Online Filmmaking Courses & Masterclasses: Frequently Asked Questions
Explore online film editing, cinematography, color grading, sound design, visual effects and documentary filmmaking courses taught by industry professionals
Have questions about Filmmaker U? Find answers about self-paced classes, professional instructors, choosing a course, and enrollment. Browse the topics below, then follow the links to discover the right masterclass for your goal
Getting Started
Filmmaker U is an online filmmaking education platform offering self-paced courses and masterclasses taught by accomplished film and television professionals. Explore film editing, cinematography, documentary storytelling, color grading, sound design, visual effects, and professional workflows.
The best course depends on your goals. Filmmaker U offers subject-specific masterclasses taught by working industry professionals. Explore editing with Brian Kates, ACE, documentary storytelling with Sam Pollard, or cinematography with Kirsten Johnson, ASC.
Filmmaker U offers on-demand courses you can study at your own pace. Review the individual course page for access terms, curriculum, and included materials.
Filmmaker U instructors include editor Brian Kates, ACE; documentary filmmaker Sam Pollard; cinematographer Kirsten Johnson, ASC; colorist Eric Whipp; sound designer Eugene Gearty; and visual effects supervisor Rob Legato, ASC.
Film Editing & Post-Production
Filmmaker U offers film editing masterclasses that focus on creative decision-making, pacing, storytelling, and professional editorial approaches. Explore Brian Kates, ACE, for narrative editing insights.
Study documentary editing and storytelling with filmmaker Sam Pollard. Explore how documentary editors shape footage, structure stories, and develop compelling nonfiction narratives.
Yes. Filmmaker U offers an introductory online Avid Media Composer course designed to help beginners understand core editing tools and workflows. See the course page for the current syllabus and learning materials.
Software training teaches the technical tools. Creative editing instruction explores how editors use pacing, performance, structure, and sound to tell stories. Both are valuable, and Filmmaker U offers options for each approach.
Cinematography, Color & Visual Effects
Explore documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling with Kirsten Johnson, ASC. Her masterclass offers insight into the creative decisions behind nonfiction cinematography.
Learn from professional colorist Eric Whipp through online classes exploring color, look development, and grading workflows. Choose the course that best matches your experience and interests.
Eric Whipp’s Color Grading for Efficiency course focuses on practical grading workflows. Review the course listing for current information about exercises and downloadable materials.
Filmmaker U offers a visual effects masterclass with Rob Legato, ASC, covering the creative thinking and production approaches behind major film visual effects.
Virtual production integrates digital techniques with traditional production methods. Rob Legato’s course explores visual effects and approaches relevant to modern filmmaking, including digital production concepts.
Sound Design & Career Development
Explore film sound design with Eugene Gearty, an acclaimed sound professional. His Filmmaker U course provides insights into sound storytelling and professional post-production practices.
Learn how sound choices shape mood, perspective, and storytelling, and explore how professional sound teams approach their creative work.
Yes. Filmmaker U masterclasses can help experienced filmmakers explore other departments, study creative approaches, and refine their understanding of professional workflows.
Online courses can strengthen your knowledge and creative skills. Combine training with practice, collaboration, networking, and a portfolio. Enrollment does not guarantee employment.
Enrollment & Course Selection
Course pricing varies. Visit the course catalog and individual course pages for current prices, included materials, and any available offers.
Materials vary by course and may include supplemental resources or downloadable assets. Check each course description for exactly what is included.
Start with your goal: choose introductory Avid training for software fundamentals; Brian Kates or Sam Pollard for editing and storytelling; Kirsten Johnson for cinematography; Eric Whipp for color; Eugene Gearty for sound; or Rob Legato for visual effects.
Browse the Filmmaker U course catalog, select a class, review its curriculum and price, and follow the enrollment instructions on that course page.
Learn from Film & Television Professionals
Take the next step in your filmmaking journey with flexible, self-paced online masterclasses.
