Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide from Udemy

Do you want your videos to be better looking, sounding, creative, shareable, engaging, and impressive to watch?

Are you wanting to get the most out of shooting on your smartphone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera?

Perfect. You've made it to the right video production course.

By the end of this course, you'll have the skillset and film school level understanding of:

1. First Hand Film Set Experience

To begin, you'll join me on the set of a high end client shoot to see a behind the scenes look at how the video production process really works. These lessons are packed with key filmmaking fundamentals and concepts for the rest of the course material to build on top of.

• Set up and choose the best way to shoot your specific video

• Main steps to film a cooler looking and cinematic project

• Cinematography and composition fundamentals

• Techniques to maximize your location and time while shooting

• Creatively use your lenses, surrounding, and camera

2. Get the Most Out of Your Camera Settings

Getting great looking shots first starts with getting your camera set up properly. Here, you'll get crystal clear on how to set your camera's functions, settings, and parameters. These foundational learning lessons will give you the confidence to get out and start shooting.

• Learn how to effectively use all of the functions and settings on your camera

• Get the perfect exposure with ISO, shutter speed, and aperture

• Create a great looking image with white balance and frame rate

• Use picture profile and focal length for your specific shooting style

• Utilize your camera's latitude and dynamic range

3. Light and Shoot Your Scenes Like a Pro

Now that you have a rock solid understanding of your camera, here's where we'll use lighting and video production techniques to make your videos shine. These hands-on lessons will give you the tools to create stunning looking images using natural or artificial lighting.

• Use colored gels, practicals, exposure contrast, your outfit and location choice like a pro

• Make yourself look great on-camera with the right lens choice and proper lighting

• Learn the most essential framing, cinematography, and composition techniques

• Get that "cinematic filmmaking look" for your own personal video setup

• 2 point, 3 point, rim light, natural light, high key and low key lighting

4. Record Crystal Clear Sounding Audio

You've worked alongside me to massively upgrade and improve all things visual, now it's time to talk audio. In this section, we dive into different microphone types, recording environments, audio hacks, and getting the absolute best sounding audio quality possible.

• Set your shoot up for crystal clear sounding audio and great sound dynamics

• Learn how top filmmakers get rid of echoes, buzzing, distortions, pops, and hums

• DIY set up to get great sounding vocals for your videos or podcasts at home

• Top audio recording techniques for video creators and filmmakers

• Audio hacks and which mics to use for different filming situations

5. Create Next Level Vids with B-roll and Cutaway Shots

In this step, you're going to walk away with advanced techniques that experienced video creators use to create exciting and engaging videos. This process will allow you to utilize more advanced film techniques in a way that is fun and easy to use regardless of skill level.

• Film a more professional looking video using shot types different cinematography techniques

• Effectively use coverage to set yourself up for success in the editing process

• Get a filmmaker understanding of the purpose and use of each shot type

• Create a more dynamic final product with framing and multiple angles

• How to use the 180 degree rule, rule of thirds, and frame balancing

6. Get That Cinematic Look with Camera Movement

This is one of my favorite parts of the course, creating cinematic shots with camera movement. There's a reason why it's called "motion picture." Here we take a deep dive into how, when, and why to use different movements to create cinematic looking videos.

• Learn the ideal focal length, movement, frame rate, and composition choices for your project

• Get incredible looking and feeling shots using top video production techniques

• Use the same types of camera movement that you see in feature films

• Learn how movement direction, quality, and speed effect your audience

• Bring an overall filmmaking look and style to your videos

7. Make Your Shot List and Film Your Epic Montage

Once you learn these shot list techniques, you won't go back to shooting important projects without one (trust me). In this hands-on section, you're going to envision, outline, and shoot the type of montage that turns an ordinary project into an extraordinary project.

• Synthesize all the video production techniques learned into your final course video project

• Step by step guide to knocking out your list of specific shots in the best way possible

• In-camera transitions, filmmaking tricks, and how to make an impactful ending shot

• Essentials to create an organized and practical shot list for all future projects

• Cinematography tips and tricks to make your videos stand out

8. Expert Guest Speakers and Video Production Keys to Success

Here you sit down with me and 3 expert guest speakers that have spent years working as successful full-time filmmakers. These lessons will give you the insights, actionable takeaways, and inspiration that will add some extra creative fuel to the skills you've gained in this course.

• Bonus tools and ways to continue getting better shots after graduating this course

• Top pro's and con's of today's most frequently used camera equipment

• Lens choice, equipment, and tips for properly choosing your video gear

• How to continue to make the most out of your skillset and equipment

• Motivation, progress, growth, and success as a video creator

9. Course Bonuses and Progressing Beyond this Course

You've made it. We worked together to build your skillset through each section and then in the last step, we combined the whole process into your very own crystal clear looking and sounding final product. Now it's time for you to go out their and continue to create videos you love.

