BEFORE ENROLLING
We encourage you to review each class's details to ensure you meet any prerequisites or skill-level requirements. Our goal is to make filmmaking accessible to everyone, offering classes designed for beginners and those with little experience.
Class Size: Our classes are intentionally small, reflecting real-world filmmaking environments. They tend to fill up fast, so be aware that registration closes 48 hours before the class starts if there are any open spots.
Ages: All classes below are intended for adult students aged 18 and older, unless otherwise indicated on the individual class page. We do host annual youth programs, please check the youth tab for more information regarding youth-friendly programs.
Payment Plans: Interested in a payment plan? Please email classes@austinfilmschool.org to get started. We require 50% of the tuition upfront and offer the option to split the remainder into up to two equal payments.
Not Sure Where To Start? Schedule a free consult about classes and certificate program here.
Additional Information After Enrollment
Confirmation Email: You will receive a confirmation email soon after enrolling. This email includes essential details like class dates and times.
Class Reminder: We send reminder emails 1-2 business day before your class starts. Make sure your registration email is accurate as these reminders include vital information such as location, instructor contact details, code of conduct, and what to expect on your first day.
Course Syllabus: Educators will provide a syllabus that outlines the topics, assignments, and other pertinent information, which may be given out on the first day or in advance. The syllabus can be in digital or paper form, depending on the instructor’s preference.
Communication: Stay tuned for emails or messages from your educator containing crucial class information.
Certificate of Completion: Our classes are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to offer Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. Certificates of Completion can be requested.
For more information, please review our Program Policies.
Digital Filmmaking: Script to Screen (Beginner Friendly)
July 2 – August 20, 2025 (Wednesdays) | 6:30–9:30pm
Our only summer session of our most popular film production class—trusted by aspiring filmmakers for over a decade! This hands-on 8-week course is the ideal starting point for anyone ready to make films, whether you're self-taught and looking to refine your skills or brand new to the world of filmmaking.
Intro to Camera Basics
July 12 & 13, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
An ideal starting point for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, and cinematography using film and video cameras—all in an accessible weekend workshop. No prior experience required; perfect for beginners and self-taught learners.
Intro to Production Management (All Levels)
July 12 & 13, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am–4:00pm
This beginner-friendly workshop provides an overview of essential pre-production planning and management skills. Participants will gain the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of production efficiently.
16mm Tactile Filmmaking
July 13, 2025 (Sunday) | 10:00am - 2:00pm
A super fun, beginner-friendly experimental analog workshop that explores the art of hand-painting film to create unique animations and abstract imagery. Designed as a low-pressure, creative space for anyone curious about analog arts or looking to try something entirely new and exciting.
Intro to Super 8 Filmmaking (Beginner Friendly)
July 19 & 20, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
There’s a reason we get people who come from all over the country (and even internationally) to take this course! A purely analog filmmaking class for beginners.
Advanced Premiere Pro
July 26 & 27, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
This advanced course builds directly on concepts from our Intro to Adobe Premiere Pro class, or is perfect for self-taught editors eager to fill in the gaps and gain professional techniques.
Editing Theory & Aesthetics
July 28 - August 18, 2025 (Mondays) | 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Learning the technical aspects of editing software is one thing—using those tools creatively is another. This 4-week course explores editing as a creative craft, helping you apply your technical skills to shape story, emotion, and meaning with purpose by analyzing the art of the “cut.”
august 2025
PAINT THE REEL (FREE) with Austin School of Film & Chinwe Okorie
August 2, 2025 (Sunday) | 1:00am - 4:00pm
Join award-winning filmmaker Chinwe Okorie—twice nominated for Best Austin Filmmaker by the Austin Chronicle—for Paint the Reel, a free, drop-in analog film workshop celebrating family, joy, and creative play. Inspired by Chinwe’s new short film Cycles—which explores grief and the bond between father and daughter—this unique event invites participants of all ages to paint directly onto 16mm film strips, transforming personal stories into a collective, experimental film. Each guest will receive a digitized version of the collaborative reel, capturing a moving portrait of community connection, frame by frame.
