BELIEVE IN YOUR STORY.
If you’re a filmmaker, you’re a storyteller. And if we had to guess, we’d say you’re pretty passionate about it.
But growing in your craft is hard. Often, it feels like the road is full of nothing but obstacles. There’s always something new to learn, and it’s tough to know where to even begin.
As filmmakers ourselves, we've known what it’s like to be stuck, or to feel lost in the gap between where you are, and where you want to be. That’s why we created the Academy of Storytellers – a community where we all improve our filmmaking together, so that we can build sustainable, lifelong careers in the craft we love.
Recently, we've redesigned the way an Academy membership works to include even MORE material, all designed to help you become the best filmmaker you can be. For one annual price, you can get access to everything we've ever created – including in-depth workshops valued at hundreds of dollars a piece.
Whether you've been thinking about joining for awhile, or have just heard of the Academy of Storytellers for the very first time, there's never been a better time to become a member.
TOGETHER, WE GROW.
Over the past several years, we’ve built a war chest of knowledge in the filmmaking world. It covers nearly every aspect of the filmmaking process, on both the technical and career-building sides. And as we built it, we learned something very simple, yet easy to miss: growth happens best in community.
The Academy of Storytellers isn’t just a place where you can go to learn all the things you need to know about making amazing films. It’s a place where you can go to find a like-minded network of filmmakers driven by story, dedicated to being the best artists they can be. A place to share our wins, along with our failures. A place to build real community, and share some truly remarkable stories along the way.
When you join the Academy, you get everything we have to offer: our Courses, Workshops, On Sets, and Quick Wins.
But most importantly, you get our total commitment to help you achieve your goals as a filmmaker. We want you to share the stories that only you can tell, and help the world become a little bit better because of your unique perspective.
IT'S TIME.
BECOME THE FILMMAKER YOU WERE MEANT TO BE.
ACADEMY CORE MEMBERSHIP
What Is It?
Our starter set of filmmaking resources. This is a great introduction to the Academy of Storytellers. Whether you’re just starting out, or have a years-long history in the film industry, we know this material will be highly valuable for you on your journey…and we hope it leaves you wanting to come back for more.
What’s Inside?
- Quick Wins Tutorials: hundreds of videos designed to help you make fast improvements across all aspects of your filmmaking career – from pre-production, all the way to the business side of the film industry.
- Filmmaking Fundamentals: a comprehensive introduction to the technical aspects of creating films. You’ll learn about camera sensors, types, lenses, and much more.
- Filmmakers Glossary: your filmmaking Rosetta Stone, to help you decipher all the technical jargon and shorthand in the film world. This video series will have you speaking the language of filmmaking in no time.
PRICE: FREE
ACADEMY PRO MEMBERSHIP
What Is It?
With the Academy Pro, you get everything in our Core Academy membership PLUS access to ALL of the in-depth TOGETHER workshops, previously only available for purchase separately.
TOGETHER Workshops dive into everything from mastering lighting and cinematography to storytelling theory and so much more. Now, you can access the latest knowledge and tactics to advance your filmmaking skills, all in one membership.
What's Inside?
Everything in our Core Membership PLUS:
- TOGETHER Workshops: 14 in-depth filmmaking master classes from industry pros. Valued at over $2,500 if purchased separately. See the full list of TOGETHER Workshops in the section below.
- Story & Heart Academy Courses: multi-episode classes from the Story & Heart team to help you along in your filmmaking journey.
- Access to the Academy of Storytellers private community.
$549 / Year
$399 / Year
ACADEMY PRO MEMBERSHIP
What Is It?
Need to spread out the cost of your Pro Membership?
Join the Academy of Storytellers through our payment plan: just 3 simple payments of $199 $149
3 Payments of $199
3 Payments of $149
The Academy's TOGETHER Filmmaking Workshop Series brings everything we're about together for an unmatched learning experience. It's our passion and what defines us.
