Breadcrumb
CION's Ultimate List of Online Training for Film Personnel
CION has compiled this list of online training opportunities for film professionals. We hope that you can take advantage of these opportunities and emerge with new skills to advance your career.
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Lighting Designers Sharing Helpful Information
Online Training and Resources for Filmmaking
Online Training for Visual Effects
Online Training for Post Production
Websites with Tools and Training
Educational Youtube Channels Videos and Playlists
Facebook Groups with Helpful Information
Subreddits with Great Information
Online Courses for Creatives
NO Film School | Take a Screenwriting Course from an NYU Professor for Free |
Canadore College | Free Online Course Module - World Culture Through Film |
Future Learn NFTS - Explore Filmmaking: from Script to Screen | Learn from award-winning filmmakers how films go from script to screen with this film production course from the BFI Film Academy. Free course. |
Sundance Collab - The Role of a Staff Writer on a TV Series with Charmaine DeGrate | Charmaine DeGrate landed her first job as a staff writer on the sci-fi show THE 100. She explains the role of staff writer, how to handle receiving notes, what it means to produce the episodes you write, and offers some wisdom on how to successfully navigate the world of television writing. |
Living Your Truth As a Writer with Angelica Nwandu | Screenwriter and media mogul Angelica Nwandu describes her unique path into a fulfilling creative life. |
Unreal Build: Virtual Production | Coming to you from the comfort of your own home on Tuesday, November 10 starting at 9 AM PST | 12 PM EST | 5 PM GMT, Unreal Build: Virtual Production is a free half-day virtual event that showcases incredible projects and innovations from film and television industry trailblazers. We'll also be bringing you the latest features in the upcoming Unreal Engine 4.26 release. Plus! Don't miss a special guest presentation from Weta Digital. |
Online Lighting Courses
Vectorworks Spotlight Essentials Seminars | Use code: MAGNUM for 100% discount on Vectorworks Training |
ACT Online Courses | ACT Lighting is offering free online courses with promo code act4me until June 1, 2020 to help programmers during this period of social-distancing. |
ETC Connect Courses | Temporarily free to the community |
ETC EOS Training and Workbooks | More free training material from ETC |
ETC & High End Systems Study Hall | ETC and High End Systems launch live events on Study Hall featuring webinars, Q&As, and round tables led by both our employee experts and our friends around the industry. |
Obsidian Onyx Classes | ONYX & NETRON weekly online training classes |
ChamSys MagicQ Training | Free training courses and videos |
High End Systems - Learn Hog 4 | Two seasons of Youtube tutorials and support files available now |
Strand Console Training | Free web-based training and webinars |
Chauvet Live Tech Talks | Tune in at 2 pm (EST) every Thursday for a “LIVE” stream Tech Talk series hosted by CHAUVET Professional Product Managers |
Avixa CTS Certification Courses | Online training open to all through June 12 |
USITT Teaching Archive | Free online resource for teachers in areas of technical theatre and live entertainment |
Gaffer Systems 3D Modeling | Free training for their 3D Modeling/Visualization software |
LightWright6 | Free through June 1, 2020. Helps designers and electricians record and keep track of the vast amount of data needed to install and maintain a lighting installation. |
Capture Student Edition and Demos | Great for creating small rigs that lighting designers can play with, will link with Nomad offline relatively easily. |
Drafty App | CAD Tool with a few tutorials |
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) | Light & Color Courses |
ARRI Academy’s Lighting Systems Control | Goes over the basics of digital lighting control technologies |
Digital Cinema Society Now Streaming: DCS 2020 Cinema Technology Spotlight Series | Dozens of interviews have been recorded and will be posted here and added to the 2020 Spotlight online gallery. Visit the DCS homepage throughout the week as they add to the collection to catch up on the latest cinema product and technology news. |
Lighting Designers Sharing Helpful Information
Christian Jackson | Some of the best tutorial videos you’ll find on Youtube. Plus, his photography is AMAZING! |
Mike Wood | Love this guy. He’s been busy hosting weekly webinars and doing weekly hangouts every Wednesday at 8pm EDT on ZOOM. |
Online GrandMA Training
