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.  

The week continues with 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.

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.

In the second half of the week, 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.

After a week of production, the class resumes in person with an editing workshop, and then later in the week, 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.

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!

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. 

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

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. 

Session 1, 2, & 4: At least 6 hours per week. 10am - 2pm on Saturdays in person on campus in San Francisco (4 hours) or 10am - 2pm virtually if attending online. Additional video lessons online at your own pace (2-3 hours).

Session 3: 10am - 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in person on campus in San Francisco. Additional video lessons online at your own pace.

The program is designed to be highly hands-on while also allowing time to move at your own pace. Class meeting time is spent with your instructors and peers, with additional course materials online to hone your knowledge as you move through the program.

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.

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

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. 

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.

A refund will be issued for cancellations received prior to the start of the workshop, less the $300 deposit. If a participant cancels after completing Day 7, a 50% credit may be issued toward a future workshop, valid for 12 months. No refunds or credits will be issued once Day 8 has begun.

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