With online resources, it is now easier than ever to expand your film studies education. A great educational service for online courses and workshops is FutureLearn, a database with a rotating list of online workshops on a wide array of subjects. All FutureLearn users can access the course for its duration, but a paid upgrade will give you longer access to the course, as well as course tests and digital certificates of achievement when eligible. The following free courses focus on topics like production design, film analysis, screenwriting, and more. These courses are engaging experiences, whether you are a student who is beginning your filmmaking education, or an educator looking for ways to incorporate film studies into your education program.
Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen
Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen is an online workshop offered by the National Film and Television School (NFTS) through FutureLearn. This filmmaking workshop aims to deepen students’ understanding of film by examining the writing process and how we tell stories. Filmmakers will explain their unique approach to storytelling, using examples from both their favorite films and their own work. The course is six weeks long with a recommended weekly study period of three hours.
For more screenwriting tips, check out this list of advice from famous screenwriters.
Film Education: A User’s Guide
BFI’s program, Film Education: A User’s Guide, teaches the importance of film education on a global scale. Students will learn how to design a film education program and different approaches to analyzing film. Topics include how to choose films, film festival practices, and national strategies. The course is four weeks long with a recommended weekly study period of four hours.
Visit our Learning Through Film tag to learn more about the power of film education.
Filmmaking and Animation Online and in the Classroom
Into Film’s course, Filmmaking and Animation Online and in the Classroom, is and educational service that teaches simple animation and filmmaking techniques. Students will learn about visual storytelling through making simple animations and short films, with practical ideas for educators on how to use these practices in the classroom. This filmmaking workshop is three weeks long with a recommended weekly study period of three hours.
Introduction to Production Design for Film and Screen
The Introduction to Production Design for Film and Screen is an online workshop from the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) currently offered for via FutureLearn. It provides knowledge about the elements and foundations of production design from industry professionals. Students will get a better grasp on visual storytelling, through topics like script analysis through an art department lens and the process of pre-visualization. The course is three weeks in length with a weekly study period of two hours.
Sustainability Through Film
Sustainability Through Film is currently offered through FutureLearn from Into Film. It aims to utilize film analysis to teach students about sustainability practices. It also includes advice about sustainable approaches on set from professional filmmakers. Sustainability Through Film is two weeks long with a weekly study period of three hours.
Check out more video resources for students and educators
To read more about the subject first, order Introduction to Film Studies here.
To learn more about the early stages of cinema, order Weimar Cinema: An Essential Guide to Classic Films of the Era here.