Creating a Workshop begins by listening to our community and identifying the areas that are the most challenging, or even the most fun! TOGETHER Filmmaking Workshops address skills that filmmakers want to add to their toolkit and exposure to processes they won't find otherwise.
We then collaborate with some of the best filmmakers anywhere, who excel and often work exclusively in those areas. Experts with an actionable, proven approach and a desire to share lessons learned.
We know that single educator can be the best in every area. So we dig deep to find and work with the very best authority in each discipline so you get field-tested knowledge about the exact skill and process you want to learn.
With a full-time team of producers, directors, editors, writers, and filmmakers, the Academy of Storytellers spends months working with the filmmaker/educator to deliver their messaging and content in a way that consistently drives personal and professional growth for our community. This is our mission and passion.
We create extraordinary educational resources with the single belief that it's not about us or the experiences we've had. It's about you and your aspirations. And that’s what drives us to be the very best.
Click below for a summary of what's inside!
TOGETHER Workshops®
NICHING DOWN TO SCALE UP
Presented By Levi Allen
How to build a 6-figure production company, even as a team of one. 28 Lessons
● INTRO VIDEO
● MODULE 1: FINDING YOUR NICHE | 5 Videos
● MODULE 2: TURN YOUR NICHE INTO A BUSINESS | 6 Videos
● MODULE 3: BUILDING A BUSINESS | 7 Videos
● MODULE 4: THE LONG GAME | 6 Videos
● RECORDED COACHING CALLS | 3 Videos
DOMINATE IN-HOUSE VIDEO
Presented By Scott David Martin
Learn how to become unstuck from operational restraints and move toward building the team of your dreams, all while creating passion-fueled films that drive exponential value for your company. 33 Lessons
● INTRO VIDEO
● MODULE 1: SPEAK THE BUSINESS OF VIDEO, TALK STRAIGHT | 5 Videos
● MODULE 2: BUILD A BRAND, DISRUPT CORPORATE CULTURE | 5 Videos
● MODULE 3: RECRUIT THE BEST TEAM/FREELANCERS | 6 Videos
● MODULE 4: SPEND LESS/DELIVER MORE | 3 Videos
● MODULE 5: INVEST IN YOURSELF, DON'T CARE WHAT OTHERS THINK, BE A FRONTLINE SOLDIER, BE HUMAN | 5 Videos
● RECORDED COACHING CALLS | 4 Videos
● Q&A | 4 Videos
COMMERCIAL FILMMAKING WORKSHOP
Presented By The Delivery Men and Stillmotion
Everything you need to attract great clients, win the pitch, and deliver work that keeps them coming back for more. 33 Lessons
● INTRO VIDEO
● MODULE 1: HOW TO BUDGET FOR COMMERCIAL FILMS | 6 Videos
● MODULE 2: REAL PROJECT BREAKDOWNS | 8 Videos
● MODULE 3: LIGHTING DEMONSTRATION | 5 Videos
● MODULE 4: STORYTELLING PART 1 | 4 Videos
● MODULE 5: STORYTELLING PART 2 | 9 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
● Q&A | 4 Videos
THE ART AND BUSINESS OF COMMERCIAL FILMMAKING
Presented By Norry Niven
Known for luminous film, dynamic visual effects and directing celebrity talent, Norry Niven’s ability to curate beauty and navigate the intricacies of performance shine through his work. 19 Lessons
● INTRO | 2 Videos
● MODULE 1: THE ART OF COMMERCIAL FILMMAKING | 4 Videos
● MODULE 2: GETTING ON THE AGENCY RADAR | 5 Videos
● MODULE 3: MAKING THE PITCH | 4 Videos
● MODULE 4: GOT THE GIG? CREATE! | 4 Videos
Presented By Patrick Moreau
Patrick is quite literally obsessed with story. He spends his days telling stories and helping others be empowered by story through his Muse storytelling process. 12 Lessons
● INTRO VIDEO
● MODULE 1: BUILDING BLOCK 1: DESIRE | 2 Videos
● MODULE 2: BUILDING BLOCK 2: CONFLICT | 3 Videos
● MODULE 3: BUILDING BLOCK 3: STORY STRUCTURE | 4 Videos