MA University | Intensive training for all MA products. We are working with MA Lighting to offer a limited number of readers access to the full MA University training for free. |
GrandMA2 Tutorial Series | Youtube videos created by MA Lighting |
GrandMA3 Tutorial Series | Youtube videos created by MA Lighting |
Christian Jackson’s MA2 Console Resource | Great tutorials on programming a show on grandMA2 |
Online Camera Resources
ARRI's Latest and Evergreen Online Offerings | Tutorials, user stories, white papers, videos, community platform, technical information, and much much more. |
Arri Trinity | Meet the world’s most advanced camera stabilizer. |
Film and Digital Times | Latest edition - free PDF download |
Dynamic Rentals Dynamic Speakers Series | Videos from webinars about camera lenses |
Online Audio Training
HARMAN Professional University | Audio, control, and networked AV certification courses |
JBL CBT Calculator Training | Video tutorial |
Crown Amplifier Training | Video Tutorials |
QSC QSYS Level 1 | Always free. Great certification for an Audio Tech |
Dante Level 1, 2, and 3 | Always free. Great certification for an Audio Tech |
AVID | 90-day temporary licenses for students attending institutions which use AVID products (Pro-Tools, Media Composer) |
QLab4 | Free temporary license to teachers and students. (educational email address required) |
Mic Pool’s QLab Cook Book | Templates and clever programming guides |
Reaper Daw | Temporary license key for versions 5 thru 6.x (valid until the end of June 2020) |
Shure Online Audio Institute | Wired systems, wireless system, networking basics |
Stage Research | Free access to their library of applications (SFX, ShowBuilder, RF Guru, RF Scanner) with “SUPPORTARTS” discount code |
Waves Soundgrid Certification | Online courses |
Audioversity | Yamaha Pro Audio Education and Training activities |
Rational Acoustics Webinar Series | Developers of Smaart, the industry leading system measurement and acoustical analysis platform. |
DAS Audio Webinars | Topics include EASE Focus 3 – Acoustic Prediction and System Design; DASnet – System Monitoring and Control; DASaim Workflow; Introduction to Software and Systems, Level 1; and Advanced Software and Systems, Level 2. |
D&b Audio Webinars | The d&b team would like to create space for open conversation, to listen to technical questions and comments, exchange thoughts and ideas, and ultimately fill as many knowledge gaps as possible. You have to sign up and unfortunately, space is limited. |
Online Grip Training
Matthews Studio Equipment | Instagram account with videos on tips for grips |
Online Training and Resources for Filmmaking
CION Crew Resources in the North | Visit this page to stay up to date on opportunities for film crew members in Northern Ontario |
CION Resources for Film Creatives | Help for creative filmmakers living and working in Northern Ontario |
Moviola Filmmaker Video Courses | Designed to equip you for professional filmmaking as quickly as possible |
Web Film School | Directing for At Home Streaming Tips |
First Mile Technologies - Streaming from Set & Remote Connectivity | Brandon & Peter host a chat with Manny Rego (www.kaosvideo.ca), Francois Gauthier (ARRI Canada) and cinematographer Vinit Borrison (www.vinitborrison.com). Manny demonstrates low latency video streaming from set into collaborative meeting platforms, Francois describes remote connectivity enabling camera and lighting control, and Vinit opines on what on-set connectivity means for filmmakers moving forward. |
NET Critical Conversations: Collaborating in the Cloud Part 2 The View from the Director’s and Cinematographer’s Chair | HPA NET is proud to partner with the American Society of Cinematographers to present the sequel to our first HPA NET Critical Conversation. A few weeks ago we dove into virtual production with the technologists responsible for the revolutionary workflow in place on the HPA Tech Retreat Supersession’s twelve-minute short film “The Lost Lederhosen”. Event recording available for viewing. |
Entertainment Partners - Product Videos | Comprehensive library of “how to” videos and product demos, primarily about Movie Magic, Payroll, Budgeting. There is a fee for some of the services but it will be waived until May 15. |
Entertainment Partners - Product Videos | ACTRA Toronto Health & Safety Town Hall which focused on finances, health and safety. |
Master Class Archive: Designing and Blocking a Scene with Lesli Linka Glatter | Learn how to bring a scene from script to screen with your unique vision—the essence of film and television directing. Join DGA Award-winning and Emmy-nominated director and producer Lesli Linka Glatter (“Homeland”, “The Walking Dead”, “Mad Men”) in a live, three-hour, online Master Class as she shares her approach to creative decision-making and reveals the process of blocking and designing complex, cinematic scenes for some of television’s most beloved shows. |
