The film industry gatekeeps, we give you the key.
A FILMMAKER'S BLUEPRINT
FOR BREAKING IN
Hear directly from Shane Hurlbut, ASC, on what it really takes to get on set, paid work, and a lasting career.
THE GAP NO ONE ELSE FILLS
Most filmmakers spend years learning but never get on set. They’re stuck watching videos, trying to turn passion into a paycheck.
Filmmakers Academy was built by working professionals, ASC cinematographers, directors, gaffers, and crew, teaching everything they wish someone told them.
We combine mentorship, masterclasses, community, and real on-set experience.
It’s not just what you know, it’s who you learn from, how you apply it, and who you meet along the way.
FILMMAKERS TRUST US
“I used to watch tutorials at my job, hoping to learn more about lighting and camera. Then I joined Filmmakers Academy and within weeks, I was on set in Santa Barbara with a real crew. This platform turned me from a viewer into a working filmmaker.”
Keely Liles
Director/DP
“I didn’t go to film school, FA became my film school.
I had no resources where I lived, but after taking the Movi courses, I became the go-to AC on set.
FA gave me the skills and confidence to stand out.”
Mark Valentin
1st AC
“The best investment I’ve made in 8 years of filmmaking. I’ve done other programs but nothing compares. This isn’t just content. It’s mentorship, community, and real set access. I got responses to comments in minutes, and met people who now work with me on jobs.”
Carla Mejia
DP/Camera Op
“I joined for one course. I stayed because it changed my career. I found Shane’s night cinematography video on YouTube, needed more, so I signed up. What I found was an entire community and library that helped me grow way beyond that one project. Years later, I’m still here and still leveling up.”
Christian Donahoe
DP
Jane Doe
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO BUILD A CAREER
We don’t believe in passive learning or endless desk tutorials. Everything we offer is built to get you on your feet, on set, and in front of the people who can move your career forward.
STRUCTURED LEARNING
Not sure where to start? We built Career Paths to guide you. Follow a step-by-step roadmap for cinematography, directing, color, or camera team—and build skills that lead to real-world results. Every path ends with a certificate of completion.
ON SET TRAINING
The Shadow Program is the only filmmaking initiative of its kind, putting you on real sets with working professionals across narrative, commercial, and music video productions. You gain hands-on experience that leads to real jobs. Available to annual & lifetime members.
MENTORSHIP FROM THE PRO'S
Every month, you get live Spotlight Coaching Calls with cinematographers, agents, producers, and directors who offer real feedback, career guidance, and connections.
BIG SAVINGS ON GEAR
Annual members unlock B&H EDU Advantage access, giving you up to 50% off gear from brands like ARRI, Sony, RED, Canon, and more.
MASTERCLASSES
Some of our most sought after deep-dive, longform experiences, designed to feel like you’re right there on set, learning from the industry pro's in real time.
COMMUNITY
Join a private community of working filmmakers from around the world.
Ask questions, get feedback share wins, land jobs, sell gear, DM members directly, and grow your network, without the ego.
START BUILDING
YOUR CAREER
Stop guessing your next step, gain the skills, access, and support to thrive in the film industry.
Start Strong. Stay Flexible.
1-MONTH
MEMBERSHIP
$49.99/Month
Pay monthly, cancel anytime
For filmmakers who want to explore our platform and begin learning immediately without a long-term commitment.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ PLUS ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Full Platform Access
Global Community Access
Community Platform Access
40+ Premium Courses
1000+ Hours of Training Videos
Spotlight Coaching Sessions
Full Podcast Catalog
Special Discounts
New Content Added Monthly
Does Not Include:
Premium Masterclasses
Shadow Program Access
B&H EDU Advantage Discount Program
SIGN UP NOW
Build Momentum. Save $30.
3-MONTH
MEMBERSHIP
$119.99/Quarter
Pay quarterly, cancel anytime
A deeper dive for filmmakers ready to level up skills. Save more. Learn more.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ PLUS ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Full Platform Access
Global Community Access
Community Platform Access
Premium Community Channels
40+ Premium Courses
1000+ Hours of Training Videos
Spotlight Coaching Sessions
Full Podcast Catalog
Special Discounts
New Content Added Monthly
Does Not Include:
Premium Masterclasses
Shadow Program Access
B&H EDU Advantage Discount Program
SIGN UP NOW
Best Value. Full Access.
Career Accelerator.
12-MONTH
MEMBERSHIP
$449.99/Year
Pay yearly, cancel anytime
The only plan that gives you everything.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ PLUS ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Full Platform Access
Shadow Program Access -
go on set with our mentors
Premium Masterclasses
Global Community Access
Community Platform Access
40+ Premium Courses
1000+ Hours of Training Videos
Spotlight Coaching Sessions
Full Podcast Catalog
Special Discounts
New Content Added Monthly
Includes:
Premium Masterclasses
Shadow Program Access
B&H EDU Advantage Discount Program
SIGN UP NOW
IS THIS PLATFORM FOR YOU?