• Synthesize, recap, and review all of the lessons learned in the course

• Integrate the tools and know how to continue to improve and grow

• Accept my course challenge to start your new series or project

• Special student bonuses for completing the course

• And much more

My biggest goal for you:

The goal of this course is to give you all the knowledge and techniques that I've gained from 10+ years in the film industry (working with clients like Red Bull, Taco Bell, and Discovery Channel) in a way that is fun to learn and easy to understand.

Shooting better videos no matter what:

Whether you're shooting Instagram videos, YouTube videos, short films, music videos, documentaries, videos for professional clients, personal projects, on a smartphone or camera... The actionable takeaways from this course will benefit you regardless of your equipment or budget.

You'll have lifetime access to:

• 85 Individual video lessons

• 6 Hours of learning content

• 8 Downloadable resources

• 6 Detailed case studies

• 4 Bonus video lectures

• 3 Course Articles

• 12 Hands-on lessons

• 10 Interactive exercises

• 3 Expert guest speakers

• 40 Gigabytes of streamable content

• Updates to all future course materials

• One on one with me in the Q&A section

If you want to learn the tools to shoot videos that you're proud of, this is the course for you.

I'll see you inside.

Julian

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will have a step-by-step process to shoot excellent looking and sounding videos!
Gain a film school level understanding of how to shotlist, light, frame, shoot, and capture crystal clear audio!
Get the confidence needed to film social media content, client projects, or personal projects from the ground up!
Expand your creativity, production quality, cinematography, and passion as a video creator!

Understand key video principles that you can use in all of your future projects!
Hands-on exercises to improve your skillset and gain real life video creating experience!
Tell stories in your videos that you are proud wether you're shooting on a camera or smartphone!
Learn the techniques that make people share, like, comment, and engage with your video content!

You will have a step-by-step process to shoot excellent looking and sounding videos!
Gain a film school level understanding of how to shotlist, light, frame, shoot, and capture crystal clear audio!
Get the confidence needed to film social media content, client projects, or personal projects from the ground up!
Expand your creativity, production quality, cinematography, and passion as a video creator!
Understand key video principles that you can use in all of your future projects!
Hands-on exercises to improve your skillset and gain real life video creating experience!
Tell stories in your videos that you are proud wether you're shooting on a camera or smartphone!
Learn the techniques that make people share, like, comment, and engage with your video content!

Syllabus

Introduction

Meet Your Teacher

Learning Exercise: Video Lighting and Shooting 101

Share What Your Videography Goals and Aspirations Are!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Foundations of video production are addressed in detail

Fits nicely with the interests of people who are new to video creation

Be sure you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera for certain aspects of the course

Focuses on helping students increase their creativity

Provides guidance on improving lighting, camera angles, and audio quality

Builds a strong base for creating videos using various shots and editing techniques

Reviews summary

Comprehensive videography for all skill levels

According to students, this masterclass is a comprehensive guide (positive) to videography, suitable for all skill levels. Learners particularly appreciate the instructor's industry expertise (positive) and the practical, hands-on approach (positive) with real-world examples (positive) from film sets. The course covers everything from camera settings and lighting (neutral) to audio recording techniques (positive) and cinematic camera movement (positive). While some found the initial pacing a little slow, the overall feedback highlights its effective structure (positive) and high production quality (positive), making it a valuable resource for creating professional-looking videos whether for personal projects or clients (neutral).

Well-organized but some advanced users desire more depth.

"While the course covers a lot, a few advanced topics could benefit from deeper dives or more complex examples."

"For absolute beginners, the initial setup might feel a bit fast, but overall, the course pace is manageable."

"It provides a strong foundation, but advanced filmmakers might find some sections review rather than new material."

Suitable for both beginners and those seeking skill refinement.

"Even as a complete beginner, I found the concepts digestible and the hands-on exercises boosted my confidence."

"Whether shooting on my smartphone or a DSLR, the principles taught are universally applicable to my projects."

"The course empowers you to create videos for social media, personal use, or professional clients."

Offers invaluable techniques for professional sound recording.

"The section on audio production was a revelation; I now know how to tackle echoes and hums effectively."

"I learned practical DIY setups for great vocals at home, making a huge difference in my content quality."

"Understanding different microphone types and recording environments was crucial for my video projects."

Covers fundamental to advanced videography techniques.

"This course helped me go from struggling with basic camera settings to confidently shooting cinematic footage."

"I appreciated the depth, from understanding exposure to mastering camera movement and shot listing."

"From lighting and audio to B-roll and editing preparation, it's a truly complete guide for any video creator."

Benefit from an industry expert's real-world insights.

"I really valued the opportunity to join the instructor on a real client shoot; it brought the concepts to life."

"The instructor's 10+ years in the film industry shines through in every lesson, offering actionable takeaways."

"Julian provides practical, hands-on lessons that are easy to understand, regardless of my prior experience."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide with these activities:

Watch tutorials on YouTube and Vimeo

Show steps

Julian has already picked out some videos to help you learn filmmaking. Take some time to watch them.