Virtual Documentary Filmmaking Session supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation | How do documentary filmmakers nurture their artistic voice and cultivate successful creative collaborations? Join Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film team for part one, where we'll discuss building your body of work as a documentary filmmaker with Cecilia Aldarondo, director of MEMORIES OF A PENITENT HEART, and developing productive, healthy relationships with your creative team with Jacqueline Olive, Don Bernier, and Bob Edwards from the documentary ALWAYS IN SEASON. |
Transatlantic: Directors in Conversation | Join five leading UK and US independent filmmakers for a vibrant and thoughtful discussion of their careers, creative processes, and films from the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Wendy Mitchell moderates, exploring the work of Janicza Bravo (Zola), Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman), Romola Garai (Amulet), Justin Simien (Bad Hair), and Julie Taymor (The Glorias). |
(Re)Imagining the Future of Independent Film | The film industry is facing unprecedented change in these uncertain times. A lively combination of industry and artist guests dive into the complexities of the current independent filmmaking landscape, reimagining what the future of film can and should look like, and examining everything from rapidly evolving viewing patterns to paths forward in improving equitable practices industry-wide. Jeff Deutchman (EVP of acquisitions and production, NEON) and Julia Oh (senior commissioning executive, Film4) are joined by Mathieu Ajan (BFI NETWORK executive and founder of Bounce Cinema), Andrea Riseborough, and Lena Waithe. Moderated by Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Film Festival. |
Benh Zeitlin on Creating the World of Your Film | In this Conversations from the Labs video, writer/director/composer Behn Zeitlin shares his advice for creating the world of your film, sharing the opening sequence of his film Beasts of the Southern Wild. Reflecting on his experience directing Wendy, he reveals his approach to casting and working with nonprofessional actors - and children in particular. He also explains the need to leave room for your crew to find a sense of ownership in the filmmaking process and reminds us how many little choices can work together to have a powerful cumulative impact. |
Ed Harris on Acting and Directing | In this video, Ed Harris reveals his approach to acting and directing based on his experience on both sides of the camera. Sharing his experience as an Actor in APOLLO 13 and a key sequence from his film POLLACK as the lead Actor and Director, Ed reflects on his process from casting and rehearsal through production. He stresses the need for trust and honesty in the relationship with actors, and reminds us to allow our actors room to surprise us. He also explains why acting experience is essential for directors. |
Karyn Kusama on Directing and Prepping Your Film | In this video, writer/director Karyn Kusama shares her approach to prepping and directing films. Reflecting on her experience directing THE INVITATION, DESTROYER, and GIRLFIGHT, she explains her process for getting to the essence, the emotional feeling of a film, the connection between scheduling and budget, and how she approaches rehearsing. She stresses the need to accept mistakes as part of the filmmaking process and why practicing self-care while directing is essential. |
NewFilmmakers LA (NMFLA) | NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film goers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. NFMLA provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition and representation. |
Online Training for Visual Effects
HDR and Dolby Vision Primer VFX | Vimeo video from Visual Effect Society |
VFX Pros: Home Edition - Compositing | VFXer's Inside Guide - Vimeo video from Visual Effects Society |
Harrison Ellenshaw on Snow White | Vimeo video from Visual Effects Society |
Online Training for Post Production
HPA Through the Frame Episode 1 - Gemini Man with Ben Gervais | Technical Supervisor Ben Gervais breaks down the groundbreaking workflow used to deliver the Will Smith feature Gemini Man at 120 frames per second, Native3D, HDR, and ATMOS. From a workflow perspective, this might just be the most challenging film ever delivered and Ben was key in making this happen. |
Websites with Tools and Training
Chauvet Lighting Insights | Lighting Designers share insight into their work |
