The 10 Best Online Filmmaking Courses (2023 Reviews & Rankings)

With the best online filmmaking courses, you can become a skilled filmmaker, no matter your experience level.

From understanding the basics of filmmaking to mastering advanced techniques, there are lots of great online courses that can provide you with the tools and resources needed to make a great film — all from the comfort of your own home.

Filmmaking is an excellent way to be creative and make a living. Whether you’re creating your own independent movie or creating marketing videos for a large corporation, having the right filmmaking skills can make a big difference.

We’ve reviewed and ranked the best online filmmaking courses based on a variety of key factors, including cost, course duration, instructor credentials, curriculum quality, student reviews, and ease of use. With our top picks, you can be confident that you’re getting the highest quality education at an affordable cost.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we might get a commission if you click the link and purchase.

 

What are the Best Online Filmmaking Classes?

Here are our picks for the top filmmaking courses you can take online…

 

1. Ron Howard Teaches Directing (MasterClass)

Oscar-winning director, Ron Howard, has teamed up with MasterClass to bring you a complete guide on how to direct a true masterpiece of a film.

You will learn how to assess concepts, collaborate with performers, plan scenes, and bring your vision to the screen, whether it is a laptop or an IMAX cinema, in this powerful online course from the Oscar-winning director.

How often do you get a chance to learn from a world-renowned filmmaker? This is your chance!

By taking this course, you will be provided a full comprehensive guide on how to direct your film and make it Oscar-worthy!

A Masterclass membership comes with access to all 180+ classes with new classes added every month, and Masterclass pricing is a great value for all it offers.

Plus, right now MasterClass is running its 2-for-1 deal for a limited time only. Click here to take advantage of this offer where you can buy one MasterClass membership and get a second one free.

Our Masterclass review has more details.

Click here to try this course now.

 

2. Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking (MasterClass)

Two-Time Oscar-winner, Jodie Foster, has partnered with Masterclass to bring you this 18-lesson course on filmmaking.

Foster has some incredible knowledge and experience within the film industry, and she shares how a filmmaker not only begins to create a film but also finds their own personal style.

This course is perfect for anyone looking to go gain insight into the world of filmmaking.

You will uncover everything from finding your own voice to editing and adding music to your completed film.

This online filmmaking course can be completed on your own time and resources can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Right now MasterClass is running its 2-for-1 deal for a limited time only. Click here to take advantage of this offer where you can buy one MasterClass membership and get a second one free.

Click here to try this course now.

 

3. Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking (MasterClass)

Werner Herzog, a legend of the industry today, is here to share everything he knows about filmmaking.

Known for his uncompromising approach to filmmaking, you will learn how to be truly authentic and truthful when it comes to your work.

Throughout this course, you will learn how to complete effective storytelling, find the right locations, fund your projects, and interviewing techniques.

This course is targeted towards those with an interest in documentary filmmaking with no filter on the world.

Bring your ideas to life through this 6-hour-long course. You never know what you can learn from one of the greats!

Right now MasterClass is running its 2-for-1 deal for a limited time only. Click here to take advantage of this offer where you can buy one MasterClass membership and get a second one free.

Click here to try this course now.

 

4. Cinematography Basics: Understanding Filmmaking Style (Skillshare)

Picked up a video camera and want to learn how to make the most of it? Or in the middle of making your own film? Join Zak Mulligan as he teaches you the basic fundamentals of filmmaking. All in 30 minutes.

Throughout this class, you will learn the tactics to adapt the mood, tone, and feel of your film, and how to make a shot list.

As you come to the end of your education on Cinematography Basics, you will be tasked with creating your own shot list for a 15-second film. Allowing you to put everything you have learned into practice.

This course is the perfect place to learn how to organize your creativity and create something you can use to show to employers!

Skillshare pricing is very affordable for all it offers, and there’s even a free 30-day trial.

Our Skillshare review offers an in-depth look at all the features of the platform.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

5. Filmmaking For Content Creators: Shoot Engaging Videos On Your Own (Skillshare)

As the world of social media and marketing continues to grow, content creation is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of filmmaking. Meaning, knowing how to make cool, fun, enticing content is extremely important.

