Create your own short film in 8 weeks.

November 16, 2024 - January 18, 2025

The Future of Filmmaking Fall 2024 Bootcamp is an intensive 8-week bootcamp designed for aspiring filmmakers eager to harness cutting-edge tools and industry knowledge. Hosted by the San Francisco Film School and taught by award-winning filmmakers and Hollywood veteran guest speakers, this course will guide students from storytelling basics to a final, polished short film ready for a premiere screening in 8 weeks.

The program is hybrid, with a powerful mix of in-person, hands-on classes and online materials that can be covered at your own pace. Ideal for both beginners and those with some experience, the program covers all key aspects of the filmmaking process, including scriptwriting, cinematography, audio, lighting, and directing. The bootcamp also explores the latest in AI-driven techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of modern digital filmmaking leveraging cutting-edge technology

 

 

Starts On

November 16, 2024

 

Ends On

January 18, 2025

 

 

Limited Spots Available

Duration

8 weeks, hybrid in San Francisco

 

Roughly 6 hours per week

  • 10am - 2pm on Saturdays in person on campus in San Francisco (4 hours)
  • Virtually online at your own pace (2-3 hours)

 

Cost

$2,950

 

Payment Options

 

  • Option 1: 20% discount for payment in full before November 4th = $2,360

  • Option 2: 10% discount for payment in full after November 5th = $2,655

  • Option 3: Payment Plan
    • Payment #1: $295 refundable deposit due on sign up.
    • Payment #2: $1,328 due on November 8th 
    • Payment #3: $1,327 due on December 6th

We offer a 7 day money-back guarantee. If the bootcamp is not what you expected after the first week, let us know and you will receive a full refund!

Program Schedule

Week 1: Master storytelling, scriptwriting with AI, and documentary filmmaking.

The class kicks off on campus with an orientation to familiarize students with the course structure, followed by a brainstorming session where students pitch their film ideas and get feedback.  The week also includes an in-depth introduction to Hollywood screenwriting with industry veteran Clay Frohman, and online classes on digital cinematography, AI video generation, audio basics, and film directing.

Week 2: Hands-on workshops in cinematography and audio techniques.

This week is dedicated to hands-on learning. Students dive into practical workshops on cinematography and audio, equipping them with essential technical skills. Video lessons explore producing, location scouting, shooting coverage, and basic lighting techniques to prepare students for future projects. International screen star Heida Reed will give a guest lecture on working with actors.

Week 3: Learn lighting fundamentals and practice shooting scenes.

Students submit their script and project proposals and continue their hands-on learning with a workshop on lighting, followed by a mock shoot to simulate a real production environment.  World-renowned Director/Actor Michael Nickels teaches students how to successfully direct actors, one of the key skills every filmmaker needs. Online video classes include casting, storyboarding with AI, and pre-production.

Week 4: Delve into production planning and green-lighting your projects.

The focus shifts to planning and organization, as students review their production binders, ensuring that their projects are well-prepared for the filming stage. They also explore the "green lighting" process, which entails giving a project the go-ahead. The week concludes with a Zoom session on producing hit TV shows with Oscar nominated Director/Producer Vince DiPersio.

Week 5: Film your project and start editing with Adobe Premiere.

Production begins in earnest as students put their skills to use on set working in teams to shoot their movies.  An instructor will be on-set to support the student productions and offer advice and guidance as needed. Online videos teach the basics of digital video editing and an introductory workshop on Adobe Premiere, preparing students for post-production.

Week 6: Fine-tune your film with advanced editing techniques, sound design, and color correction.

The production phase continues with further shooting sessions, coupled with video lessons on the principles of editing and using Adobe Premiere. Students begin to assemble their projects and build toward a rough cut. Students get a winter break for 2 weeks.

Week 7: Editing & Rough Cut Review

After a 2-week winter break for the holidays, the class resumes in person with a rough cut review, where students receive feedback on their initial edits. An editing masterclass led by industry veteran Autumn Dea, provides deeper insights into refining their work, supported by video lessons on audio post-production, AI-generated music, and the fine cut process.

Week 8: Final Cut

The final week of class is dedicated to reviewing the completed cuts of the students' films and giving detailed feedback. A full-day session allows for a thorough assessment of the projects, with video lessons on titles, color correction, and exporting. The course concludes with a movie premiere event, where students showcase their films in front of their cast, crew, friends and family!

Learn from Industry Experts

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to learn directly from award-winning filmmakers and industry professionals. 

