FilmingLife® Academy gives you everything you need to master family filmmaking, from camera settings to storytelling techniques, and from video editing to marketing your business.
You’ll learn the ins and outs of filmmaking without the overwhelm, so you can confidently create films that evoke real emotions and lasting memories.
Camera Confusion: Struggling to understand video settings and unsure if you're doing it right.
Editing Stress: You’re uncertain about how to edit video, choose music, and color grade footage effectively.
Storytelling Doubts: You’re unsure which moments to capture and second-guessing your choices, leading to overanalysis and missed opportunities.
Crickets on Social Media: Posting your films but not getting the attention or high-paying clients you desire.
No Community: Feeling isolated and looking for a community that understands your filmmaking journey and offers support.
Procrastination: Want to make films for your family but keep putting it off without someone pushing you to start.
You'll gain instant access to a complete suite of courses designed to transform you into a skilled family filmmaker. From mastering the technical aspects of shooting and editing, to building a strong portfolio and implementing strategic marketing plans, each course is designed to help you create, promote, and grow a thriving family filmmaking business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your craft, this membership provides all the tools, knowledge, and guidance you need to succeed.
Monthly film critiques offer invaluable, personalized feedback to help you grow as a family filmmaker. By submitting your film, you’ll receive detailed insights into what you're doing well and specific suggestions for improvement, tailored to your style and skill level. This individual guidance not only sharpens your technical and creative abilities but also boosts your confidence, allowing you to refine your filmmaking techniques and elevate your storytelling with each new project.
Joining our membership not only gives you access to expert-led courses and personalized film critiques but also connects you with the largest community of family filmmakers in the world. This thriving, supportive environment is a safe space where you can share your work, exchange ideas, and receive encouragement from like-minded creatives. Being part of this community allows you to learn from others, gain fresh perspectives, and build lasting connections, all while growing your skills and confidence as a filmmaker.
By attending these monthly business growth workshops, you'll gain invaluable insights into every aspect of running a successful family filmmaking business. From marketing strategies and client management to goal setting and creative problem-solving, these workshops offer practical advice and expert guidance tailored to filmmakers. You'll also benefit from live Q&A sessions, mindset coaching, and industry-specific tips, helping you stay motivated, overcome challenges, and continuously grow your business.
By participating in these quarterly themed film projects, you'll have the opportunity to dive deep into specific areas of filmmaking, enhancing your skills and creativity with focused practice. Each project comes with educational calls, expert guidance, and hands-on tutorials, allowing you to develop new techniques while receiving real-time feedback from industry professionals. The live Zoom sessions, Q&As, and resources provided ensure you stay inspired and connected with the community, while the opportunity to submit your work to the ArtHouse Showcase motivates you to push your filmmaking boundaries and create standout pieces for your portfolio.
My name is Courtney Holmes, and I’ve taught filmmaking to over 50k photographers around the globe through my course on CreativeLive, at conferences in Australia, NZ and the USA, and of course through my online courses here at FilmingLife® Academy.
I had no roadmap, just trial and error. But as I persisted, I discovered that filmmaking offered a deeper way to tell stories.
I’ve created FilmingLife® Academy so that you don’t have to go through years of trial and error like I did. I’m here to guide you through the process, show you how to avoid the mistakes I made, and help you build a fulfilling business you love.
To create a welcoming space where you can connect with other creatives, as you learn and grow as an artist. And to nuture a community of filmmakers who will be there to support you along your journey and celebrate your success.
Camera Settings & Gear Guidance: Learn how to set up your camera for video without needing expensive equipment.
Audio & Sound Design: Capture high-quality audio and blend it seamlessly with music to tell a compelling story.
Editing Mastery: From the fundamentals of video editing to advanced color grading, you’ll gain all the skills you need.
Natural Light Mastery: Learn how to work with different lighting conditions to create beautiful, well-lit films.
Cinematography Techniques: Discover how to elevate your storytelling through creative composition, perspective, and camera movements.