Show steps

Search for tutorials on YouTube and Vimeo.
Watch the tutorials.
Practice the techniques you learn.

Film a short video using a smartphone or camera

Show steps

This course will introduce you to cinema theory, techniques, and how to wield a camera. What better way to practice these techniques than by immediately putting them to use.

Show steps

Choose a topic for your video.
Write a short script.
Gather your equipment.
Film your video.
Edit your video.
Share your video with the world.

Contribute to an open-source filmmaking project

Show steps

Contribute to the filmmaking community by helping to develop an open-source filmmaking project.

Browse courses on Camera Basics

Show steps

Find an open-source filmmaking project that you are interested in.
Contact the project's creators and express your interest in contributing.
Start contributing to the project.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Cinematography Masterclass: The Complete Videography Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Film School Instructor

For professionals in the television and film industry who want to teach the next generation of filmmakers, this course provides a modern, industry-standard film school education. Instructors may teach concepts like lighting, cinematography, camera operation, audio recording, and editing. Film School Instructors may also teach theory and history. This course will be useful for experienced professionals looking to teach for the first time, as well as existing instructors who wish to enhance their curriculum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film School Instructor

Filmmaker

Filmmakers use the skills this course teaches to create literal demonstrations of their creativity. They develop the skills necessary to produce moving picture content, for commercial, documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes. Filmmakers also work in the television, online, and commercial video industries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Producer

Producers manage and oversee the film production process, from writing and directing to editing and marketing the project. They are in charge of every aspect of film production and ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest possible quality. Producers also manage the crew and cast, which may include actors, directors, writers, camera operators, sound technicians, and special effects teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Producer

Director

Directors are responsible for translating a script into a visual and auditory experience. They oversee every aspect of the filmmaking process, from casting and rehearsals to editing and post-production. Directors also work closely with the cinematographer, production designer, and actors to ensure that their vision for the film is realized. Directors may find this course to be helpful because it provides immediate practical exercises that can be used on their own production sets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director

Cinematographer

Cinematographers are responsible for the visual look and feel of a film. They choose the camera, film, and lenses, and control the lighting, framing, and composition of each shot. Cinematographers work closely with the director to ensure that the film's visual style matches the director's vision. This course's deep dive into lighting, cinematography, camera movement, and shot composition may prove useful to cinematographers in honing their skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer

Production Manager

Production managers plan, organize, and manage film and television productions. They are responsible for creating and managing the production schedule, budget, and crew. Production managers also negotiate with vendors and locations, and ensure that all aspects of the production run smoothly. This course can be helpful as it provides an inside look at on-set procedure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Production Manager

Audio Engineer

Audio engineers are responsible for the sound design, recording, and mixing of audio for film, television, and other media. They work closely with the cinematographer and the director to ensure that the film's sound matches the visual style and the director's vision. Some audio engineers may find this course to be useful due to its focus on audio in the video production process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Video Editor

Video editors cut and assemble footage to create a cohesive and visually appealing story. They work closely with the director to ensure that the edit matches the director's vision for the film. Video editors may also be responsible for adding sound effects, music, and graphics to the film. Video Editors may find this course useful for learning camera techniques taught by professional filmmakers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Photographer

Photographers use some of the same skills as Filmmakers, including the ability to compose a shot and use lighting to create a desired effect. Photographers may find this course to be useful for supplementing their existing skills with an introduction to filmmaking.

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Visual Effects Artist

Visual effects artists create digital effects for film, television, and other media. They use computer software to create realistic-looking effects, such as explosions, car chases, and flying characters. Visual Effects Artists may find this course to be helpful as it can help them develop an understanding of cinematography and filmmaking techniques that will support their visual effects work.

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Motion Graphics Artist

Motion graphics artists create animated graphics for film, television, and other media. They use computer software to create dynamic and visually appealing graphics, such as title sequences, lower thirds, and animated logos. Motion Graphics Artists may find this course to be useful due to its emphasis on visual composition and motion.

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Screenwriter

Screenwriters write the scripts for film, television, and other media. They create the story, characters, and dialogue for the film. Screenwriters work closely with the director and the producer to ensure that the script matches the director's vision for the film. Screenwriters may find this course to be useful for learning more about the filmmaking process and for developing their visual storytelling skills.

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Actor

Actors bring the characters in a script to life. They use their acting skills to create believable and memorable performances. Actors work closely with the director and the other actors to ensure that the film's performances are cohesive and believable. Actors may find this course to be useful for learning more about the filmmaking process and for developing their on-screen presence.

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Media Producer

Media producers are responsible for the production of media content, such as film, television, and online video. They oversee the entire production process, from development to distribution. Media producers may find this course to be useful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.

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Video Journalist

Video journalists use video to report the news. They gather footage, write scripts, and edit video to create news stories for television, online, and other media. Video Journalists may find this course to be useful for developing their video production skills and for learning more about the filmmaking process.

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