5 Best Free Online Filmmaking Classes (2023)

This is a compilation of the best free webinars and videos for filmmaking and videography.

• How can I create more cinematic videos?
• How do filmmakers in Hollywood create the movies they do?
• How do MKBHD and other popular YouTubers create their videos?
• How can you create YouTube content intentionally?
• How can I go full time as a filmmaker in just 90 days?

I’m the kind of person that is willing to pay a premium for courses that are of premium value.

So, when the word “free” pops up, I’m typically skeptical. But, after watching tons of free resources, I’ve been able to pinpoint a handful that are both free AND extremely valuable.

Best Free Online Film Classes

These masterclasses are a great way to learn a ton of valuable information in a relatively short period of time.

I want to mention that all of these do have a paid option in the form of a course or access to their course library.

With that being said, it really is a win-win situation. All of these webinars are phenomenal resources on their own. And, if you like what the content covers, you can get more of it by joining their paid offering. Though, no purchase is required to view the training on their own and, if you are looking for a quick way to get access to high-quality training, then this is it.

How to Shoot Cinematic Videos for Free – Top 10 Secrets to Creating Cinematic Videos

Parker Walbeck from Full Time Filmmaker has created a 1-hour masterclass on how he creates cinematic videos. This is a great program for anyone, from beginner, intermediate, to advanced, that wants to elevate their filmmaking and create videos that look more cinematic and professional.

He also covers his own journey of how he went from making $0 to going full-time as a videographer and how you can do the same.

There is also a special bonus for those that make it to the end of the video. Many, including myself, were very impressed with the quality of the 1-hour training and it is easily the best way to spend an hour if you want to elevate your filmmaking. Since it is free, there truly is no reason not to check this out and learn from Parker Walbeck himself.

View the Best Price on Full-Time Filmmaker

5 Hollywood secrets you Can Use Today in Your Filmmaking

MZed has been absolutely blowing me away with how much their library has grown over the years. I got started with MZed because of Philip Bloom’s Cinematic Masterclass but have stayed because of their ever-growing library of valuable content from a wide range of professionals.

Most recently, MZed has put together a 1-hour free Masterclass that helps beginners, intermediates, and advanced filmmakers alike.

In this training, they cover scripting, acting, editing hacks, lighting secrets, and more. One differentiator of this training versus other trainings is that you are learning from people that are on bigger production sets and are working professionals, instead of from solo content creators. While one isn’t inherently better than the other, it is interesting to hear from the bigger names since I already binge-watch my favorite creators on YouTube.

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Skillshare – Learn from MKBHD, Sara Dietschy, and More

I’ve been watching MKBHD for so long and I’ve never been so excited to be able to be able to learn from the master himself. In this training, he will teach you how to script, shoot, and edit videos. I’ve always been very curious about his process and it’s so cool to be able to look behind the curtain and see his process from beginning to end.

If you have ever wanted to learn how an MKBHD video gets made, then this is the course for you.

With a Skillshare subscription, you also get access to all their training, including How to Vlog by Sara Dietschy, YouTube Success by Sorelle Amore, and so many more awesome courses. Since Skillshare has a generous 14-day free trial, you can sign up and watch the courses you are interested in. And, if you really like it, you can keep the subscription.

Master YouTube with Sean Cannell’s YouTube Masterclass

What are the secrets to becoming a YouTuber?

Sean knows – and he’s telling the world. In this free YouTube Masterclass, you will learn about Sean’s journey of how he went from making videos that were getting very few views to now running multiple YouTube channels full-time.

For anyone that has ever wanted to learn more about what makes a successful YouTuber, this is the training for you.

How to Go From Zero to Full Time in 90 Days by 90 Day Filmmaker

This free training truly surprised me by just how valuable it was. They reveal a ton of tips to help you on your journey to going full time as a filmmaker in just 90 days and many of the tips were things that I had not thought of. Although I was able to go full time as a filmmaker, I believe that knowing the information in this webinar would have helped shortcut my path greatly.

If you want to learn a framework for going full-time as a videographer, this is a great fit for you.

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Honorable Mention: Build your Own Dream Studio Space at Home

If you have ever dreamed of having a cool at-home filming setup like Peter McKinnon, PotatoJet, Parker Walbeck, or any other online creator, but didn’t know how to make one that was truly unique to you and your personality, then look no further. In Kevin Shen’s free 1-hour training, you will learn actionable design tactics you can use to begin implementing in your space to transform your room into a filming studio.

Honorable Mention: 10 Secrets to Making 7 Figures Selling Online Courses

If you are on this page, chances are that you have some sort of video ability or are interested in learning video. On top of that, there is a high chance that you already have a skill that others want to learn, video-related or not. If so, then this free training is perfect for you. In this training, you will learn how to start, create, and scale your online course to make 6 or 7 figures.

For me, I enjoyed the quick masterclass this ended up being in creating a strong marketing funnel and how you can potentially use a similar blueprint and mindset in your own video business. At any rate, if you have ever thought about taking your knowledge of video and knowledge of another skill you have to create educational video content, this is the class you need to take to set you up for success.

What’s Next?

I’ve listed a handful of free resources with premium quality above in this list. If you are serious about elevating your videography or filmmaking, then set aside time with a pen & paper and take one of the courses above. The trainings are free and there is so much to be learned. Let’s keep getting better and better!

Thank you for your time in reading and I hope that this was helpful to you! Happy learning!