$400.20Original price was: $400.20.$360.18Current price is: $360.18.
If you want to make a movie and don’t know where to start, this 5 night series will take you through the basics of screenwriting, film producing, directing and give valuable tips on how to Break Into The Film Industry.
Next start dates: 5 Wednesday evenings from 27th January 2027 Address: Live Online via Zoom
10% early bird discount up to one month before course start date 10% concession rate available on checkout page, proof of eligibility is required. 30% off for Raindance Create and Pro+ Members
The filmmaking process, all in all, is made up of countless different steps and processes. On the Filmmakers’ Foundation Certificate you will learn the fundamental skills and knowledge essential to making films – from the screenplay to the screen.
This five-week evening course is designed to provide new filmmakers with the skills and knowledge required to tackle their first short or feature film and launch their filmmaking careers. The course covers: writing for low-budget films, making movies with no money, the basics of film directing, and breaking into the film industry.
Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for beginner filmmakers, as well as those interested in finding out more about the filmmaking process. It is also suitable for those seeking to refresh or expand their existing knowledge.
Upon completion, students will have acquired the skills, knowledge and confidence to undertake their first short or feature film, or find work on a film set.
What you’ll learn
Week 1: Writing for Low Budget Films with Elliot Grove
When you start your film career, Low Budget is the name of the game. This means your script needs to look at the financial limitations. This evening class explains in detail the cost implications of characters, locations and much more.
Writing for low budget films
Creating characters that grab the audience’s attention
Essentials of screen dialogue
Story structure explained
Week 2: Essentials of Lo-to-No Budget Filmmaking with Elliot Grove
With your script in place, how do you get your script onto the screen with limited financial resourses. Discover the low budget shooting tips used by the professionals, without making your film look ‘cheap’.
Finding and securing locations on a budget
Low-budget shooting tips
Working with crew and actors with little money
Negotiations and communication skills
Week 3: Director’s Toolkit with Simon Hunter
In this dynamic evening you will discover the basics of film directing. Enable yourself to plot a reliable pathway to becoming the film director you want to be.
Making visual choices and planning shots and sequences
The Director and The Camera
Developing the visual approach with the Cinematographer and Production Designer
Casting and working with actors in pre-production
Preparing For the Shoot: storyboards and Pre-Vis, tests and rehearsal
Directing On Set: the Directing mindset, remaining on schedule but still flexible, what the other departments need from you on set
Week 4: Production and Post-Production with Simon Hunter
Running a shoot requires a team. And you, as film director needs to understand everyone’s role, and most importantly, how to communicate with cast and crew to get the results you want.
Who does what on set
How does a good Assistant Director run a set
The importance of having Continuity and a Script Supervisor
The Stages Of Editing. Working with an Editor v. Doing It Yourself
Basic workflows and tools for Post Production of picture and sound
Learn how to drop the ‘first-timer’ label.
The secret to breaking in is to develop your personal branding. In this intense evening learn how to use film industry buzz words to your advantage so film professionals will take you seriously.
Creating a showreel
Presenting yourself: CV’s and query letters
How to break in as a writer, director or producer
Getting jobs on film crews: sound, camera, art department, post-production etc.
Elliot Grove is the founder of Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He has produced over 700 hundred short films and five feature films, including the multi-award-winning The Living and the Dead in 2006 an d the SXSW 2019 Grand Jury Prize Winner, Alice.
He teaches screenwriting and producing in the UK, Europe, Asia and America. Elliot has written three books which have become industry standards: Raindance Writers’ Lab: Write + Sell the Hot Screenplay, now in its second edition (Focal Press 2008), Raindance Producers’ Lab: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking (Focal Press 2013) and 130 Projects to Get You Into Filmmaking (Barrons 2009).
Simon Hunter has directed four feature films, high end long form television, and dozens of commercials and promos. He is just completing COLD MIND a TV crime drama set in the Algarve and California, which he is also show-running. He is represented by United Talent Agency in Los Angeles.
Did you know?
Raindance members save 30% on this course?
You can join online >HERE< and start saving immediately
The Raindance Guarantee: If this course fails to meet your expectations, let us know at the break and we will make a full, 100% no-questions-asked refund
We don’t teach ‘filmmaking’ at Raindance. At Raindance we make filmmakers.