Intro to Lighting for Film & Video (Beginner Friendly)
August 9 & 10 , 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am–4:00pm
New to lighting for film or video? This beginner-friendly course breaks down the fundamentals of cinematic lighting through hands-on exercises, practical demos, and all-budget techniques. Learn how to control, shape, and work with light—whether natural or artificial—to bring your visuals to life. From 3-point lighting to working with small setups, you'll gain the tools to shoot smarter and create more professional-looking content without breaking the bank.
Intro to Adobe Premiere Pro (Beginner Friendly)
August 16 & 17 , 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am–4:00pm
Ready to dive into video editing? This weekend intro course is designed for beginners and self-taught creators looking to sharpen their skills. You'll learn the essentials of editing, from cutting clips to color correction—using the industry-standard software trusted by filmmakers worldwide. With hands-on instruction, preloaded assets, and pro feedback, this course will help you build a strong foundation in Premiere Pro and streamline your editing workflow.
Intro to DaVinci Resolve (Certified & Beginner Friendly)
August 16 & 17 , 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am–4:00pm
Whether you’re new to editing or looking to take your editing skills to the next level - our Certified DaVinci Resolve course is a hands-on class is perfect for those looking to learn about this revolutionary editing software and covers everything from timeline building and audio integration to multicam editing and green screen effects. Taught by certified Resolve educators, the course includes access to pro tools, project files, and real-time feedback. Plus, you’ll have the optional opportunity to take the official end-user exam and earn your DaVinci Resolve certification.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Intro to Screenwriting (Beginner Friendly)
September 2 - October 21, 2025 (Tuesdays) | 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Unlock the art of storytelling with our a guided, 8-week journey into crafting your very own short film script. Perfect for beginners and emerging writers alike, this course blends creative exploration with technical know-how, covering everything from formatting and character development to plot structure and pacing. By the end, you’ll walk away with a finished screenplay and the chance to submit it for a live table read with local actors.
Austin School of Film Open House (all welcome)
September 6, 2025 (Saturday) | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Avant Garde & Experimental Filmmaking (Beginner Friendly)
September 9 - October 28, 2025 (Tuesdays) | 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Step outside the bounds of traditional storytelling with our 8-week exploration into cinema as art. Through screenings, lectures, and hands-on projects, you’ll discover the history, influence, and techniques of experimental film, from Maya Deren to David Lynch. Students will create their own short experimental films on Super 8 and explore 16mm direct animation, gaining access to cameras, film stock, and darkroom resources. Whether you're a filmmaker, artist, or curious creative, this course is your entry point into cinematic experimentation and poetic visual language.
Intro to Super 8 Filmmaking (Beginner Friendly)
September 13 & 14, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
There’s a reason we get people who come from all over the country (and even internationally) to take this course! A purely analog filmmaking class for beginners.
OCTOBER 2025
Intro to Podcasting & Audio Storytelling
October 4 & 5 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Led by producer Myrriah Gossett, this class covers everything from interview techniques and gear essentials to editing, mastering, and distribution. You’ll gain practical experience working with industry-standard tools and walk away with the skills to produce high-quality audio content that connects. All software, equipment, and resources provided—just bring your voice.
16 Tactile Filmmaking (Beginner Friendly)
October 26, 2025 (Saturday) | 10:00am - 2:00pm
Get surreal this Halloween season with our analog experimental tactile filmmaking experience now with on-theme prompts inspired by surrealist cinema. In this hands-on class, you’ll dive into the world of creating one-of-a-kind 16mm films without ever touching a camera. Using vintage footage, clear leader, paint, and scratching tools, you’ll bring your own abstract visual story to life—frame by frame. No experience needed, just a curiosity for texture, rhythm, and motion.
NOVEMBER 2025
Intro to Super 8 Filmmaking (Beginner Friendly)
November 8 & 9, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) | 10:00am - 4:00pm
There’s a reason we get people who come from all over the country (and even internationally) to take this course! A purely analog filmmaking class for beginners.