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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.

 

 

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 hundreds of tutorials & courses designed to help you make quick, much-needed advancements in your filmmaking skills.

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.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE ACADEMY CORE MEMBERSHIP

This is our Core set of filmmaking resources, and it's a great introduction to the Academy.

Whether you’re just starting out, or have been in the business for years, these tutorials and videos are central to any filmmaker's journey. 

 

The Academy Core Membership is FREE and Includes:
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

To master any craft, you have to learn the Fundamentals. Join us as we discuss the building blocks of filmmaking, in-depth. You’ll learn about camera sensors, types, lenses, and much more.
Filmmakers Glossary

Your filmmaking Rosetta Stone, to help you decipher the technical jargon and shorthand in the film world. This video series will have you speaking the language of filmmaking in no time.
JOIN NOW!

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.

But what are these workshops, exactly?

In short, they're master classes from filmmakers at the top of their game, from many different disciplines. To create these workshops, we find filmmakers who truly excel at their craft, and ask them to teach you everything they know. These are experts with an actionable, proven approach and a desire to share lessons learned.

No single educator can be the best in every area. That's why 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.

Our team spends months helping each workshop leader to deliver their messaging and content in a way that's guaranteed to help you grow. This is our mission and passion.

We do this for a simple reason: we care about YOU – your aspirations, your goals, your future as a filmmaker.

So look through what we've got, and see if there's something that could help you take the next step in your filmmaking journey.

Niching Down to Scale Up

Learn how Levi Allen’s adventure films launched his career and how you can find a niche that will do the same. A step-by-step approach taking you from your first paid gig to a sustainable, profitable filmmaking career.

$297.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Dominate In-House Video

Get past the challenges of creating uninspiring work with limited resources. Scott David Martin of Princess Cruise Lines dishes out the secrets of finding success making work you love with top-end gear and team members.

$379.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Wedding Films

Build A profitable wedding film business without burning yourself out. Join 31 Films as they share practical strategies to create moving wedding films, work with dream clients, and build a business that supports your life.

$249.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Narrative Filmmaking

Seth Worley shares his vision for creating engaging narrative films. Go from idea to script, and from script to screen… all while keeping your creative vision intact and telling a story people will actually care about watching.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Cinematography & Lighting

Build A thriving career as a Cinematographer. Go beyond the basics and the gear talk. In Ryan Booth’s cinematography workshop, you’ll learn what it really takes to build a long-term career shooting projects you care about.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
On Set with Ryan Booth

Join Ryan Booth, celebrated commercial director, for this exclusive behind the scenes look at the making of his first narrative and Vimeo Staff Pick and Short of the Week film, The Heights.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
On Set with Joe Simon

Join Joe Simon, acclaimed commercial DP along with his team at the Delivery Men, for this exclusive behind the scenes On Set as he walks us through the process of making their narrative short, Low Tide.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Post Audio & Sound Design

If you want to move your audience, you need to give them a sonic experience that transports them into the world of your film. Join Dallas Taylor of Defacto Sound in this workshop that shows you how — step by step.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Sony Cameras

Master your Sony camera (without months of tedious trial and error). Capture stunning footage, simplify your color workflow, and unlock the full potential of your Sony camera — no tinkering required.

$99.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Crafting Moving Films

Learn the step-by-step non-fiction storytelling process of five-time Emmy Award Winner Patrick Moreau. Known for his extraordinary storytelling, Patrick has mastered the art of working with real people who are changing the world.

$99.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Commercial Filmmaking

Joe Simon and the Delivery Men team share their time tested approach to attract great clients, win the pitch, and deliver work that keeps them coming back for more. And most importantly, earning a healthy profit on every project.

$249.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Art & Business of Commercials

Commercial and episodic director Norry Niven shares his decades of success in the art of directing high profile commercials. You'll also learn the business of pitching and working with agencies to grow your commercial filmmaking career.

$249.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Case Study Films

Join Patrick Moreau and Muse Storytelling as they share how to craft case study videos that get results, even on a small budget. Unlock the key to breaking into the lucrative world of video marketing.

$99.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE
Starting & Growing a Podcast

Dallas Taylor shares his insights and success on how to grow a podcast that listeners flock to share. Everything you need to know—from the correct mics and software, to the art of telling stories and being profitable.

$129.00 – CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Click below for a summary of what's inside!

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

CRAFTING EMOTIONALLY MOVING FILMS
 

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

 

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

  • 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?

This is a home for filmmakers who want to make radical improvements in their craft, together.

It’s a community for people who value collaboration over competition.

A place to go with questions, and leave with answers.

A destination for shifting the way you tell stories, and move your audience.

It's time to capture your future as a filmmaker.

GET STARTED TODAY

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.

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