I enjoyed this course A LOT! The tutors were engaging and experienced and they added this throughout the content so making this personal and value-added. Even though I’ve been involved in video maing for some time I still found new ideas and new ways to look at familiar ideas through this course. I did the course online with little problem – notes were emailed in advance and we had our own little online learners community going on. If you’re thinking about taking this course my advice would be DO IT! It’s a great way to network and meet people with experience and enthusiasm for all things film and video – maybe just like yourself!
Rated 4 out of 5
Joan Ventura (verified owner)–
I enjoyed all the lessons and it gave me a pretty good understanding about what film making is about. It was a very good overview for beginners.
I am looking forward to doing more courses in Raindance to start learning the specifics (writing, directing, production…)
If you love all about cinema and don’t know how to start, this is your initiation course.
Rated 5 out of 5
Paul Nelson –
I was lucky enough to attend the Filmmakers and Directors Foundation run by Elliot and Chris. I have a background in VFX and even though I’ve had a lot of exposure to film and many hours on set, I never really felt I obtained the full knowledge required to put my filmmaking into practice.
Both Elliot and Chris are both engaging and entertaining and are happy to share their many years of experience.
The course is catered for many different levels of experience and is broken down in a way that is easily understood. I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, and I feel it’s given me the tools that I need to go out there and become a filmmaker.
I cannot recommend these courses highly enough.
Paul Nelson
CG Build Supervisor
Rated 5 out of 5
Øyvind –
This course is both brilliant if you know nothing and if you know something about about filmmaking. The lectures move fast but covers the most important areas and gives room for questions to lecturers that work in the industry. A great way to explore a career in film and create a network of likeminded filmmakers.
Rated 5 out of 5
Serena –
Fantastic course jam packed with all the info you ever need to start your film career! Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in making films.
Rated 5 out of 5
Candy de Launey –
Thanks this is informative
Rated 5 out of 5
Barbara Vonau –
Really good overview of the whole INDIE filmmaking process including pre production, directing, and post-production. Very informative and I particularly enjoyed the sessions on directing as these were directly linked to a film I had recently seen so this gave really interesting insights into how it’s done on set!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jonathan (verified owner)–
Very insightful course with loads of insider tips. Fantastic opportunity to meet other film makers too.
Rated 5 out of 5
Marie McRae (verified owner)–
Loved it. Going on to study further with Raindance.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sherry Robins –
I would recommend to anyone aspiring to be a filmmaker to take Elliot Grove’s Filmmakers Foundation Certificate. This valuable, concise, fast track, five week course pieces the film industry together in perfect bite size parts like a jigsaw, creating an overview of the film industry as a whole.
Without giving away all the goodies, the course allows you to see the mechanics of the film industry.
Through participating each week and reflecting on your homework and the classes taken with a professional filmmaker you’ll start to answer questions about yourself in the film industry and about the industry itself to align with a career in film and I am sure, like myself, you’ll be given the odd prompted question by Elliot to make you think about the questions in the industry you haven’t considered.
The course was perfect for me as I got exactly what I wanted to know out of it and it was enjoyable to be part of the Raindance community, of which I am now a member.
Also I got to keep my valuable homework which I have expanded to start my first shooting date as I am a filmmaker with numerous projects in development.
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your considered comments Sherry! And keep in touch! Best for your filmmaking career.
Rated 5 out of 5
Darren Rae (verified owner)–
Worth it! I enjoyed every second of this course and it has inspired me even more to get writing, directing and being even more involved with film.
Rated 5 out of 5
mark playle (verified owner)–
Having just completed the Film Makers Foundation Certificate and rounding it off with the Breaking into the Film business lecture I am feeling very satisfied.
A great weekly treat listening to Elliot Grove from Raindance & also Director Simon Hunter I have gained a lot of useful knowledge and insight.
To be recommend along with the membership ( at which ever level suits you) and all the other benefits that Raindance offers.
Thank you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Richard Parker –
This was my first Raindance course – very informative and stimulated me into a lot of reading. A great overview of film, the different roles and of course 2 weeks on the theory of directing with a very energetic and passionate teacher. I’m very pleased we’re coming out of lockdown, though, as I can’t wait to do some “hands on” courses!