USITT Teaching Archive | A publication of teaching resources for theatre technology |
Learn Stage Lighting | David Henry’s site dedicated to teaching stage lighting |
Dante Certification | Learn how to network Dante for audio and get certified – for free |
Lighting Trainer | Posts geared towards learning lighting |
ARRI Master Classes | Watch all Master Classes on MZed for free, and 25% discount for our certified online courses on MZed (for a limited time) |
Production Training | Brand new peer-to-peer training website. This looks VERY promising. |
The Rigging World | Helpful articles about rigging safety |
The X-Laser Website | Educational content for laser work |
Gear it First | Tutorial videos geared for the mobile entertainer, completely free. |
Online Lightlab Tools | Lightlab and Education Tutorials |
Creative Conners Resource Page | Free resources and training for Conners products |
A4I.tv Rigging Trussing Television | Engineering & safety practices |
RF Venue | Wireless training |
Cinematography Live | Overview of DMX512 and recommended practices |
LightConverse Tools 2020 | A new specialized 3D design program focused on stage design of all types and sizes. Free! |
Disguise | Giving everyone 6 months FREE access to Designer software until the end of September. |
Doug Fleenor Design | White Papers and Best Practices |
Actsafe Certification | Live Performance Electrical Certificate |
Actsafe Motion Picture Safety 101 | General Safety Awareness |
Arch Toolbox | Architectural drawing standards and references |
LiveDesign Webinars | On-demand presentations from industry leaders on a WIDE variety of topics |
Control Geek | Online video lectures designed to be supplemental material for “Show Networks and Control Systems” presented by the author, John Huntington |
Crestron Technical Institute | Moved several courses to online interactive classes so you may continue your pursuit of knowledge. |
Powersoft E-Training Courses | Free webinars that focus on Powersoft products |
Practical Show Tech | Hosting a webinar or two per day with some big names in RF Coordination and some other topics. |
Stellar Online Lighting Tutorials | The intelligent lighting control app from ARRI |
Customize Eye Catching Movie Poster Templates For Free | Design professional looking posters to engage theatre and film followers. Browse through hundreds of movie poster templates, and customize them all for free. |
Online Music Resources
Caribbean Samples Team | All prices have been cut down to help music makers keep making music during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beats, sample packs, drum loops, guitar, piano and bass line loops. |
Educational Youtube Channels Videos and Playlists
Lighting Challenges | From the guys at LearnStageLighting.com. A playlist of different lighting challenges and how to solve them. |
Blackout Lighting Console | Developer of the Blackout Lighting Console App for Film/TV/Commercials. Very informative videos. |
DMX 101 Tutorial | Great playlist with DMX tips |
Dance Lighting Designer Round Table | A round table discussion about lighting for Dance |
Jennifer Tipton on Edward Hopper | Theatrical lighting designer Jennifer Tipton discusses the use of light in three paintings. |
Jennifer Tipton working with Jerome Robbins | One in a series of video interviews with people who were touched by Jerome Robbins’ life. |
Paule Constable on Lighting the Matthew Bourne Swan Lake | Paule Constable, New Adventures Associate Artist and Lighting Designer for Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 2018/19 tour, discusses the ideas behind her designs. |
Al Crawford, Alvin Ailey Lighting Designer: Breaking Barriers | Provides a discussion of the art of lighting design as it is relates to hybrid design |
TEDx-Science and Magic Illuminating the Stage with Lighting Design | Learn about the hidden art of theatrical lighting design and the ways that light affects our everyday lives. |
The Role of Lighting In Theatre: Don Holder | Mr. Holder discusses his work as a lighting designer in theatre, opera, and dance. |
American Theatre Wing: Lighting Design | A technician, an artist, a magician… What does a Lighting Designer do in the theatre? |
Lex Products Cable Coiling Video Series | Become an expert at coiling cable in your down time |
L-Acoustic Webinars | A collection of their past daily webinars. Lots of great info here. |
FilmLight Webinars | Colour Online: Colour Management in Baselight 5.3 followed by Q&A |
