Filmmaking Certificate Program

interlochen online filmmaking certificate program

Next session begins Jan. 12

Tuition Rate: $799

Rates increase Jan. 1

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FAQs

From creating your screenplay and shot list, to filming scenes and editing in post-production, this online certificate program will give you the tools you need to oversee every aspect of your cinematic visions. Through hands-on projects and personalized feedback from a seasoned director, you'll learn how to craft stories that resonate with your audience.

Taught by a world-class director and educator, our Filmmaking certificate program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your craft, earn a valuable credential, and receive credit from Interlochen. This program is designed for both adults and teens and consists of three four-week courses that must be taken in sequential order.

Screenwriting for Film 101

✔Identify the essential components of compelling screenplays for film and how to format them
✔Create rich and memorable characters that engage audiences on an emotional level and drive the story forward effectively
✔Analyze and apply the narrative qualities and techniques specific to various cinematic genres
✔Build tension and deliver narrative payoffs that provide a satisfying resolution
✔Write your own screenplay for film

Film Production 101

✔Effectively plan and organize all aspects of a cinematic production, including script breakdowns, budgeting, casting, scheduling, and hiring crew
✔Design a visual strategy that enhances and supports your screenplay, including motifs, color palettes, camera movements, and lighting styles
✔Create storyboards, shot lists, and overhead diagrams to visualize your production and lead production meetings to communicate your creative vision to your team
✔Create a detailed production plan for a full shooting day and execute a smooth and efficient on-set production
✔Lead your own film productions confidently and efficiently, ensuring a successful cinematic outcome

Film Editing 101

✔Apply various editing techniques, including shot selection, continuity, and special effects
✔Analyze different editing styles and the contributions of notable film editors
✔Adapt editing techniques for various narrative contexts, media formats, and emerging technological trends
✔Create a video that showcases your understanding of pacing, rhythm, and narrative
Courses

Tuition

$ 897   $799

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

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Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.
Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.
Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week per course.
Real growth
Develop skills and projects that are important to your artistic and professional growth.
For all students:

✔ A respected credential from Interlochen Online
✔ Physical and shareable digital certificate upon completion
✔ A portfolio of completed, polished projects
✔ A strengthened résumé, college application, or LinkedIn profile

For middle school and high school students:

✔ An official transcript awarding high school credit
✔ Accreditation by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Meet the Faculty

Drew McClellan

Instructor of Film

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Email: online@interlochen.org 

Phone: 231.276.5990 

You can also schedule an appointment.

Start Your Next Production with Confidence

Get access to Common (and Avoidable) Pre-Production Mistakes, an exclusive guide developed by Interlochen Online faculty.

Man holding a camera and filming