Hands on Filmmaking

The Best Way to Learn Filmmaking is to Make Films

There’s no better way to become a filmmaker than to make films. In our production classes, students have the opportunity to work in film, digital video and HD. Students work both on individual projects and on crews. And best of all, every production class results in finished work ranging from narrative work to documentaries.

Fundamentals of Filmmaking is the start-off class for the rest of the narrative production program followed by Lighting and Camera for Film & Video, The Production Project (either film or digital video) and culminating with Editing with Final Cut Pro.

For documentary filmmakers, Fundamentals of Filmmaking is followed by Documentary Production.

All production classes are included in the core requirements for the Filmmaking Certificate Program.


“The volume of hands-on work in this program is entirely phenomenal. I’ve learned so much and every class hypes me up for my impending career”.

For more details on the individual Hands on Film and Digital Video classes, check out the descriptions below:

Fundamentals of Filmmaking

An Introduction to Film and Digital Video Production

CFOF-A: June 20th

Instructor: Brad Hoover
8 Sessions: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuition: $545

Fundamentals of Filmmaking provides a practical and comprehensive grounding in film production including lighting, camera, composition and editing. Students have the remarkable opportunity to work in both film and digital video which provides the crucial foundation for an understanding of the entire production process. Students also receive a hands-on overview of editing with Final Cut Pro.

Students complete projects in both digital video and Super-8 Film. These projects give students experience in the whole production process including scripts and storyboards, shooting, and editing. Class time is devoted to technical knowledge, film analysis, and screening and critiques of student work. This class provides the foundation for the entire spectrum of filmmaking including narrative, documentaries, music videos, business videos, personal and experimental work and projects for the web.

Fundamentals of Filmmaking is a prerequisite for all other production classes at the Carolina Film Institute. Tuition includes the text and use of cameras and editing equipment. Additional film costs and a refundable equipment deposit are the responsibility of the student.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Tools of Production

 Lighting and Camera for Film and Digital Video

CTOP-A: Time TBA, call for info

Instructor: Brad Hoover
8 Sessions: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuition: $545; Lab Fee $50

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Filmmaking

Tools of Production covers lighting and camera and provides the fundamental groundwork for both the practical and creative sides of film and digital video production. During class, students will set up and shoot scenes paying particular attention to the expressive aspects of lighting and camera technique as well as the proper use of equipment and the standardized protocol of crew filmmaking.

Students become familiar with both camera operation and professional lighting and audio equipment. Weekly class sessions cover camera operation for film and digital video cameras, the use of light meters, detailed lighting instruction, and an overview of audio. The lab fee covers all film, equipment use and processing costs. 

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

16mm Film & Digital Production

Making the 16mm Film or Digital Project


FMP-A: Thursdays, Time TBA, call for info


Instructor: Jeter Rhodes
8 Sessions: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuition: $545; Lab Fee $215

Prerequisite: Tools of Production (CTOP)


Students in the Film Production Process class shoot their own non-sync* 16mm film. The class is divided into groups of 5-7 people. Each group takes full responsibility for their projects as they write the scripts, prepare storyboards, cast actors, scout and secure locations, and finally shoot their project. Weekly class sessions cover scripting, shot lists and storyboards, budgeting, location scouting, permit procedures, casting, art direction, and advanced production skills. All footage is carefully analyzed and critiqued in class. Access to the camera and lighting package and film and processing costs are included in the lab fee. Other costs associated with production and the refundable equipment deposit are the student's responsibility.
*"Non-sync" means that though there is no dialogue lip-synced with the picture, the film still has full music, sound effects and narration.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.