Are Online Filmmaking Courses Worth It?

Guess the answer to this question depends on whether or not you think ANY filmmaking courses are worth it. Looking at the ‘great masters’, your guess is as good as mine – Scorsese is a film school child while Spielberg is self-trained.

While many of us may dream of going to film schools, for most it is neither affordable nor practical to achieve – some of the world’s best film schools require an investment the size of law or medical school (both of which, by the way, have a far higher chance of immediately guaranteeing a six figure salary to help clear those student loans off your balance sheet…).  There is of course that ‘middle-road’ alternative of an intensive short-term workshop or filmmaking course, that won’t set you back as much as film school – but still will cost a few bucks.

If you do feel that you can benefit from some good, comprehensive classes to get yourself launched into your desired field, it could indeed be a good idea to consider online filmmaking courses.

By carefully researching your alternatives, you will soon discover that you do not have to sign up for some random site where some random guy you have never heard of is teaching all kinds of trivia – you can take online classes at some of the world’s most reputable film institutions, such as NYU. Always ask who the teachers are, and Google them. Research is key, all the way through, to ensure you get good value.

Look at whether your online source for classes offer audio lectures (can be great), and if they do certificate courses (hey, you may want something to show for your efforts). Always ask if you can see some sample lectures – a solid online teaching source will always have some material to show you, and if they have a course outline mapping out each class, lecture or section.

Ask what different plans they offer – for example, say you take a course in screenwriting and then want to add on a course in producing, how can they work with you to make that happen without overlap or time/money being wasted. 

Last, but not least, it is worth noting that online film courses can never entirely replace the practical and hands on experience of actual training. While you can take an online class in screenwriting, and immediately and on your own immerse yourself in your writing – the same may not be true of directing, cinematography or editing, for these you may need more of an anchored experience.

But for whatever area of film you are interested in, online filmmaking courses can of course be a clever way to start, to get your excitement and your knowledge flowing. It can be a way to encourage yourself to take that next big step, a way to gain some confidence.

Good luck!