List of Free Online Cinematography Classes, Lessons and Course Materials
See our list of the top free online cinematography courses. Learn about what courses are available, what topics they cover and whether you can use them to get college credit.
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Free Online Cinematography Course Info
The following free online courses don't offer college credits or access to instructors. Due to the hands-on nature of film production and cinematography, the materials available online sometimes are not the same as those in the original courses. Users also may need to download specific software programs like iTunes to access all available resources. However, users won't need to register, make tuition payments or attend classes at set times.
Free Online Cinematography Class List
Documentary Studies at New Jersey Institute of Technology
Users can examine the process of making documentaries through 10 video lectures. The original course required students to complete their own documentary projects. In order to be successful in this course, learners can benefit from having backgrounds in English, social science and history. Students should be prepared to purchase 7 texts in order to complete the readings.
Film Production at University of Glamorgan
This course investigates the roles of film directors and producers. Students may access the 5 audio podcasts through iTunes. The resources contain interviews with filmmakers on how they've produced, marketed and distributed their films.
Introduction to Video at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Students learn about recording and editing videos as tools for personal expression. Learners need access to a digital video camera and Final Cut Pro® software to complete the film projects. Students also might want to buy the listed textbooks in order to complete readings. Aspiring cinematographers have access to several project examples for reference purposes.
Media Art I at Capilano University
Students in this course can complete 3 project-based assignments that deal with sound, installation and video. Learners should expect to furnish the recommended readings and can benefit from having single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, video cameras and mini disk recorders. Online students in this course have access to 2 print lectures. Media Art II, III and IV are also freely available online.
Movie Making Basics at New Mexico State University
Learners can use iTunes to view the 6 video podcasts in this course. Topics include makeup artist tips, making a movie with no budget, film-scoring tips, editing for commercials and tips for screenwriting. Some of the videos provide screenshots that can show students how to use editing and screenwriting tools.
Producing Films for Social Change at Tufts University
This film production class shows students how to make documentary films on a variety of social issues. The course covers topics like camera filming, directing and interviewing skills. The course provides a class schedule with assignments, as well as examples of student work. Some assignments in the original class may not be applicable to free online users.
Studies in Film at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Students in this course can study the relationships between literature and film, with the assistance of multiple purchased or borrowed books and movies. PDF-format study materials are available for all 11 units. Examining the important narrative techniques embedded in films can help those who are looking to become filmmakers.
Understanding Television at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Users have access to 6 video lecture presentations in this course that examines the evolution of the technology and culture behind American television. Readings rely on 3 required texts, article selections and additional recommended sources; viewings of older television programs might also be necessary. Students have access to assignments and sample examinations.
Western Movies: Myth, Ideology and Genre at Wesleyan University
Students in this class can survey the development of the Western genre and the myth of the frontier. The 18 video lectures on iTunes focus on the cultural and historical contexts related to a wide assortment of Western movies. The course can assist those who are looking to produce genre films.
Earn Real Credit from Free Courses
While the free courses above don't award credit directly, you can earn credit by passing an exam and transferring credit to your college. There are two widely recognized and affordable options for exams that award credit.
Option #1: CLEP Exams
The College Board's 33 CLEP exams allow you to test out of your general education requirements. Credit is accepted at 2/3 of colleges and universities in the U.S.
Option #2: Excelsior College's Credit-by-Exam
Excelsior College offers over 40 exams that lead to transferable credit. You can also earn three full degrees by taking free online courses and earning your credit by exam.
Learn how Education Portal Academy will pay you to earn credit!
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5 Popular Schools
The schools in the listing below are not free but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Master
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in English and Creative Writing - Screenwriting
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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Online Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Photography
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Digital Workflow
- Certificate in Portrait Photography
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- Certificate in Studio Photography
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Bachelor
Other Popular Schools:
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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