“Do I need to go to film school to become a filmmaker?” This is a common question I hear from almost every aspiring director who comes my way. While I certainly wouldn’t tell anyone with the opportunity to go that they shouldn’t, the shifting availability of affordable to free resources to anyone looking and the shifting market for independent films, I would certainty advise anyone with a passion for cinema to first check out what’s available to them now before they make that big spend that comes with a commitment of years of classes.
As your humble “Award This” winning creator of The Quantum Terror with years of experience working on independent projects, I thought I’d point out a few of the YouTube channels that I’ve made my film school over the years and have helped me to better understand my craft, from storytelling to camera work, special effects, and even distribution and marketing. It’s all important, and these channels will help to give you an overview of the big picture. It’s by no means comprehensive, but I think I’ve found some of the very best, and I’ll even offer some bonus channels within some of the recommendations, so be sure not to skip a word. In no particular order, they are…
Every Frame A Painting
Created by Tony Zhou and Taylor Ramos, Every Frame A Painting is a gold standard for video essays on filmmaking. Though inactive since 2016 (wait, they’re back with new videos after years!), its 28 episodes dissect techniques like editing, framing, and directing with clarity and wit. Videos like “Jackie Chan: How to Do Action Comedy” and “David Fincher: And the Other Way is Wrong” reveal how masters craft visual stories. This channel will help you master the art of visual storytelling through deliberate cinematic choices. There’s also “Edgar Wright: How to Do Visual Comedy” to learn how to infuse humor into your visuals, but my personal favorite is a spotlight on the animations of master storyteller Chuck Jones. You can’t come away from this channel without feeling charged up and ready to make your movie.
Sideways
Sideways is a treasure for filmmakers who want to harness music’s emotional power. Run by a music theory expert, the channel’s video essays explore how film scores shape narrative, with breakdowns of films like Avengers: Endgame and Cats (2019). Its engaging, accessible style demystifies music theory, showing how to collaborate with composers or choose soundtracks on a budget. You’ll learn the dos and don’ts of music to amplify your film’s emotional and narrative impact.
Collative Learning
Run by Rob Ager, Collative Learning offers deep dives into film psychology, subtext, and symbolism, analyzing classics like The Shining and The Thing. Ager, a self-taught critic since 2007, also shares practical film making tips, such as “7 tips for getting your independent film production finished.” His non-corporate, ad-free approach ensures unique, well-researched content, perfect for filmmakers who want to add depth and navigate indie production challenges. Learn to embed layered meaning in your films through subtext and subliminal staging.
Represent This
Run by the Represent This team, you’ll learn the history of some of your favorite mainstays of Hollywood’s biggest franchises and some hidden gems that are must sees as they explore them from conception, into production, and their release, while giving you an in-depth analysis on the people and motivations that led to them being on the silver screen. Through these breakdowns, you’ll gain a better understanding of what to expect as you fight to fulfill your own vision.
J. Horton Films
Run by J. Horton, a director who has been interviewed by Film Threat and comes with 20 years of experience and over 70 feature films, opens his videos with the line, “I make movies that make money. Here’s how.” His channel offers feature films, documentaries, and tutorials on distribution and marketing. Videos like “How to Make Money with Your Indie Film” provide practical advice for indie filmmakers looking to produce, market, and profit from their projects. Gain real-world insights into producing and monetizing indie films. Explore Horton’s marketing tutorials to learn how to get your films to the right audience. I also recommend the Peter Hyoguchi YouTube channel, who has been helping J. tour his movie in theaters across the country and is currently showing indie filmmakers how to get their movies onto the big screen. I will be writing more about that in the near future.
Corridor Crew
Corridor Crew is a hub for visual effects (VFX), offering tutorials and entertaining breakdowns. Their “VFX Artists React” series critiques effects in blockbusters and indie films, while tutorials show how to create professional-grade VFX affordably. The “Stuntmen React” series adds insights into practical stunts. Add polish to your films with budget-friendly VFX and practical effects, as well as explore their Adobe After Effects tutorials for quick ways to enhance visuals. Also, for an honest look at CGI go check out The Movie Rabbit Hole for their incredible series “No CGI” Is Really Just INVISIBLE CGI.
Curious Refuge
Led by Caleb Ward, Curious Refuge is the go-to for AI-driven filmmaking. Their tutorials teach how to use generative AI for design, storyboarding, and visual effects, making cutting-edge tools accessible to indie creators. It’s ideal for staying ahead in a tech-evolving industry. Leverage AI to streamline production and create stunning visuals on a budget. Other channels that I recommend for learning AI are Theoretically Media, Matt Wolf, and AI Sampson, but there are far too many great ones to list. Oh, and I also have some AI/VFX tutorials on my own channel, if anyone is interested.
Stan Winston School
Inspired by effects legend Stan Winston (Jurassic Park, Aliens, Terminator), the Stan Winston School channel offers tutorials on practical effects, creature design, and animatronics. Industry pros share techniques for creating prosthetics and puppets, perfect for ambitious indie filmmakers. Bring unique creatures and effects to your films with professional-grade techniques. Check out their prosthetics tutorials for budget-friendly ways to craft memorable visuals. I’d also recommend the the studioADI YouTube channel, founded by Stan Winston alumni and Oscar-Winning effects artists Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr. If you want to go even further down that rabbit hole, also visit In Camera and MarcusPix.
Film Threat
Yes, I know you’re on the Film Threat website right now but I’m serious when I say that the Film Threat YouTube channel is a vibrant hub for indie filmmakers, offering regular live streams with real insight that is invaluable in this changing industry, on top of all the reviews, interviews, and insights into the business of independent cinema. Covering distribution, marketing, and festival strategies, it’s a must for navigating the industry while staying creative. Plus, they’re excellent at responding to chat questions when they go live, three times a week.
So, there you have it, aspiring filmmakers! The next list will be of old DVD extras that can also provide you with a cinema education, but you’ll have to come back in a few weeks for that one. This journey into cinema doesn’t always require a hefty tuition fee or years in a classroom. With dedication, curiosity, and these incredible resources, you can truly build your own personalized film school right from your home. The most important thing is to keep learning, keep experimenting, and never stop creating. Your unique voice and vision are what the world is waiting for. Now go out there and make something amazing!
Christopher Moonlight is an animator, special effects artist, and the director of the ‘Award This’ winning movie, The Quantum Terror. His upcoming animated sci-fi adventure, Escape From Planet Omega-12, combines traditional film-making special effects with AI to create something never seen before in independent film. You can follow the behind-the-scenes, including tutorials, tips, and tricks, on his YouTube Channel and Substack.
"…This journey into cinema doesn't always require a hefty tuition fee or years in a classroom. With dedication, curiosity, and these incredible resources, you can truly build your own personalized film school right from your home."
