Austin School of Film’s FILM FORWARD Certificate Program offers an affordable, structured pathway for students ages 18+ to break into the creative media industry.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
At Austin School of Film, we believe in learning by doing—blending traditional film education with a uniquely hands-on approach.
The FILM FORWARD Certificate Program is designed to propel aspiring filmmakers and media artists into the industry with real-world training, expert mentorship, and a strong creative network.
This flexible program provides a comprehensive foundation in film and video production, covering pre-production, production, and post-production. Through practical coursework, you’ll develop essential skills, build a portfolio of real work, and gain valuable industry connections.
Taught by working professionals, our courses offer insight into the latest production techniques and trends. By the end of the program, you’ll have the tools, experience, and network to take your creative career to the next level. This is your stepping stone.
Our FILM FORWARD Certificate Program caters to individual students, supporting an attainable path to creative success. We offer intimate class sizes, an empowering atmosphere, and professional training— all at a fraction of the cost of similar training at commercial facilities. We are nonprofit alternative educational program into film & creative media.
Our FILM FORWARD Certificate Program offers 200 hours of in-class training through 14 required courses + 2 electives, designed for working students. Instead of just picking classes based on interest, this structured, step-by-step program helps you build a solid foundation in film and video production—gaining practical skills that evolve with the industry.
IMPORTANT DETAILS ▾
Pay-as-You-Go Flexibility: Register and pay only for the classes you choose—no upfront commitment required.
Flexible Completion Timeline: Take up to 2 years to earn your certificate, accommodating your schedule and pace.
Customizable Schedule: Design your learning experience to fit your lifestyle, ideal for working professionals and students.
Year-Round Enrollment: Start when it’s convenient for you! Classes are available year-round with quarterly start dates.
Save with a One-Time Fee: A $75 non-refundable registration fee grants you access to the program and a 10% discount on all courses—saving you more as you go! This registration include 1-1 consults as needed plus certificate status for discounts.
REGISTRATION: Step-by-Step ▾
Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with all coursework and requirements.
Enroll in the Program: Sign up for the Digital Video Certificate Program and pay the one-time $75 registration fee.
Plan Your Schedule: Book an initial consultation with our Education Team to create your personalized starter schedule.
Register for Classes: Post-consult, use your exclusive DVCP discount to sign up for the classes of your choice to get started!
Please allow 2-5 business days for enrollment processing.
TOTAL COST
The total cost for completing the Digital Video Certificate program ranges from $4,000 to $5,500, depending on the Creative Core and Elective courses you choose. Tuition for individual classes typically ranges from $175 to $675. Designed to be flexible, the program follows a "Pay-As-You-Go" structure, so you only pay for the classes you select, with the ability to customize your schedule to fit your lifestyle.
Who is this Program For?
This program is ideal for those who want a clear, structured path that guides them through the fundamentals of film and video production while staying aligned with industry shifts.
Examples of Students Who Will Thrive in This Program:
Aspiring Filmmakers: For individuals who have always dreamed of making films but don’t know where to begin.
Working Professionals Seeking Career Growth: For those already working in creative or media-related fields who want to expand their skillset in film production or post-production.
Creative Entrepreneurs & Freelancers: For those starting a small production company or working as a freelancer in media.
Artists Exploring Video as a Medium: For visual artists, photographers, musicians, or performers looking to expand their creative toolkit and reach wider audiences by incorporating film and video into their work.
Students Who Prefer Hands-On Learning: For individuals who thrive in a practical, real-world learning environment rather than traditional classroom lectures.
This program is perfect for anyone who wants a structured, comprehensive path that adapts to their personal goals while staying in tune with industry shifts and offering the hands-on experience needed to excel in film and video production.
The Ideal Student
The ideal student for our certificate program is someone who is motivated, self-driven, and committed to growth. There are no grades or shortcuts here—success is determined by the effort you put into your creative journey.
They are:
Goal-Oriented: They have a clear vision for their creative or professional goals and are dedicated to putting in the work to achieve them.
Hands-On Learner: They thrive in an environment where learning comes through practical, real-world experience, engaging in real projects and problem-solving.
Proactive Networker: They understand that success in the creative field is often built on relationships. They’re eager to attend events, collaborate, and expand their professional network.
Flexible and Adaptable: They appreciate the program’s flexibility, allowing them to learn at their own pace while balancing other responsibilities.
Committed to Personal Growth: Whether advancing a career, developing skills, or working on personal projects, they are dedicated to growing both technically and creatively.
COURSEWORK OUTLINE
— START HERE—
FILM/VIDEO FUNDAMENTALS
ENTRY LEVEL COURSES FOR BEGINNERS
Get solid foundation of all phases of production.
REQUIRED: 6 COURSES (89 HOURS)
CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION
INTERMEDIATE FILM CLASSES
Explore different types of filmmaking by creating a film through an intermediate project-based film production course.
REQUIRED: 2 COURSES (50 HOURS)
VIDEO EDITING
INTRO & INTERMEDIATE EDITING COURSES
REQUIRED: 2 COURSES (24 HOURS)
Please choose an option that aligns most with your goals and complete both intro and advanced courses.
Software platforms required are subject to change as industry standards & digital media evolves & change over time.
OPTION A
Final Cut Pro X
OPTION B
Adobe Premiere Pro
POST-PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS
INTERMEDIATE COURSES
Go beyond the basic tools for post-production and dive deeper into aesthetics of sound and video in the post-production pipeline.
REQUIRED: 2 COURSES (24 HOURS)
CREATIVE ELECTIVE
REQUIRED: 2 COURSES (24 HOURS)
Explore different types of art and technical skills within film & video production.
Electives are subject to change as industry standards & film techniques evolve & change over time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Makes Us Different?
Our curriculum is designed to reflect the demands of the media arts industry, with classes that are hands-on, practical, and led by experienced professionals actively working in the field. We focus on real-world examples and skill-building that directly prepare you for a successful career in film and video production.
We understand that traditional colleges may not be accessible or appealing to everyone. That's why we offer an alternative — an affordable, debt-free path for adults eager to learn film and video production. Whether you're looking to break into the industry or build on existing skills, our program is designed to provide the education you need without the financial burden.
Will a Digital Video Certificate Help Me Get a Job?
At Austin School of Film, we have built a 20-year legacy of excellence, training hundreds of students each week, from aspiring filmmakers to industry professionals. Our certificate programs are recognized for their value, not just as a credential, but as a testament to the hands-on skills and industry knowledge our students gain. Our curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends and technology in the field, ensuring you learn the most current techniques.
While earning a certificate from us is an important step, securing a job in the industry ultimately depends on your personal effort and goals. We encourage you to engage fully in your learning — ask questions, push your creative boundaries, and continue to hone your skills even after the certificate is complete. Through project-based classes, you'll build a portfolio of meaningful work, and we provide plenty of networking opportunities to connect with fellow creators. The #1 way to find a job is through your network, so take initiative and make meaningful connections — don't wait for opportunities, create them.
Success in this program requires dedication. The more you invest in your education, the more you’ll gain from it. We’re here to guide you, but it's up to you to develop your creative skills both inside and outside the classroom.
Need Advice About Classes?
Our program is flexible and tailored to your unique goals. If you need guidance on how to structure your coursework or advance your skills, we offer 1-on-1 consultations for Digital Video Certificate Program students. These sessions are designed to help you map out your path and ensure you’re making the most of your learning experience. Once you've mastered the basics of production and post-production, you can move on to more specialized, intermediate, and advanced classes. To schedule your consultation, simply reach out and set up an appointment. All students also have direct contact with our Education Department and faculty for ongoing support.