Filmmaking Certificate Program

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.

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

Courses

Tuition

$ 1197 $999

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: Ages 18+

Receive personalized feedback
Get regular guidance from an experienced artist-instructor who can help you strengthen your skills and develop your creative voice.

Connect in a weekly live class
Join an optional one-hour live class each week to ask questions, discuss ideas, and learn alongside other students.

Learn on your schedule
Complete video lessons, guided activities, and creative projects on a flexible weekly schedule of about five hours a week per course.

Create work you can share
Complete projects that demonstrate your progress and can contribute to a portfolio, résumé, application, or professional profile.

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.

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

Filmmaking Certificate Program

Screenwriting for Film 101

Film Production 101

Film Editing 101

Questions? Speak with an Advisor.

Start Your Next Production with Confidence

✔	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

✔	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