● MODULE 4: BUILDING BLOCK 4: VISON | 2 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
SONY CAMERAS
Presented By 31Films
Sony cameras are some of the most feature-packed and affordably priced cameras out there for filmmakers. But, getting the best possible image out of them can be a bit of a process. 31Films has mastered this process and will be sharing their secrets with you in this workshop. 17 Lessons
● INTRO | 3 Videos
● MODULE 1: RIGGING YOUR CAMERA | 6 Videos
● MODULE 2: SETTING CUSTOM FUNCTIONS | 2 Videos
● MODULE 3: PICTURE PROFILES | 5 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
● Q&A | 1 Video
WEDDING FILMMAKING
Presented By 31Films
With more than 500 weddings filmed over the last 15 years, 31Films has narrowed in on the wedding stories they love to tell, and how to set up their business to tell them in a profitable way – all without sacrificing their vision. In this workshop they pull back the curtain and show you exactly how they did it. 31 Lessons
● INTRO VIDEO
● MODULE 1: FINDING IDEAL CLIENTS | 7 Videos
● MODULE 2: GEAR AND SHOOTING TIPS | 4 Videos
● MODULE 3: WEDDING DAY STRATEGIES | 7 Videos
● MODULE 4: POST WORKFLOW | 4 Videos
● MODULE 5: SETTING UP YOUR BUSINESS FOR SUCCESS | 8 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
ON-SET WITH RYAN BOOTH
Follow along with Director Ryan Booth during the filming of The Heights and get candid, behind-the-scene, access into the inspiration and challenges that came with directing this – his first – narrative short. 18 Lessons
● INTRO Video
● MODULE 1: THE STORY | 4 Videos
● MODULE 2: PRE PRODUCTION | 7 Videos
● MODULE 3: PRODUCTION DAY 1 | 5 Videos
● MODULE 4: PRODUCTION DAY 2 | 4 Videos
● MODULE 5: POST PRODUCTION | 3 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
● Q&A | 1 Video
ON-SET WITH JOE SIMON AND THE DELIVERY MEN
Go behind the scenes on a narrative film shoot! In “On Set with Joe Simon and The Delivery Men’, learn how the team brought LOW TIDE, their new narrative short, to life - from pre-production right through to post-production. Get ready! 17 Lessons
● INTRO | 2 Videos
● MODULE 1: PRE PRODUCTION | 4 Videos
● MODULE 2: PRODUCTION | 6 Videos
● MODULE 3: POST PRODUCTION | 5 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
CASE STUDY FILMMAKING
Presented By Patrick Moreau
Learn how to craft case study videos that get results and attract clients – even if you've got a tiny budget and no crew. 24 Lessons
● INTRO | 2 Videos
● MODULE 1: BUSINESS & PROCESS | 4 Videos
● MODULE 2: STORY & INTERVIEWS | 6 Videos
● MODULE 3: LIGHTING | 3 Videos
● MODULE 4: EYE LINES, LENS CHOICE, AND CAMERA HEIGHT | 2 Videos
● MODULE 5: MASTERING CHALLENGING LOCATIONS | 5 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
● Q&A | 2 Videos
CINEMATOGRAPHY AND LIGHTING
Presented By Ryan Booth
Ryan Booth is a filmmaker by way of photography, by way of audio engineering, by way of college, by way of college, by way of Texas. 22 Lessons
● INTRO Video
● MODULE 1: DEFINING THE CONVERSATION | 10 Videos
● MODULE 2: OK, TIME TO MOVE SOME LIGHTS AROUND | 5 Videos
● MODULE 3: GEAR TALK | 2 Videos
● MODULE 4: NEXT STEPS | 4 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
NARRATIVE FILMMAKING
Presented By Seth Worley
Seth Worley writes and directs for TV and the internet. In this workshop, Seth teaches how he approaches narrative filmmaking & writes stories that people will want to watch. 22 Lessons
● INTRO | 1 Video
● MODULE 1: FINDING YOUR VOICE | 2 Videos
● MODULE 2: WRITING | 6 Videos
● MODULE 3: PREP | 5 Videos
● MODULE 4: SET | 4 Videos
● DOWNLOADABLE SLIDES AND RESOURCES
● Q&A | 2 Videos
● BONUS: STUDENT SCRIPT BREAKDOWN
POST AUDIO AND SOUND
Presented By Dallas Taylor