Rated 5 out of 5
shane parker (verified owner)–
Having been an amature filmmaker for years i took this course to gain a more rounded view of the whole process
And im glad i did so much more in depth than anything id taken before , led by two formidable hosts with a whole range of experience
you come away enthuised with the tools and knowledge to undertake your first film or first real film done with a better understanding and quicker workflow
recommended to anyone with a FIlm interest new or experienced as always a good time to refresh yourself with up to date knowledge
Thanks you Elliot , Simon and Denise
Rated 5 out of 5
Maeve (verified owner)–
I have wanted to get into film making for many years and lacked the knowledge and confidence of where and how to even begin. I have come away from the last 5 weeks on the Filmmakers’ Foundation Certificate with new understanding of what is required and a new belief that I can do it! Elliot Grove and Simon Hunter both provide a special space, teach with humour, demonstrate a genuine interest in students and generously share key insights into getting into and working within the film industry. When you don’t believe in yourself, it’s helpful to find people who are willing to encourage and support you to find that belief and take appropriate action.
These last few weeks have been truly amazing and I look forward to taking more courses with Raindance, but more importantly I look forward to sharing powerful stories through the medium of film.
Thank you everyone at Raindance!
Rated 5 out of 5
Esther Martin –
With the Filmmakers Foundation Course, you get the expertise of two different and highly talented tutors. Its fun and thought provoking and gets you mentally to a place where you just want to get on and make your film!
Rated 5 out of 5
Esther Martin –
Gosh… its worth doing courses with Elliot Grove for the amazing stories alone! But those aside, this is a great course to get your juices flowing, get you off you’re ar#e, and start making that movie you keep threatening. What are you waiting for? Tomorrow is never coming!
Rated 5 out of 5
Erika Harlos-Szendrey (verified owner)–
This is the first Raindance course I have signed up for and I absolutely loved it. Both Elliot and Simon are phenomenal presenters. They shared both theoretical and practical information alongside their personal experiences which made it even more special to learn from them. I joined the classes online as I have two young children and it’s hard for me be away for the evenings but it wasn’t a disadvantage at all: the online participants were included the same way which was brilliant. I’m definitely signing up for more courses with Raindance and I won’t miss the festival this year for sure.
Question: “I’ve done a filmmaking course in London like this before. How is this course different?”
Answer: There are multiple filmmaking courses in London or online like this one. Mostly curriculums like this one encompass just one of these 3 key essentials: Repetition-based, immersion-based, or mastery-based. The curriculum on a Raindance course actually encompasses all three categories.At Raindance you get a well-rounded experience as you develop your filmmaking career.
Not to mention that tutors like Elliot Grove and Simon Hunter’s experience is very unique and rare. Between them they have 65+ years of knowledge gained from a wide variety of projects they have been totally involved with. They have a unique unique step-by-step implementation programme. In short, Raindance courses are different. They offer more high value information in a short period of time at an unbeatable price. In short. Raindance filmmaking courses really, really work.
Question:“Is this Raindance filmmaking course for me?”
Answer: Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a mid-career professional seeking a creative outlet or a veteran creative industry professional looking to re-invigorate or re-tool, or someone just curious about the film industry, I can tell you this. Raindance tutors are different from most other filmmaking courses. They have condensed decades of experience into hours with our courses. A Raindance course has content for every single level. We have had so many beginners take this course and absolutely love it.
We have also had amazing filmmakers learn valuable lessons from Raindance and are still using these techniques and tips today! There is no doubt that whatever career or job you currently have, or what level you are at, you will gain insight and knowledge which you will be able to apply.
To top it off, there is no other film school in the world that offers such a range and breadth of filmmaking course and which operates a top-tier international film festival like Raindance.
Question:“Am I in your online classes on my own?”
Answer:Not at all! It’s easy to think of our online courses as being delivered to you in solitary confinement.
Firstly, our on-line courses are delivered in person and in real time. They are fully interactive giving you the ability to interact with the presenter and your fellow classmates. You will also have access to a unique after-class followup email with additional resources. Some classes have weekly homework assignments. In addition, Raindance operates a private Facebook group that encourages creative collaboration and brainstorming. We also hold monthly networking sessions in our international hubs and in multiple time zones.