Client Workflows: Get step-by-step guidance on how to work with clients, from initial inquiry to delivering the final film.
Storyboarding & Storytelling Techniques: Learn how to develop authentic, unique stories for each family you film.
Business Marketing Strategies: Master the art of attracting high-paying clients and building a successful filmmaking business.
Unlock the full potential of your photography business by diving into the world of family filmmaking. This comprehensive course is designed for photographers who want to enhance their storytelling through video, transforming cherished moments into timeless films. From camera settings to sound design, you'll learn how to capture authentic family connections with professional-grade quality.
Through hands-on modules, you'll explore essential video techniques—understanding frame rates, mastering handheld filming, perfecting exposure, and working with both natural light and audio. Each module includes practical homework to build your confidence and skill set. By the end of the course, you'll have the tools to seamlessly integrate video offers into your business, creating heartfelt family films that stand out.
Whether you're looking to enhance your client offerings or simply expand your creative horizons, this course will guide you through every step of the family filmmaking process, from scene setup to final production.
Dive into the art of video editing with this in-depth course, designed to help you transform raw footage into polished, cinematic family films. From mastering Premiere Pro’s workspace to advanced storytelling techniques, this course walks you through the entire post-production process. You’ll learn to organize your footage, edit music and audio, apply transitions, and enhance your films with color grading and special effects. With hands-on projects and step-by-step guidance, you'll refine your editing skills and discover advanced techniques like sound design, overlays, and double exposures to bring your films to life.
Discover the art of family filmmaking and learn how to turn heartfelt moments into cinematic stories with this in-depth course. Perfect for photographers and budding filmmakers, you'll explore different types of family films, client preparation strategies, and portfolio-building techniques. From running client consultations to filming in real-world environments, you'll gain practical insights and step-by-step guidance. Watch behind-the-scenes footage of real family sessions and follow along as I edit the films and photos. You’ll also learn how to price, market, and grow your family film business with confidence, creating lasting memories for your clients.
Uncover the artistry of creating emotionally powerful family films with Filming Families: Advanced Storytelling. This course goes beyond the basics, guiding you through each step of transforming raw footage into a meaningful, story-driven narrative that resonates. You’ll explore key storytelling principles, refine your editing techniques, and learn to create a cohesive flow that elevates every frame into a powerful family memory.
Unlock the full potential of color in your family films with this comprehensive course on color theory and color grading. Designed for filmmakers who want to achieve professional-quality visuals, this course dives deep into the technical components of color, how cameras capture and process color, and the creative use of color in storytelling. Learn how to read and use Lumetri scopes, perform primary and secondary corrections, and add a unique style to your films using LUTs and color grading techniques. Through hands-on exercises and practical workflows, you’ll master the art of bringing vibrant, cinematic looks to your films.
Ready to elevate your family filmmaking business? This course provides a step-by-step guide to building a professional portfolio that attracts clients and showcases your unique style. You'll learn where to find families for your shoots, how to create and promote your call-out, and how to gather and select applicants. From shooting sessions to delivering final films, each phase is carefully designed to help you build experience, refine your craft, and receive valuable feedback. With real-life case studies and proven strategies, this course is your blueprint to launching or enhancing your family film portfolio with confidence.
Take the guesswork out of marketing your family filmmaking business with this comprehensive course designed for creatives. Learn how to create an effective marketing plan that bridges the gap between creativity and strategy, guiding you through each essential step. From conducting a SWOT analysis and defining your target audience to setting SMART goals and developing a promotional strategy, you’ll gain the tools you need to reach your ideal clients. With real-world case studies and practical assignments, this course will help you confidently market your films, set clear objectives, and grow your business.
Building on the skills and strategies from your previous family filmmaking courses, this course takes you through the process of creating a standout showreel that highlights your best work and reflects your unique brand as a filmmaker. Learn how to define your brand, carefully plan the structure of your showreel, and craft a captivating visual story that will attract your ideal clients. With a step-by-step approach, you'll go from concept to completion, finishing with a powerful showreel ready to share across platforms to elevate your business.