Dallas Taylor of Defacto Sound gives you an in-depth look at post audio and sound. 12 Lessons
● INTRO | 2 Videos
● MODULE 1: EDITING DIALOGUE | 4 Videos
● MODULE 2: LEVELS, MONITORING, AND MIXING | 1 Video
● MODULE 3: AUDIO SPLITS | 1 Video
● MODULE 4: POST AUDIO IN A NUTSHELL | 1 Video
● MODULE 5: SOUND DESIGN | 2 Videos
● MODULE 6: WORKING WITH A TEAM | 1 Video
STARTING AND GROWING A PODCAST
Presented By Dallas Taylor
Dallas Taylor of Defacto Sound gives you his account for how to start and grow your podcast. 10 Lessons
● INTRO | 1 Video
● MODULE 1: TOOLS, PROGRAMS, AND INTERVIEWS | 3 Videos
● MODULE 2: TELLING GREAT STORIES | 3 Videos
● MODULE 3: THE BUSINESS OF PODCASTING | 1 Video
● MODULE 4: Q&A | 1 Video
7 COUNTRIES, 7 FILMS, 15 DAYS
Presented By Story & Heart and Joe Simon
Seven films shot in seven countries in fifteen days. Seriously! Story & Heart and Joe Simon travelled the globe to create a series of branded content. 11 Lessons
● INTRO | 1 VIDEO
● MODULE 1: GETTING READY FOR ADVENTURE | 2 Videos
● MODULE 2: 7 COUNTRIES, 7 FILMS, 15 DAYS | 8 Videos
Academy Courses
Team of One
- Introduction
- The Golden Rules
- Building a Workflow
- A Pricing Formula for Staying in the Black
- Creating a Solid Statement of Work
- Location Scouting for Story and Efficiency
- How to Conceptualize Your Story
- Focusing Ideas in a Creative Brief
- Organizing Your Shoot with a Shot List
- Gear Selection
- Pre-Production Recap
- The Biggest Challenge You'll Face On Set
- Working with Talent
- Finding and Fixing Problems in Your Footage On Set
- Interviewing Setup
- Interviewing with Efficiency in Mind
- Lab Scene BTS
- Bottling Scene BTS
- Putting Your Story Together in Post
- Getting Your Edit to 100% Awesome Efficiently
- New Deal Distillery Edit Breakdown
- Jump Starting Your Solo Business
- Growing Your Solo Business
- Staying Motivated as a Solo Filmmaker
Conducting Interviews
- A Reflection of You
- The Golden Rule
- Separate the Practical
- React, Like for Real
- Do Your Research
- It's a Winding River
- Overcoming 4 of the Hardest Challenges
- Bringing it All Together
Storytelling Fundamentals
- The 4 Pillars of Story
- How to Connect Your Viewer
- Show Not Tell
- Story Structure
- Maintaining Your Creative Vision
- 3 Ways to Supercharge Your Next Story
- Soar—A Case Study
- Ask Us Anything
Quick Wins
PRE-PRODUCTION
- Tools for Collaborating Remotely
- How to Write Amazing Voice Overs
- How to Chop That Creative Block
- Let's Chat: Story
- Secrets of Frequently Flying Filmmakers
- The Magic of the Call Sheet
- Never Leave Home Without a Fixer
- When Less Gear is More Story
- Storyboarding Tips and Tricks
- What Makes a Great Story
- What To Look For In Your First Camera
- Introduction to Mood Boards
- How Hitchcock's Rule Can Improve Your Story
- How to Find Unique Stories Around the World
- How To Develop An Amazing Concept For Your Next Project Project
- Getting Access to People, Places and Things
- Our Travel Filmmaking Kit What Comes With Us
- Storyboarding for Non Artists
- Your Single Biggest Tool In Being Prepared For A Shoot
- How to create an irresistible pitch for your clients
PRODUCTION
- Camera Settings Clarified Shutter Speed vs Frame Rate
- Basics for Nailing Focus Every Time - Part 1
- Deconstructing Nick Roberts Global Rally
- Let's Chat: Gear
- Easy Makeup and Hair Tricks Every Filmmaker Needs to Know Know
- 4 Tools To Help Dial in a Perfect Exposure
- Understanding the Basics of Log Picture Profiles
- Getting Started with Motion Controlled Timelapses
- Safely Working with LiPo Batteries
- 2 Critical Features for Extreme High Speed Shooting
- When Something Goes Wrong on Set
- 5 Tips for Being a Great D.P.