Some of our most successful alumni got started in groups like these just taking to like-minded people who shared the same goal: to make movies.
Question: “I’m terrible with tech, can I still do this?
Answer: Tech and equipment can be confusing. Our online courses are delivered on Zoom. We have written tutorials and videos that explain how the software works.
As for our in-person and hybrid classes, our tutors and presenters will walk you through the technical details in a way that’s designed to keep everything very simple and easy-to-follow. If you feel you need specialist help we have a fully trained assistant who can guide you through the tech until you gain the confidence to take control yourself.
Question::“What if I don’t have the time?”
Answer:The future is starting now. You need to choose if you want to stay where you are now, or explore your creativity. If you don’t have the time to prepare for the future, to gain new skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world then you need this course more than anyone.
Let the staff at Raindance led by the founder Elliot Grove help you create a learning environment where time is an asset not a burden!
Question: “Am I ready for this?”
Answer: If you’re asking yourself this, I bet there’s been something in your life that you didn’t do because you didn’t feel like you were ready. Honestly, with anything new in life you’re never going to feel Our founder, Elliot Grove always says it’s time to get ready, aim and fire. Your action is going to feel uncomfortable at first. But on the other side you could well be at the very next level.
Plus if you jump in and it’s not for you, just let us know within 30 days and we will issue you a full refund.
The risk is on us and we are totally cool with that. We have the best people in the game giving you world class education. If you’re willing to put in the work and follow a plan we have laid out, you got this.
Question: I hate email help desks…
Answer: … We’ll stop you right there … so do we. If you have any questions, call us Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm. Or email Courses@raindance.co.uk with your contact details and availability so we call call, Skype or Zoom you back
How much experience do I need for this class?
Past attendees have come from a wide spectrum from complete novices and emerging filmmakers to industry professionals. It is designed to be an introductory course. And inspirational too.
Is there an age limit?
We recommend 16+ but we have have had 12 – 15 year olds when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The oldest participant was 74!
What do you recommend as a followup?
Raindance offers a range of writing, directing and producing part time courses. Over 37% of our full-time students have opted for a HND, BA or MA Raindance course following the Saturday Film School.
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Mike O –
I enjoyed this course A LOT! The tutors were engaging and experienced and they added this throughout the content so making this personal and value-added. Even though I’ve been involved in video maing for some time I still found new ideas and new ways to look at familiar ideas through this course. I did the course online with little problem – notes were emailed in advance and we had our own little online learners community going on. If you’re thinking about taking this course my advice would be DO IT! It’s a great way to network and meet people with experience and enthusiasm for all things film and video – maybe just like yourself!
Joan Ventura (verified owner) –
I enjoyed all the lessons and it gave me a pretty good understanding about what film making is about. It was a very good overview for beginners.
I am looking forward to doing more courses in Raindance to start learning the specifics (writing, directing, production…)
If you love all about cinema and don’t know how to start, this is your initiation course.
Paul Nelson –
I was lucky enough to attend the Filmmakers and Directors Foundation run by Elliot and Chris. I have a background in VFX and even though I’ve had a lot of exposure to film and many hours on set, I never really felt I obtained the full knowledge required to put my filmmaking into practice.
Both Elliot and Chris are both engaging and entertaining and are happy to share their many years of experience.
The course is catered for many different levels of experience and is broken down in a way that is easily understood. I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, and I feel it’s given me the tools that I need to go out there and become a filmmaker.
I cannot recommend these courses highly enough.
Paul Nelson
CG Build Supervisor
Øyvind –
This course is both brilliant if you know nothing and if you know something about about filmmaking. The lectures move fast but covers the most important areas and gives room for questions to lecturers that work in the industry. A great way to explore a career in film and create a network of likeminded filmmakers.
Serena –
Fantastic course jam packed with all the info you ever need to start your film career! Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in making films.
Candy de Launey –
Thanks this is informative
Barbara Vonau –
Really good overview of the whole INDIE filmmaking process including pre production, directing, and post-production. Very informative and I particularly enjoyed the sessions on directing as these were directly linked to a film I had recently seen so this gave really interesting insights into how it’s done on set!
