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Paul Bright

This is an all-encompassing guide for making an independent feature length movie. By the end of this course you will have the information you need to successfully make a feature film that you can distribute around the globe to be seen by possibly millions of people. 

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This is an all-encompassing guide for making an independent feature length movie. By the end of this course you will have the information you need to successfully make a feature film that you can distribute around the globe to be seen by possibly millions of people. 

I'm sharing with you my experience as a veteran screeenwriter, director, producer and editor of 11 feature films. Normally film students pay a lot of money to learn this information at universities, and often all they really learn is cinema theory. 

These videos tell you what you need to do and how to do it to make your movie. 

This course covers:

  • the basics of screenwriting

  • turning your screenplay into a shooting script

  • organizing and scheduling your film shoot

  • tips on saving money

  • calculating your budget

  • fundraising

  • contracts you'll need with cast and crew*

  • basic tips for filming, lighting and recording audio

  • basic film editing instruction and concepts, along with tips to make the editing easier

  • tips for finishing the film to give it the professional look

  • thorough review of distribution options for your movie

  • and tons and tons of details about all the steps in between

The videos include lectures, demonstrations and examples illustrating the information I'm sharing. 

This course also includes sample spreadsheets, contracts, and a list of additional resources. You will get all the forms and resources I use to make a movie.

A special bonus video (Lecture 53) is included on filming with Covid-19 Safety Precautions. During the global pandemic it is possible to continue making films safely. The 24 minute video explains the basics of how filming adapts to safety precautions and how we can keep everyone healthy on our indie film productions.

I LOVE filmmaking. I LIVE to make movies. If you have a story you want to tell, this course gives you the tools to do it. 

*I'm not a lawyer. These sample contracts are not legal advice.

Enroll now

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops both the theoretical and practical core skills needed to make an independent feature film
Taught by someone who has extensive experience as a screenwriter, director, producer, and editor of feature films
Provides opportunities to collaborate on real-world film projects
Offers a comprehensive overview of the filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production
Covers a wide range of filmmaking topics, including storytelling, cinematography, and sound design

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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 Filmmaking: Write, Direct and Distribute Your Feature Film with these activities:
Practice writing daily logs
Develop the habit of recording daily logs to improve planning, communication, and documentation skills.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Set up a system for logging your activities and observations
  • Make it a habit to record daily logs, even if it's just a few notes
  • Review your logs regularly to identify patterns and areas for improvement
Volunteer on a film or video production
Contribute to the filmmaking process and learn from experienced professionals by volunteering your time.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Identify film or video productions in your area
  • Reach out to the production team and offer your assistance
  • Show up on set and be prepared to help out in any way you can
Follow tutorials on camera angles, lighting, and sound recording
Enhance your technical skills by following video tutorials and practicing different techniques.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Identify specific areas where you want to improve your skills
  • Find and follow video tutorials that cover those areas
  • Practice the techniques you learn in your own projects
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review 'Film Directing: Shot by Shot' by Steven D. Katz
Gain insights into film directing techniques and visual storytelling by reading this book.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts
  • Summarize the main ideas and principles discussed in the book
  • Apply the concepts you learned to your own filmmaking projects
Write a short film script
Craft a short film script to put your learnings into practice and reinforce the skills learned.
Browse courses on Screenwriting
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and develop a story idea
  • Outline the plot, characters, and setting
  • Write a first draft of the script, following industry-standard formatting
  • Review and revise your script for clarity, flow, and dialogue
  • Get feedback on your script from peers or mentors
Attend a screenwriting or filmmaking workshop
Gain practical knowledge and network with industry professionals by attending workshops tailored to your interests.
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Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops that align with your goals
  • Attend the workshops and actively participate in discussions and exercises
  • Connect with other attendees and industry professionals
Create a guide to screenwriting and film editing techniques and terms
Create a guide that summarizes screenwriting and film editing techniques and terms to improve your understanding as well as to use as a reference.
Browse courses on Screenwriting
Show steps
  • Review your notes, assignments, and course materials
  • Organize your findings by category and topic
  • Summarise the most important points from each category and topic
  • Compile your summaries into a written document, such as a Word document, Google Doc, or PDF
Start a short film production
Gain hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking by starting your own short film project.
Browse courses on Filmmaking
Show steps
  • Develop a compelling script
  • Assemble a team of talented individuals
  • Secure funding and resources
  • Execute all phases of production, including pre-production, production, and post-production

