Deadline to register for our January 2026 session is December 26, 2025.
Our beginner filmmaking course — an 8-week, hands-on introduction to the complete process of making a music video from concept to screen.
An 8-week, all-levels course combining Austin’s music culture with hands-on filmmaking — create your own music video from start to finish.
In the Live Music Capital of the World, there’s no better place to explore the connection between sound and story. Whether you’re a musician eager to visualize your work, a filmmaker ready to collaborate with local artists, or a music fan curious about the creative process, this all-levels, hands-on course will guide you through the full experience of producing a music video from concept to completion.
Over eight weeks, you’ll learn how to interpret a song, write a treatment, plan your visuals, and bring your idea to life through camera, lighting, and editing. The course blends creative exploration with practical production techniques, giving you the tools to manage your own music video project with confidence.
Students will gain experience with multi-camera setups, lighting design, and on-location shooting, as well as access to cameras, lighting kits, and studio space. Each participant will complete their own finished music video — either by collaborating with a local band or creating a video for a song of their choice.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to craft mood, tone, and story through music video production — and have a finished piece to showcase your creative vision.
Topics and Exercises Covered Include:
Writing a treatment for the song or musical piece
Planning a realistic production with storyboards and shot lists
Creating a shooting schedule
Collaborating on eachother’s projects
Understanding essential crew roles for your project
Shooting a live local band (mock shoot)
Exploring aesthetics and style
Networking and building connections
What’s Included:
Access to studios and gear through CINEMAKER
10% discount at Austin Movie Gear for rentals and purchases
Final project screening at the Film & Friends Showcase, featuring Q&A, food, and drinks
Outside of Class Commitment: Students are expected to dedicate time outside of class to work on their projects, with support available through various resources offered as part of your course such as camera rentals and booking studio time in our of our production studios.
Student Experience: Students will work collaboratively in small production teams to write, shoot, and edit multiple short films using professional gear. Throughout the course, participants will receive creative and technical mentorship from instructors, guest filmmakers, and peers — culminating in a public screening of their completed work.
WINTER STUDENT ORIENTATION: Join us for an optional but highly recommended student orientation, just before classes begin where Austin School of Film will invite all project-based students for the quarter. This free bonus event is a great way to get familiar with gear check-out, studio access, and connect with your classmates, educators, as well as students from other project-based “Make Something” courses happening this winter.
Location: This course will be held in multiple locations including The Clayton and CINEMAKER @ The Canopy. All cameras, lighting, and equipment are provided for use during the course. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for musicians, filmmakers, and creatives interested in exploring the process of making music videos. Open to all experience levels — no prior filmmaking experience required. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.
Supplies & Materials: All digital cameras, lighting kits, and studio gear are provided for in-class exercises. Participants will also have access to editing bays and the ability to check out select pieces of equipment for off-site shooting.
Certificate: Core course within the Digital Video Certificate Program and applicable elective within the Film Forward Certificate Program.
Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
Deadline to register for our January 2026 session is December 26, 2025.
Our beginner filmmaking course — an 8-week, hands-on introduction to the complete process of making a music video from concept to screen.
An 8-week, all-levels course combining Austin’s music culture with hands-on filmmaking — create your own music video from start to finish.
In the Live Music Capital of the World, there’s no better place to explore the connection between sound and story. Whether you’re a musician eager to visualize your work, a filmmaker ready to collaborate with local artists, or a music fan curious about the creative process, this all-levels, hands-on course will guide you through the full experience of producing a music video from concept to completion.
Over eight weeks, you’ll learn how to interpret a song, write a treatment, plan your visuals, and bring your idea to life through camera, lighting, and editing. The course blends creative exploration with practical production techniques, giving you the tools to manage your own music video project with confidence.
Students will gain experience with multi-camera setups, lighting design, and on-location shooting, as well as access to cameras, lighting kits, and studio space. Each participant will complete their own finished music video — either by collaborating with a local band or creating a video for a song of their choice.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to craft mood, tone, and story through music video production — and have a finished piece to showcase your creative vision.
Topics and Exercises Covered Include:
Writing a treatment for the song or musical piece
Planning a realistic production with storyboards and shot lists
Creating a shooting schedule
Collaborating on eachother’s projects
Understanding essential crew roles for your project
Shooting a live local band (mock shoot)
Exploring aesthetics and style
Networking and building connections
What’s Included:
Access to studios and gear through CINEMAKER
10% discount at Austin Movie Gear for rentals and purchases
Final project screening at the Film & Friends Showcase, featuring Q&A, food, and drinks
Outside of Class Commitment: Students are expected to dedicate time outside of class to work on their projects, with support available through various resources offered as part of your course such as camera rentals and booking studio time in our of our production studios.
Student Experience: Students will work collaboratively in small production teams to write, shoot, and edit multiple short films using professional gear. Throughout the course, participants will receive creative and technical mentorship from instructors, guest filmmakers, and peers — culminating in a public screening of their completed work.
WINTER STUDENT ORIENTATION: Join us for an optional but highly recommended student orientation, just before classes begin where Austin School of Film will invite all project-based students for the quarter. This free bonus event is a great way to get familiar with gear check-out, studio access, and connect with your classmates, educators, as well as students from other project-based “Make Something” courses happening this winter.
Location: This course will be held in multiple locations including The Clayton and CINEMAKER @ The Canopy. All cameras, lighting, and equipment are provided for use during the course. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for musicians, filmmakers, and creatives interested in exploring the process of making music videos. Open to all experience levels — no prior filmmaking experience required. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.
Supplies & Materials: All digital cameras, lighting kits, and studio gear are provided for in-class exercises. Participants will also have access to editing bays and the ability to check out select pieces of equipment for off-site shooting.
Certificate: Core course within the Digital Video Certificate Program and applicable elective within the Film Forward Certificate Program.
Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