- Simple Solutions for Reducing Wind Noise
- 6 Filters We Never Leave Home Without
- A Comprehensive Guide to Capturing Interview Audio
- Part 1: Mic Pickup Patterns
- Part 2: Mic Pickup Patterns
- Recording Great Sounding Voice Overs
- 10 Tips & Tricks for the Traveling Storyteller
- 4 Light Modifiers to Befriend
- 5 Tips for Shooting Live Action Sports
- Getting the Most Out of Drone Footage
- Choosing the Right Lens for Your Interview
- Getting Started with Drone Filmmaking
- 3 Mistakes To Avoid When Shooting Two Camera Interviews
- 4 Timelapse Best Practices
- 5 Things To Consider When Filming Slow Motion
- How to Alter Behavior Naturally
- Light for Slow Motion and Avoid Flicker
- An Amazing Trick to Help You Memorize Interview Questions
- Basic Camera Settings for Slow Motion
- Get Your Interviewee to Look Into Camera
- How Camera Movement Relates to Story
- How To Shoot An Interview
- Lighting an Interview
- Lighting an Interview Direction
- Lighting an Interview: Intensity
- Lighting an Interview Color
- Lighting an Interview Softness
- The Perfect Settings for Timelapses
- Understanding Interview Eyelines
- 5 Killer Drone Shots and How To Pull Them Off
- Shooting with Story in Mind 3-1 Rule Part 1
- Shooting with Story in Mind 3-1 Rule Part 2
- 6 Things I Learned About Filming Underwater
POST PRODUCTION
- How to Maintain Perspective
- 5 Time Saving Tips to Tackle a Commercial Same Day Day Edit
- 4 Tips for Color Grading on a Tight Deadline
- 6 Tips for Efficient Editing
- Silence as a Soundtrack
- Creating an Optimal Sound Mixing Space on a Budget
- Music Licensing Basics
- The Biggest Mistake in Sound Design
- 3 Tips to Staying Focused in Post
- 6 Mistakes Every Beginner Makes in Post
- 8 Tips for Stronger Sound Design
- The How To Guide to Speed Ramping
- Finishing Color Part 1: How to Color Grade for Realism
- Finishing Color Part 2: Coloring for Creative Emotional Impact
BUSINESS
- Building a Strong Team: 7 Qualities to Look For For
- The Art of the Vimeo Staff Pick
- Biggest Mistakes New Filmmakers Make
- 5 Reasons to Try Before You Buy
- How to Budget for a Profitable Project
- The Importance of Passion Projects
- 5 Tips for Making the Jump from Weddings to Commercial Commercial Work
- From Hiring Freelance to Hiring Full Time
- Landing and Keeping Great Clients
- 5 Things We Wish We’d Known Sooner
- 5 Tips on Working with Family
- 4 Important Types of Insurance
- The Biggest Business Mistakes We’ve Made
- How to Ask Your Network for Help
- Managing the Client Relationship on Any Project
- Building a Culture Where Artists Thrive
COMPELLING COMPOSITIONS
- If It Doesn’t Add, Its Got To Go
- It's in the Eyes
- The Dynamics of Camera Height
- The World You Create
- It Doesn’t Always Have to Be Pleasing
Camera Fundamentals & Glossary
CAMERA FUNDAMENTALS
- Introduction
- Getting a Sense of Sensors
- Getting a Sense of Sensors (cont'd)
- Sensor Sizes
- Sensor Sizes (cont'd)
- Camcorders
- Cinema Cameras
- DSLR & Mirrorless
- Mobile Devices & Action Cameras
- Intro to Lenses
- Focal Lengths
- Lens Types
- Video Compression
- Recording Formats
- RAW
- Color Subsampling Ratio
- Color Bit Depth
- Intro to Framerates
- All Those Little Numbers
- Which Framerate Is for You?
