Multi-Tier Curriculum

Our instructional workflow combines entertainment and education into a single package that makes learning fun again.

Introductory Courses​

First Time User

Get up to speed on how to use Sneak On The Lot learning platform and begin making a name for yourself on the Lot! This class is required before taking any other classes.

  • The System
  • ScriptWorks
  • Tools
  • Theater
  • The Game
  • The Challenges

Film Production

Learn the basics of film production from concept to screen. In this class you will write, develop, prep, shoot, cut and distribute a 60 second public service announcement.

  • Overview of Public Service Announcement
  • Development
  • Pre-Production
  • Production
  • Post Production
  • Upload Your Project

Introduction to Film

Learn the origins of cinema, the various departments of a crew and the production phases of a motion picture. This class is going to prepare you for how and why a crew operate on set. It will also help you understand everyone’s job on a film crew.

  • History of Film
    • The Early Days
    • Talkies
    • Various Aspect Ratios
    • Color
    • The Death of the Studio System
  • Production Phases
  • Departments

Main Courses

Director

Being a director is one of the most rewarding positions on a film but you have to be up to the task. This course will assist you with visualization, blocking, rehearsal and working with actors.

  • Directing
  • Filmscape
  • Storyboards
  • Schematic
  • Short List
  • The Director of Photography
  • Directing Actors
  • Blocking
  • Lights! Camera! Action!
  • Working With The Editor
  • Make a Poster

Producer

A good producer is one of the most valuable people on a film crew. This course will turn any humdrum student into an organized and effective producer, capable of leading a crew to success.

  • What Is A Producer
  • Listen To Pitches And Find a Story
  • Assemble Your Crew
  • Production Meeting
  • Schedule
  • Equipment Requirements
  • Location Scout
  • Call Sheet
  • Lights! Camera! Action
  • That’s a Wrap!
  • Upload Your Film

Writer

Learn the basics of what makes a good screenplay great. Be guided by the pros who give you guidance through the process. This course will squeeze the most out of your storytelling skill.

  • Read A Short Script
  • Get Inspiration and Select A Genre
  • Develop A Storyline
  • Beat Sheet
  • Treatment
  • Logline
  • Screenplay Format
  • Write your Script
  • Pitch Your Story

Director of Photography

The cinematographer is responsible for the visual image and tone of a motion picture. It requires a balanced artistic and technical understanding of the craft. This course will provide that foundation and give you confidence to shoot like a pro.

  • Overview
  • Collaboration with the director
  • Selecting and testing color palettes
  • Selecting and testing filters
  • Planning the lighting
  • Identifying equipment needs
  • Scheduling the shoot
  • Position the camera
  • composing the shots
  • Maintaining visual continuity
  • Sound
  • Light! Camera! Action!
  • Communication with the colorist
  • Communication with the editor

Editor

The last person to touch a film is the editor. A good editor can save even the worst of films if they know what they’re doing. This course will give you the tools and understanding to save the day.

  • The Editing Process
  • Editing Styles
  • Essential Cuts
  • Adding Music
  • Roughcut
  • Lock Picture
  • Color
  • Sound Effects
  • Foley
  • ADR
  • Sound Mix
  • Deliverables

Critic

Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to films. Learn what it takes to be a constructive and helpful critic and the impact you can have on those around you.

  • History Of Film – Basic
  • A Critic On The Lot
  • The Critic Sandwich
  • Watch Movies

Miscellaneous Courses

Intro To Lighting

Hollywood movie lighting is a subtle craft which takes many years of experience and industry tricks to master. Start your lighting journey with a solid foundation that will provide the understanding on which all other lighting will be based.

  • Introduction & Overview
  • 3 Point Lighting
  • The Kelvin Scale
  • Lighting Instruments
  • Raw Light On Talent
  • Grip Gear And Tools
  • 3 Point Lighting On Set
  • Hard Light & Soft Light
  • Controlling Light
  • Controlling Light On A Softlight
  • Controlling Light On A Fresnel
  • Color Correction & Light As Mood
  • 3 Point Lighting In A Practical Location
  • Working With Existing Light
  • Color Correcting Lights
  • Grip Kit In A backpack

Green Screen

Learn the tricks-of-the-trade that make all the difference when you are lighting green screen. This class will make your visual effects team jump for joy because they will never have to pull a key from a bad green screen shot.

  • Green Screen Lighting Overview
  • The Green Screen
  • Lighting The Green Screen
  • Lighting The Talent
  • 3 Point Lighting
  • Instruments Used To Light The Talent
  • Lighting In Confined Spaces
  • Interactive Lighting
  • Lighting The Whole Body
  • Custom Lighting
  • Problem Green Screen And Talent Lighting

Guide To Copywrite

This course takes an in-depth look at copyright law for educators and students, which thoroughly explains all the protection you need for your own projects as well as warning you about how to avoid infringing on the rights of others.

  • Introduction And Overview
  • What is Copyright?
  • What Does A Copyright Grant Me?
  • Exceptions And Limitations
  • Public Domain
  • Work For Hire
  • How Do I Copyright Something?
  • The Copyright Notice
  • How Long Does A Copyright Last?
  • How Long Does It Take To Get?
  • Copyright vs Plagiarism
  • Copyright Infringement
  • Trademark and Patent
  • Trademark
  • Patent
  • Patent Pending
  • Fair Use Exception
  • Trademark Fair Use
  • Creative Commons
  • Parody As Fair Use
  • Advances To Copyright Law Due To Internet
  • Digital Millennium Copyright Act
  • File Sharing
  • Video Production And Copyright
  • Photography Art Images
  • The TEACH Act
  • Duties Of Institutional Policymakers
  • Duties Of Information Technology Officials
  • Duties Of Instructors

Course Path