background gives them the tools and experienced they need to confront the conflict, and most importantly, their tragic flaw gives their story a personal arc. So, in this module, we’re going to discuss how to create personality and backstory.

Lesson 18

How to Write Natural Dialogue

One of producers’ biggest criticisms of a script is the weak, cliche dialogue. Learn how to make your script stand out with tight, engaging dialogue from working Hollywood experts. Emmy-winning Executive Producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Steve Skrovan, Writer/Producer Mike Emanuel, Writer John Anderson, Writer/Script Doctor David Freeman and Emmy-winning Director Jason Tomaric share valuable insight into avoiding cliches and writing tight dialogue.

Lesson 19

Title, Theme, and Log Lines

The title, theme, and log line are often the first exposure audience, producers, and agents may have to your story. But as a writing tool, they help you develop the plot thread and the heart of your story. In this lesson, we’re going to explore techniques for crafting a compelling title, developing a theme, and honing the log line to your screenplay.

Lesson 20

How to Write a Treatment and Ouline

The treatment and outline for a movie is literally the backbone of the story, and the quality of your work in this phase can either make or break your script. Learn how to write an effective treatment and outline and simplify the process of writing the first draft. Working Hollywood writers teach you how to get the most out of this valuable writing tool.

Lesson 21

How to Format a Screenplay

Learn how to properly write and format the first draft of your script. This module is a complete guide that walks you through every step of how to format a screenplay.

Lesson 22

How to Write the First Draft

Now that your treatment and outline are complete, you can now start writing the first draft of the script. This process is when you take each story beat and develop the action and dialogue of each scene. It’s a tedious process, and one that can be frustrating, but we will give you tips on how to make the first draft the best it can possibly be.

Lesson 23

Improve Your Rewrites

Once the first draft of your script is ready, the real work begins. Learn what to look for in the rewriting process, how to identify problem areas that may adversely affect the story and how to get the most out of each plot, character and line of dialogue. Emmy-winning Executive Producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Steve Skrovan, Writer/Producer Mike Emanuel, Writer John Anderson, Writer/Script Doctor David Freeman, Emmy-winning Director Jason Tomaric and Jerrol LeBaron, president of the script brokerage site, inktip.com share industry tips and techniques on how to effectively rewrite your script.

Lesson 24

How to Market Your Screenplay

You’ve finished the script, now what? Working Hollywood writers and producers take you through the process of finding an agent or manager. Should you approach a producer instead? How do you deal with the studio Hollywood Reader? How do you cope with rejection? This module takes you through the intricacies of the Hollywood system and how to manage it.

Lesson 25

Your Screenplay and the Real World

Congratulations! Your screenplay is finished… or is it?  When you sell or option your screenplay, agents, managers, and producers will often ask for multiple rewrites. In this lesson, we’ll show you how to manage feedback, how to protect your screenplay, grow your network, and improve your skills.

New for 2020 – The All New Student Account

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2019 was a big year, with an expansive update and enhancement to the instructor interface.  With a new year, we are proud to announce the same update to the student experience. With an all-new home page, in-person classes and online courses that now match the instructor view, plus dozens of new learning tools, FilmSkills Academic is better than ever.

All New Home Page

The updated student home page has been updated for an easier, more organized learning experience.

  • New Global Announcements let instructors post messages to all students in your school.
  • Certifications are now listed on the home page.
  • Class and Course Overviews tell student what they need to know for the day, including upcoming tests, projects, and assignments.

 

 

In-Person Redesign

Engineered with the same thoughtful design as the instructor’s Class Manager, the new design improves learning outcomes.  

  • Redesigned Test Tool improves testing and assessment with a redesigned test taking pop-up, test preparation page, and test results.
  • New messaging tool incorporates direct messaging with the instructor, classroom discussion forums, and one-way instructor announcements.
  • Lessons are now embedded in the class. Unlike the previous build on which lessons opened in a new page, we incorporated the lessons into the class for a more intuitive learning path.
  • New Projects Section makes it easy for students to access, practice, and upload completed assignments.

Online Course Redesign

The all new online course update makes it easier for students to access their lessons, tests, and projects.

  • New Direct Message to the instructor – Students can easily reach out to you with questions or feedback.
  •  Integrated lessons improve the learning pathway, allowing students to view lessons without leaving the course.

New Certification Dashboard

We added a new section to help students manage their certification programs, requirements, and certificates. 

  • New home page display lists all certification programs in which the student is enrolled.
  • Certification Manager outlines the requirements and status of each assigned certification.

New Platform Updates

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We are excited to announce the biggest update to the FilmSkills platform ever! As a film educator, film commission, or production company, FilmSkills is much more than industry-leading content.  Our dynamic platform lets you build your own online film training program by mixing and matching multimedia content lessons to craft customized learning paths for your students.

Packed with learning management tools including certification, processing credit cards, content authoring and sharing tools, and complete site-branding, FilmSkills has gotten even better.  Here’s a look at some of our updates scheduled to be released July, 2019.

New Page Interface

Enhanced tables add advanced search, sorting, and nested content for faster navigation.

Quick Navigation Menus

Quickly access any key functions with all new quick menus and group actions.
 

New Reports and Analytics

Get up to date reports of your students’ activities with the redesigned class and course managers. 

New Test Manager

The all new Test Question library lets you write your own questions to mix and match with FilmSkills’ 5000 question library, and share them with colleagues. 
Explore all the New Features

New Lesson: Prepping the Camera

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Getting prepped for a shoot is the first step in making sure your production goes smoothly. We met up with Drew Lauer, cinematographer and owner of Hollywood Special Ops. Drew has worked on over a hundred TV shows, and specializes in slow motion cinematography.  In this comprehensive tutorial, he takes you through his process of prepping the camera package before each shoot.

You will learn:

  • What gear to go over
  • How to configure the camera settings
  • How to calibrate the lenses
  • How to test media cards
  • Camera prep workflow
  • How to avoid costly issues on set
This lesson is available in:
 
Watch the Preview

Need help? Contact us at info@filmskills.com or 323-886-FILM

We provide a real-world education of motion picture and television production through a series of easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive videos, workbooks and resources. By partnering with industry leaders in the creative and technological fields, we strive to teach real, cutting edge techniques to filmmakers around the globe. 

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