First Mile Technologies - Streaming from Set & Remote Connectivity | Brandon & Peter host a chat with Manny Rego (www.kaosvideo.ca), Francois Gauthier (ARRI Canada) and cinematographer Vinit Borrison (www.vinitborrison.com). Manny demonstrates low latency video streaming from set into collaborative meeting platforms, Francois describes remote connectivity enabling camera and lighting control, and Vinit opines on what on-set connectivity means for filmmakers moving forward. |
Dylan Tichenor on the Editing Process and POV | Go behind the scenes to learn from Sundance Advisors in our Conversations from the Labs series. This collection of 90-minute videos will deepen your understanding of all the creative disciplines that are supported through our Labs including Feature Film Directing and Writing, TV Writing, Emerging Media, Documentary, Producing, Film Music, and Theater. In this video, Dylan Tichenor, reveals his approach to editing and POV, sharing key sequences in his films BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, PHANTOM THREAD, and THERE WILL BE BLOOD that illuminate his process as the Editor. He explains the need to have a clear idea of what each scene/sequence is about and reminds us of the importance of remaining open to new approaches to storytelling. He also shares advice for nurturing a productive director/editor collaboration. Other conversations in the series include those with actor/director Ed Harris, writer/director Karyn Kusama, writer/director Rick Famuyiwa, writer/director/producer Kasi Lemmons, and others. |
Creating Social Impact Through Storytelling with Jeff Orlowski and Larissa Rhodes | As independent storytellers we strive to create films that entertain, enlighten and deepen understanding around important social issues. Join award-winning filmmakers Jeff Orlowski (CHASING CORAL, CHASING ICE) and Larissa Rhodes (CHASING CORAL) for a vibrant discussion around their newest film, THE SOCIAL DILEMMA and the impact campaign that is being rolled out to help fuel fundamental change in society. As filmmakers who aim to address social issues, Jeff and Larissa will review what impact campaigns are, how they can amplify your film’s message, when they are necessary, and how to build an impact campaign around your film. We will also discuss how to know when you’ve found the right subject for your next film and the unique challenges posed by blending documentary and narrative formats. |
Facebook Groups with Helpful Information
Everything Stage Lighting | Group created by the people from lightingtrainer.com |
Rigging Math Made Simple | Post questions or comments about rigging |
Subreddits with Great Information
/r/lightingdesign | This isn’t specifically training, but there is a LOT of helpful and interesting information in this subreddit. |
/r/TechTheatre | A community for all production designers and technicians |
/r/livesound | Dedicated to those who work in the live sound profession |
/r/filmmakers | Filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, editors, vfx gurus, composers, sound people, grips, electrics, and more meet to share their work, tips, tutorials, and experiences. |
/r/screenwriting | Screenwriters, editors, amateurs, professionals and script readers assist each other and collaborate on projects. |
Twitch Streamers with Helpful Lighting Content
Riksolo | Live streaming MA2 busking showfile programming work |
Podcasts About Filmmaking
Team Deakins | The Team Deakins podcast is an ongoing conversation between acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins and James Deakins, his collaborator, about cinematography, the film business and whatever other questions are submitted. |
Lighting Talk with the Lumen Brothers | Lighting designers discuss lighting education and the art of stage lighting design |
Lighting Nerds | Design, lighting, production, technology, and sarcasm |
LD at Large | Stage and Theatrical Lighting in the modern world |
General Learning
Duolingo | Language Learning – Highly recommended |
Code Academy | General coding tutorials |
Khan Academy | General Education from Preschool to College level classes |
Fusion 360 | Tool for 3D modelling, design and manufacturing. Tutorials to follow. |
DaVinci Resolve Training | Video editing and colour correction software. Completely free to use. |
Coursera | Many college courses listed for free through September |
Ontario Film Commission Professional Development and Learning Resources | A wide selection of online professional development and special interest courses that are offered by a number of industry organizations and government agencies. |
Career Resilience Resource Hub | A compilation of the programs, services, and resources that are currently available for employment support, apprenticeships, career transition, side hustles & entrepreneurship, job searching, and where to find more information on each. |