Jonathan (verified owner) –
Very insightful course with loads of insider tips. Fantastic opportunity to meet other film makers too.
Marie McRae (verified owner) –
Loved it. Going on to study further with Raindance.
Sherry Robins –
I would recommend to anyone aspiring to be a filmmaker to take Elliot Grove’s Filmmakers Foundation Certificate. This valuable, concise, fast track, five week course pieces the film industry together in perfect bite size parts like a jigsaw, creating an overview of the film industry as a whole.
Without giving away all the goodies, the course allows you to see the mechanics of the film industry.
Through participating each week and reflecting on your homework and the classes taken with a professional filmmaker you’ll start to answer questions about yourself in the film industry and about the industry itself to align with a career in film and I am sure, like myself, you’ll be given the odd prompted question by Elliot to make you think about the questions in the industry you haven’t considered.
The course was perfect for me as I got exactly what I wanted to know out of it and it was enjoyable to be part of the Raindance community, of which I am now a member.
Also I got to keep my valuable homework which I have expanded to start my first shooting date as I am a filmmaker with numerous projects in development.
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your considered comments Sherry! And keep in touch! Best for your filmmaking career.
Darren Rae (verified owner) –
Worth it! I enjoyed every second of this course and it has inspired me even more to get writing, directing and being even more involved with film.
mark playle (verified owner) –
Having just completed the Film Makers Foundation Certificate and rounding it off with the Breaking into the Film business lecture I am feeling very satisfied.
A great weekly treat listening to Elliot Grove from Raindance & also Director Simon Hunter I have gained a lot of useful knowledge and insight.
To be recommend along with the membership ( at which ever level suits you) and all the other benefits that Raindance offers.
Thank you.
Richard Parker –
This was my first Raindance course – very informative and stimulated me into a lot of reading. A great overview of film, the different roles and of course 2 weeks on the theory of directing with a very energetic and passionate teacher. I’m very pleased we’re coming out of lockdown, though, as I can’t wait to do some “hands on” courses!
shane parker (verified owner) –
Having been an amature filmmaker for years i took this course to gain a more rounded view of the whole process
And im glad i did so much more in depth than anything id taken before , led by two formidable hosts with a whole range of experience
you come away enthuised with the tools and knowledge to undertake your first film or first real film done with a better understanding and quicker workflow
recommended to anyone with a FIlm interest new or experienced as always a good time to refresh yourself with up to date knowledge
Thanks you Elliot , Simon and Denise
Maeve (verified owner) –
I have wanted to get into film making for many years and lacked the knowledge and confidence of where and how to even begin. I have come away from the last 5 weeks on the Filmmakers’ Foundation Certificate with new understanding of what is required and a new belief that I can do it! Elliot Grove and Simon Hunter both provide a special space, teach with humour, demonstrate a genuine interest in students and generously share key insights into getting into and working within the film industry. When you don’t believe in yourself, it’s helpful to find people who are willing to encourage and support you to find that belief and take appropriate action.
These last few weeks have been truly amazing and I look forward to taking more courses with Raindance, but more importantly I look forward to sharing powerful stories through the medium of film.
Thank you everyone at Raindance!
Esther Martin –
With the Filmmakers Foundation Course, you get the expertise of two different and highly talented tutors. Its fun and thought provoking and gets you mentally to a place where you just want to get on and make your film!
Esther Martin –
Gosh… its worth doing courses with Elliot Grove for the amazing stories alone! But those aside, this is a great course to get your juices flowing, get you off you’re ar#e, and start making that movie you keep threatening. What are you waiting for? Tomorrow is never coming!
Erika Harlos-Szendrey (verified owner) –
This is the first Raindance course I have signed up for and I absolutely loved it. Both Elliot and Simon are phenomenal presenters. They shared both theoretical and practical information alongside their personal experiences which made it even more special to learn from them. I joined the classes online as I have two young children and it’s hard for me be away for the evenings but it wasn’t a disadvantage at all: the online participants were included the same way which was brilliant. I’m definitely signing up for more courses with Raindance and I won’t miss the festival this year for sure.