Why Attend

This program bridges the gap between a traditional, multi-year film school, and a short-term intensive training class. Whereas the norms of film school would teach in course hours and grades, our program provides an all-inclusive look at the real-world business of filmmaking. With the advent and forward trends of digital technology within the film industry, the immersive REDucation-X experience teaches filmmakers-to-be the processes and techniques associated with digital filmmaking through practical application.

Though unconventional, our classroom is not led by full-time faculty members. We have instead chosen to allow our students to learn through a series of lectures and workshops led by experienced and successful industry professionals working in film, television, commercials, and music videos. Students will engage in active discussion and practice with these experts in order to better understand the tools of the trade.

Each student will produce their own short film by way of equipment that is usually limited only to professionals. However, the mission of this process extends far beyond technology itself. The foremost purpose of our program is to guide independent filmmakers through the intricacies of technology in order to aid solid narrative filmmaking; we hope to encourage and assist the aspirations behind great stories...

Open for enrollment

Due to the intense, accelerated pace of this program, we have limited the class size to 15 students.
Previous film or media experience not required for application; people from all professions are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, see the instructions at the top right of this page.

Program Overview

Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

The course commences with an overview of the three major necessities of the filmmaking business: the story, the tools, and the practice. Story and character development, pre-production, casting, direction, cinematography, grip and lighting, on-set practices and etiquette, DIT workflow, post-delivery, sound and sound design, and cinema history and aesthetics will all be taught through a series of open-conversations and lectures by technicians, actors, directors, production coordinators, and producers. Workshops led by feature and commercial cinematographers and gaffers will introduce students to the RED Scarlet and Epic cameras and their applicable functions, as well as lighting theory and technique. Students will also make frequent visits to leading industry tech companies such as 3ality and Light Iron.

Pre-Production and Production

Here, students apply the lessons they have learned in the previous weeks. Open, professional collaboration will be developed through practice. A rotation of five two-week cycles will allow each student to complete their own project, while assisting others in the various, key on-set positions: director, assistant director, cinematographer, AC, and sound mixer. All projects will be shot on the studio lot as well as on-location around Hollywood and Los Angeles.

Post-Production and Career Development

With the guidance of editing and cine-grading professionals, each student will finish their work in the REDucation-X Post Lab. A step-by-step explanation of modern digital post-production workflow will be provided in order to understand online and offline editing for the purposes of proper digital delivery and distribution. Students will learn the methods of editing 4k and 5k footage through the use of non-linear editing systems. After editing, color grading will be applied before exporting projects to a deliverable 4K DCP for theatrical distribution. (NOTE: Preliminary application and script review will determine how to best approach projects with digital effects.) The final week of class will cover film financing, independent marketing, and future distribution strategies. Upon completion of this course, students will possess an insider’s know-how of independent filmmaking.