Career advice

Begin your Film Career

Explore the full range of filmmaking careers. Whether you’re interested in cinematography, art direction or something else entirely, we have a course to suit you. Learn with top universities, industry organisations and world-leading filmmakers.

Explore careers in film with these free online courses

  • Discover more

    Whether you’re interested in a film industry career, want to improve your technical skills or just love film, this collection of free online filmmaking courses is for you.

  • Get ‘behind the scenes’

    Want to know what really takes place behind the scenes? These courses demystify the entire filmmaking process. All the way from the initial script, to fundraising, principal photography and eventual release.

  • Explore your options

    There’s a huge range of opportunities in filmmaking, these courses will help you explore them. From animation and VFX, to directing or dialogue editing, you’ll interact with people working at every level and specialism in the film business - allowing you to explore where a film career could take you.

  • Make the right connections

    Many of these courses provide the opportunity to learn directly from award-winning filmmakers, who pass on their wisdom, influences and industry insights. You’ll also study alongside fellow film devotees and filmmakers from all over the world - sharing your passion and insights through enjoyable social learning.

Develop your skills with a filmmaking course online with FutureLearn

UEA (University of East Anglia)

An Introduction to Screenwriting

This online course explores the key concepts and fundamental principles involved in the process of screenwriting.

2 weeks
3 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited
The British Film Institute (BFI)

The Living Picture Craze: An Introduction to Victorian Film

Film takes a starring role in this course exploring the emergence of a new medium that was set to capture the world's imagination

3 weeks
3 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited
University of Leeds

WW1 Heroism: Through Art and Film

Discover just some of the ways that heroism and the First World War is portrayed through art and film.

2 weeks
2 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited
Into Film

Developing Literacy: A Journey from Still Image to Film

Learn to use still and moving imagery to develop literacy skills, with this online course for teachers, in association with Tate.

2 weeks
3 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited
Into Film

Filmmaking and Animation in the Classroom

Learn how to use simple filmmaking and animation to bring learning to life, and aid cross-curricular attainment and assessment.

3 weeks
3 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited
Film Distributors' Association

Film Distribution: Connecting Films with Audiences

Discover how your favourite films make it to your local cinema or television screen, through the film distribution process.

4 weeks
3 hrs per week
Included in Unlimited

What do people say about FutureLearn’s filmmaking courses?

A clear, concise and beautifully structured course. The video content is informative and lively, and the screenwriters are refreshingly down to earth in the way they talk about their processes. I am going to write a beat sheet, plough through a first draft without spending hours polishing each scene and I'm going to use some of the resources the course suggests. Thanks very much.

Mychaela S
Learner on An Introduction to Screenwriting course

Why take an online filmmaking course with FutureLearn?

Learn online, whenever and wherever you like

Take a short, online filmmaking course and develop practical skills, wherever you are. You can start learning for free - on desktop, tablet or mobile.

Upgrade or buy Unlimited for extra benefits

Upgrade your course for ongoing access to the course content, tests, and the chance to gain a Certificate of Achievement. Buy Unlimited for access to hundreds of short courses in a year and the ability to keep access to courses you gain a certificate on.

Meet and study with professional filmmakers

Learn from experts all over the globe, including some of the world’s leading filmmakers and cinematic organisations.