Frequently Asked Questions

What is Film School Online?

Film School Online is a lecture based video series and online resource to teach aspiring filmmakers, students and even working professionals how modern film production works and how to realistically participate in the process, regardless of your current experience, location or means.

How does it compare to a traditional film school?

Film school online is obviously going to be a very different experience than attending a traditional brick and mortar film school. On the one hand, you will not have a group of fellow filmmaking students to work with. Now, if you've met some of those students, you might realize that may not necessarily be a bad thing! However, you also will avoid spending a lot of time working on things that won't further your film career in any meaningful sense. Film history and criticism are nice and all, but they won't help you block a scene or be able to package talent.

The biggest difference I think is that the Film School Online lecture series will give you information that most of the students graduating from even the elite schools won't get during their education. And that information is seeing, understanding and breaking down the working reality of modern film production from development to distribution.

How does it work?

There are ten video based lectures which run between 1.5 to 2 hours each, broken up into three series: Film Finance and Distribution, Theatrical Film Production and Post Production And Delivery.  These are the same lectures that I give live, with the same information and at the same general cost. You may see a selection of samples here. The student has the option of buying each individual series separately, or they can order the complete series for a discount.

The lectures are available as a digital download which you can watch directly on your computer or you may order a traditional DVD of the exact same material. There is however, the added expense of manufacturing and shipping the DVDs. There is a complete series bundle availble where you can order both versions which affords fairly significant savings, plus you'll get some great free stuff too.

Do you offer a degree or certificate?

No. I have toyed with the idea, but I just don't feel right offering one. Having a certificate or a degree from a filmmaking course makes someone a filmmaker about as much as a hat from Long John Silver's makes you a pirate. Now, don't take that wrong! It doesn't mean that I won't though and I know some people just like having a memento of their efforts or something to frame up. If I get enough requests, I will create a nice looking certificate for the courses.

How much does it cost?

I've purposely priced the lessons very reasonably, as I want aspiring filmmakers to be afforded the greatest opportunity to get this information. Lessons start as low as $50 each for the download version if you buy all three at once and the prices go up slightly from there if you want a physical DVD. The information is exactly the same however regardless of the version, and if you're cost conscious or on a tight budget, the downloads are most definitely the way to go.

Why should I choose Film School Online?

Simply put, I believe that the Film School Online video lecture series is the most complete, in-depth and thorough examination of professional filmmaking available anywhere at any price. Based on nearly 20 years of professional working experience and 4 years of teaching film production and editing, I can honestly say that even if you've graduated from one of the top film schools, there is material in these lectures that they didn't tell you at school and you'll kick yourself for not knowing. I can say this, because I've had countless film school graduates come to me after a seminar or lecture and tell me just that. 

You don't even have to take my word for it. The best part of the whole Film School Online experinece is that, if you don't like the lectures or you just think I'm completely full of beans, you can return them and get your money back. Just see if they'll let you pull that little "get your money back" trick at the big film schools! The thing of it is, I know that as soon as you sit down and watch even  just one lesson, you'll immediately recognize that you're getting solid, realistic, experience based information.

What will I learn?

Well, if you take all three series, you will learn exactly what it takes to develop, finance, produce, finish and deliver a theatrical motion picture. Literally every step, in detail, with plain language explanations based on real world experience. I'll show you how the big players do it and how to participate as a filmmaker at the highest levels in the industry all the way down to the filmmaker with no budget, no access and a dream. I'll show you the proper skills to utilize at any level to ensure that, regardless of where you are now, you will grow both professionally and creatively as you implement these professional filmmaking skills. 

Ultimately, I want the only barrier to your success as a filmmaker to be how well you can resonate with and affect an audience. I'll give you the tools to make a film that will be competitive with anything out there from the craft and technical standpoints. You ultimately have to win the audience and be a good storyteller.

Do I need a filmmaking experience?

Nope. Though I will say that having a rough familiarity with the filmmaking process will help you understand some of the concepts I lecture about a little quicker. If you're really stuck, shoot me an email, I'll do my best to help you understand, plus I will be continually writing articles in the filmmaking tips section to help students further their learning and knowledgebase.

How can I pay?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, Paypal or you can even pay with a Check. Payment is fast, secure and easy and you can literally be watching your first lesson in a matter of minutes.

What do I need to participate?

First, I'll need your attention during the lectures. After that, you'll need a story you want to tell, plus the drive, determination, time and practice. How you choose to develop your project will largely depend on your personal circumstances and comfort level, but I'll show you how to realistically play the game at any level. I'll give you enough tools that, if you're the kind of personality that really grasps the material, are pretty good with deal making and can muster the courage to put yourself out there, you could literally be producing and making films with A-list talent within the next few months.

Do you teach low / mid / big budget filmmaking?

Yes. I'll show you how the film manufacturing process works at all levels and I will show you how to scale and adapt those fundamental filmmaking skills regardless of where you are or what you have on hand.

Are there further lessons or resources for students?

I am always writing more and more articles and filmmaking tips that are free on the website. Plus, you are always welcome to send me an email if you have a question. I'll always do my best to answer them in a timely fashion. But, please don't bombard me with a million insignificant questions. If it's something that is readily answered by watching the videos, checking the articles or doing a simple Google search, I probably won't be so motivated to respond. Filmmaking is a lifetime of learning, I'll give you an incredible foundation to work from, but you ultimately have the responsiblity to pick up the torch and run with it.

Do you really include free editing software? Is it any good?

Yes. It's called Lightworks and it's actually pretty bad ass. Thank them though, I only found it for you and delivered it on their behalf.

Do you really include free screenwriting software? Is it any good?

Yes. It's called Page2Stage and it works pretty well. I actually use Final Draft myself, but if you're on the cheap, this software will do the job and it's a bit more robust than using a Word template or something like that.

Can I really learn to make films from a website?

That largely depends on you. I'll give you everything I give my students during a live lecture. Some people will readily absorb and adapt this information, others may struggle with leaning this way. Regardless of whether you attend a brick and mortar film school, try to learn through trial and error or use an online resource such as Film School Online, you will always have the ultimate responsiblity of putting the information into action and gauging the results. No one is going to make your film for you!

Your question not answered? You can reach me here.