 

CLayton FrohmanClay Frohman [special guest lecturer] A screenwriter of Defiance and other Hollywood hits, will guide students through Hollywood screenwriting techniques.

 

 

Heida Reed-1Heida Reed [special guest lecturer] is an international star of BBC’s Poldark and CBS’s FBI: International, will offer unique perspectives on working in front of the camera and collaborating in the film industry.

 

 

 

MIchael NickelsMichael Nickles [special guest lecturer] is an Actor, Director and Producer best known for HOLLY STAR and Just Peck. He will provide insights on directing actors and producing for major platforms. 

 

 

 

vince-dipersio-500x500Vince DiPersio [special guest lecturer] is a multi-Emmy winning producer and Academy Award nominee, will share his experience from working on high-profile documentaries like The Mind of Aaron Hernandez and The Justice Project. 

 

 

Autumn deaAutumn Dea [special guest lecturer] is an editor of Love, Lizzo and Netflix’s Dancing for the Devil, will lead an editing masterclass, sharing her expertise in cutting-edge post-production techniques.

 

 

brandon-hamilton (1)

Brandon Hamilton [bootcamp instructor] is a multiple award winning director, writer, producer, cinematographer, editor, and actor. Brandon won an Emmy Award in 2010.

 

 

jesseJesse Gonzalez [bootcamp instructor] is an independent filmmaker/content producer based in the East Bay, Jesse Gonzalez’s work includes high-end corporate videos, televised interviews and on-line video content for such clients as ForaTv, SquareVision Entertainment, HEAL Pilates, Pro-Video Productions, Destination America and many more.  

 

Daniel"Taking the short film course at SF Film School was a game-changer for me, and set me up for success in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. Fast forward to today, I’m a lead producer, and my first feature film just won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.  I’m forever grateful for the experience and the impact it had on my career!"

-Daniel Tantalean

Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Acura

Limited Spots Available, Secure Yours Today!

Past Projects

Real short films created by bootcamp graduates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there any prerequisites for this program?

No prior film experience is necessary. This program is ideal for beginners with an idea for a short film, documentary or music video. We'll teach you the skills in the program to create your vision by the end of the program. 

Do I make my own film or group project?

Yes. Every student writes, produces and directs their own film. Students also crew on other projects during film production. 

Do I need an idea for a film to take the class?

No. You don't need to have a fully formed idea or story. In class, students will pitch their ideas and get feedback, and you'll be working with industry experts to hone in on your pitch to form it into a fully formed idea during the program. 

How much time is required each week?

Roughly 6 hours per week. 10am - 2pm on Saturdays in person on campus in San Francisco (4 hours). Virtually online at your own pace (2-3 hours).

How will my time be spent?

The program is designed to be highly hands-on while also allowing time to move at your own pace. 4 hours per week every Saturday is spent on campus with your lecturers and peers, with virtual course materials online to hone your knowledge as you move through the program.

 

What type of certificate will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a PDF digital certificate. The digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program is completed.

 

 

How will I access the online portion of the program?

Our program materials will be hosted on Kajabi, a digital learning platform. Once you are enrolled in the program, you will be sent the link to the Kajabi portal for the bootcamp. 

Do I need to own or purchase any equipment?

No. We provide all the equipment needed for the bootcamp, including computers on campus for editing. However, if you have your own laptop or film equipment, then you are welcome to use it during the program. Every student will have access to our film school equipment to create your finished product. 

What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page. We offer a discount when you pay in full, and we also offer a payment plan noted at the top of this program web page. You can pay online with a valid credit card or debit.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a 7 day money-back guarantee. If the bootcamp is not what you expected after the first week, let us know and you will receive a full refund!

How can I get in touch with you for more information?

You can email us at workshops@sanfranciscofilmschool.edu or call us directly at (415) 824-7000.

 

Know Someone Who Might Be Interested in our Short Film Bootcamp?

We offer a $300 referral fee to anyone you invite who signs up and completes our bootcamp!

 

About San Francisco Film School.

The San Francisco Film School was founded by filmmakers with the core philosophy - “the best way to learn the art and craft of filmmaking is to make films!”

Our unique production-based curriculum combines traditional classroom learning with practical, hands-on instruction. Students study core areas of filmmaking including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, producing, editing & post-production, and audio for film.

During the course of each program, students make their own films, collaborate on classmates’ projects, make industry contacts, and create a body of work that will help them launch their career.

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