Filmmaking For Content Creators is a beginner’s course filled with tips and tricks to create incredible content. All on your own. You will graduate from this course with useful skills that are important for today’s creators but are frequently neglected in formal film education.

You will graduate from this course with useful skills that are important for today’s makers yet are sometimes neglected in formal film education.

Propel your own journey through social media by learning to make incredible video content.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

6. Low Budget Filmmaking: Tips and Tricks For An Indie Look (Skillshare)

Not everyone has the cash to invest in sets, props, actors, and everything else you need to create a professional-looking film. The ‘indie look’ has been popular within the film industry for years.

Matty Brown is a Vimeo Staff Pick winner and is ready to share his incredible tips for making an indie film on a low budget.

Making a travel video, short movie, documentary, music video, or piece of personal art? Matty’s DIY method will motivate you to think creatively and shoot with heart. Anyone can take part, even if all they have is an iPhone.

Beginners and intermediate filmmakers alike can learn something useful from this short course and advance their skills.

Click here to try Skillshare free for 30 days.

 

7. The Art of Screenwriting: The Screenplay & Amazing Stories (Udemy)

Before you begin to pick up a camera, you have to go through the screenwriting process.

This isn’t a skill that comes naturally to everyone.

The Art of Screenwriting will teach you how to develop a screenplay step-by-step by understanding every aspect of a fictional film narrative and studying industry experts.

You will analyze and dissect scenes from movies and learn why each decision was made. The professional narrative techniques used by a film writer will be taught to the students, including anticipatory indications, ellipses, and dramatic irony.

This course is designed to help a range of creatives from writers, screenwriters, videographers, content creators, and many more. Taking over 4 hours, this course is extremely comprehensive, however, the knowledge makes it worth every second!

Our Udemy pricing guide has more details on how their plans work.

Check out our Udemy review to learn more.

Click here to try this course.

 

8. Next Level Filmmaking: An Advanced Videography Course (Udemy)

Ready to take your filmmaking skills to the next level? Next Level Filmmaking is a course for those who have a good understanding of filmmaking and are ready to progress.

This course will cover how to use different camera settings for various looks; using reflections, symmetry, leading lines, and size to frame photos; and so much more.

Learn from a range of sources including instructional videos and live examples. This is where you will begin to see each theory and technique put into action before trying it out for yourself.

Allow yourself to take your skills to the next level and advance your career with Next Level Filmmaking.

Click here to try this course.

 

9. Fundamentals of DSLR Filmmaking (CreativeLive)

Are you ready to take your filmmaking skills up a notch?

Jeff Medford and Ross Hockrow have combined their expertise for an online course that will help you become the master of high-quality web commercials, event films, and more.

You’ll gain invaluable insight into what equipment works best in every situation as well as learn essential tips on when to use each angle during live shoots.

Plus get access to engaging video tutorials on how it all comes together in post-production!

Get ready – this comprehensive guide is a surefire way to start producing professional content like never before.

Click here to try this course today.

 

10. Getting Your Film Off The Ground (Coursera)

This course serves as an introduction to many of the options available for financing, marketing, and audience development for your film.

It will set you on the path to turning your aspirations of making a film into reality and give you an idea of potential possibilities and areas to investigate.

Over the course of 5 weeks, you will learn how to find the right funding for you to turn your film idea into a full project. From applying for grants to finding investors, you will begin to understand and utilize the methods of funding available for creative projects.

Coursera’s pricing model lets you audit classes for free, but if you want to get a certificate for completing the course, you’ll need to pay a fee.

Our Coursera Plus review has more details about their plans.

Check out this course to start making your film today.

 

A Final Word on the Best Online Filmmaking Courses

Much like any creative industry, breaking in and finding your feet in filmmaking can sometimes be extremely difficult.

But with these online filmmaking classes, you can take the first step towards achieving your goals and building a successful career.

These courses offer you the tools and techniques to hone your craft, become familiar with industry standards, give you a foundation to work from, and most importantly, inject some confidence into the process. With the right courses and some consistent practice, you can learn filmmaking on your own time and be well on your way to producing great films. So take a look at the courses we’ve listed here, read the reviews, check out their sample lessons, and pick the one that best fits you.

Have any questions about our guide to the best filmmaking courses online? Comment below to let us know.