We’re trusted by camera assistants, cinematographers, gaffers, colorists, key grips, directors, editors, producers, and more. If your goal is to be a filmmaker, this is your home base.
You don’t have to be a student. You don’t have to live in LA. And you definitely don’t need to be an influencer.
You just need to be serious about your craft and ready to jump at opportunities.
THE RESULTS
See how being an FA member has changed lives and shaped careers.
YOUR PATH TO SET
Real People, Real Success Stories
We give you the skills, mentorship, and access to go from stuck to hired.
Our members are landing jobs, building networks, and turning filmmaking into a full-time career.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Filmmakers Academy mentors are active leaders in the film industry.
Shane Hurlbut, ASC
Cinematographer
Jordan Brady
Producer & Director
Jamee Ranta
Producer
David Cole
Lead Colorist
Justin Jones
Cinematographer
Derek Edwards
1st Assistant Camera
Joaquin Elizondo
Editor
Sherri Kauk
Cinematographer
Lydia Hurlbut
Lifestyle & Wellness Coach
Derek Johnson
Colorist & DIT
Chris Herr
Camera Op & Gimbal Tech
Jason Robbins
Camera Op & Gimbal Tech
WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS SAYING
“I’m not sure about the rest of you, but this is the type of educational hub that I’ve been waiting for since the day I first picked up a camera.”
Robert Hardy
NoFilmSchool
“Filmmakers Academy is the reason I dropped out of film school. This is a trusted resource of industry professionals teaching you how to work on high level sets. You can’t find this content anywhere else.”
Hrvoje Bazina, ASBH
Cinematographer
“The platform will allow artisans and filmmakers to unlock a whole new realm of educational possibilities for creatives.”
Jazz Tangcay
Variety
EXPLORE POPULAR CONTENT
Gain cutting-edge industry knowledge to make you competitive in your craft.
"I am immensely grateful for the valuable knowledge imparted by FA, which has enabled me to expand my skills and deepen my passion for cinematography. I wholeheartedly endorse it as a resource for anyone who shares a love for this art form. Being located in a country with limited opportunities in the industry, FA has played a pivotal role in nurturing my expertise and nurturing my admiration for this captivating field. Many thanks to FA for their outstanding contributions."
Zion
"The best injection I've given my career since I started. The Filmmakers Academy is actually run by Hollywood movie makers so you're getting real world lessons. The instructional videos are excellent, you won't get better with helpful downloads, I personally have found the podcasts very helpful which cover everything from lens choice to mental health to interview techniques. My Career had stalled until I signed up to the FA now it's moving again and I personally feel more empowered with the new knowledge I have gained. Wish something like this was around in the eighties."
John
"This is something I've been looking for for years. or someone who's been attending different industry events, masterclasses, consuming a lot of content - The Filmmakers Academy really stands out. The production quality, the amount of categories, topics, the level of the mentors and teachers is unlike anything you can find online elsewhere. This is something I've been looking for, for years. Very grateful to have access to such expertise."
Edmund
INTERESTED IN
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP?
This isn’t just a membership, it’s a lifelong commitment to honing your craft and joining a thriving global community of filmmakers. With a Lifetime Membership, you unlock unlimited access to everything the Academy offers — a filmmaker’s treasure trove of resources at your fingertips.
LEARN MORE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who do I contact if I have a question?
Please contact Customer Service by sending an email to customercare@filmmakersacademy.com
Can I watch videos and interact with the community on my smartphone and tablet without the app?
Yes, you can access the Filmmakers Academy platform via your preferred browser.
However, for the best experience, we encourage users to download and use the Filmmakers Academy app.
What filmmaking disciplines does Filmmakers Academy offer?
Filmmakers Academy offers an impressive range of disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Lighting, Grip and Electric, Color Correction, Post-Production, and more!
What is Filmmakers Academy?
Filmmakers Academy is a versatile, premium online filmmaking platform that unlocks a whole new realm of educational possibilities for creatives. We teach you what you don’t learn in film school and blend that with on-set Hollywood training into one unique educational experience for both professionals and aspiring visual creatives.
What is included in a Filmmakers Academy membership?
Filmmakers Academy offers three membership tiers: Annual All Access, Monthly All Access, and Basic Subscription.
Annual and Monthly All Access enjoy unlimited access to all of our regularly updated courses, and lessons, access to downloadable resources, and our Career Paths feature that includes Cinematography, Directing, Lighting, G&E, Camera Assisting, Post-Production, and Producing!
Both memberships include nearly the same features and content and only differ with access to premium masterclasses. Due to the cost of production, premium masterclasses are reserved exclusively for Annual members.
Basic subscribers have access to the community and a limited curated list of educational content with one revolving lesson that is updated weekly.