Career center

Learners who complete Filmmaking: Write, Direct and Distribute Your Feature Film will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Film Director
This course provides a well-rounded overview of the filmmaking process, from writing and directing to distributing a feature-length film. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to turn your vision into a reality. The course covers all aspects of filmmaking, including budgeting, scheduling, and working with cast and crew, giving you a solid foundation for a successful career as a Film Director.
Screenwriter
This comprehensive course provides you with the tools and techniques you need to write a compelling screenplay. The course covers the basics of screenwriting, turning your screenplay into a shooting script, and organizing and scheduling your film shoot, giving you a solid foundation for a successful career as a Screenwriter.
Film Producer
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the film production process, from development to distribution. By completing this course, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to produce a successful film, including budgeting, scheduling, and working with cast and crew. The course also covers fundraising and distribution options, giving you a solid foundation for a successful career as a Film Producer.
Film Editor
This course provides a solid foundation in the art and technique of film editing. The course covers basic film editing instruction and concepts, along with tips to make the editing easier. By completing this course, you will gain the skills necessary to edit a film to give it a professional look and feel, opening doors to a successful career as a Film Editor.
Cinematographer
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the art and technique of cinematography. The course covers basic tips for filming, lighting, and recording audio, giving you a solid foundation for a successful career as a Cinematographer.
Art Director
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Art Director. The course covers the basics of budgeting and scheduling a film shoot, which are essential skills for an Art Director. Additionally, the course provides tips on saving money, something that is always a concern for an Art Director.
Production Designer
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Production Designer. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the film production process, from development to distribution, which is essential knowledge for a Production Designer. Additionally, the course covers budgeting and scheduling, which are important skills for a Production Designer.
Costume Designer
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Costume Designer. The course covers the basics of budgeting and scheduling a film shoot, which are essential skills for a Costume Designer. Additionally, the course provides tips on saving money, something that is always a concern for a Costume Designer.
Hairstylist
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Hairstylist. The course covers the basics of budgeting and scheduling a film shoot, which are important skills for a Hairstylist. Additionally, the course provides tips on saving money, something that is always a concern for a Hairstylist.
Makeup Artist
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Makeup Artist. The course covers the basics of budgeting and scheduling a film shoot, which are important skills for a Makeup Artist. Additionally, the course provides tips on saving money, something that is always a concern for a Makeup Artist.
Film Distributor
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Film Distributor. The course covers a thorough review of distribution options for your movie, which would be an important asset for a Film Distributor.
Film Marketing Manager
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Film Marketing Manager. The course covers a thorough review of distribution options for your movie, which would be a helpful asset for a Film Marketing Manager.
Film Critic
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Film Critic. The course covers the basics of screenwriting, which would provide a strong foundation for a Film Critic.
Film Historian
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Film Historian. The course provides a thorough review of distribution options for your movie, which would be a helpful asset for a Film Historian.
Film Professor
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Film Professor. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the filmmaking process, from writing and directing to distributing a feature-length film. This knowledge would be invaluable for a Film Professor.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Filmmaking: Write, Direct and Distribute Your Feature Film.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the process of distributing an independent film. It valuable resource for filmmakers who are looking to get their films seen by a wider audience.
Classic work on the art of film editing. It valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced editors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the process of film and video directing. It valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced directors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the process of recording, producing, mixing, mastering, and marketing music. It valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced music producers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the process of motion picture production. It valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced filmmakers.

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