- Intro to Resolution
- Resolution Standards
- Sensor vs Recording Resolutions
- Intro to Picture Settings
- Dynamic Range and Latitude
- Rolling with Log
- Exposing Yourself to...Exposure
- Basic Measuring Tools
- The Exposure Triangle: ISO
- The Exposure Triangle: ISO and Dynamic Range
- The Exposure Triangle: Aperture
- The Exposure Triangle: Aperture Caveats
FILMMAKER GLOSSARY
- Gaffer
- Boom Pole
- Gel
- C-Stand
- Assistant Cameraman
- Haze
- Grip
- Silk
- Flag
- Slate
- DIT
- Dailies
- C47
- Motion Tracking
- Color Checker
- Gimbal
- Diffusion
- Editing
- Call Sheet
- Dolly
- Bounce
- Camera Department
- DOF
- Net
- Gaff Tape
- Hair Light
- Light Meter
- Lav
- Dead Cat
- Soft Box
- Cookie
- Art Department
- Keying
- Sound Department
- XLR
- Combo Stand
- Joker
- Storyboard
- Blimp
- RAID
- Solid
- Rolling Shutter
- SDI
- Negative Fill
- Fill Light
- Soft Light
- Hard Light
- Video Village
- Apple Box
- HDMI
- Director
- Director of Photography
- DSLR
- Mirrorless Camera
- UHD
- APS-C
- CMOS
- Full Frame
- Micro Four Thirds
- Super 35
- Field of View
- Focal Length
- Fixed Lens
- Key Light
Here's What People Are Saying About the
Academy Of Storytellers
Corinne Maunder
Melbourne, Australia
The Academy is an amazing resource, where we're learning from other people, from different companies coming together in a real community...it's getting the experience of working with other people but still being able to work for myself. The Academy has been really good for stepping up, getting out of my comfort zone, and taking on new challenges.
Matt Dringenberg
Edmonton, AB
The Academy is exactly what I have been waiting for! A place where I can learn new skills from pros and discuss topics with other community members. I'm no longer alone in the vast world of storytelling!
Justin Holtzen
Los Angeles, CA
Our company started training with Story and Heart in 2016 and I was blow away with the possibilities and everything they had to offer. The information is comprehensive and you learn from the some of the best in the industry. Not to mention the amazing support from their community of like minded filmmakers.
WILL YOU JOIN US?
The Academy of Storytellers is a place for filmmakers who want to make radical improvements in their craft, together.
It’s a community for people who value collaboration over competition.
It’s a place to go with questions, and leave with answers – with a new perspective that will shift the way you tell stories, and move your audience.
It's time to capture your future as a filmmaker, storyteller, and dare we say – an artist. We hope to see you there.
WE DESIGNED THE ACADEMY TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
And in fact, we guarantee it will. If we weren't able to help you learn something new, or get you closer to achieving one of the breakthroughs you need in your career, we’ll happily send back your money. Just let us know within 7 days of your purchase.
