Lessons
Class Introduction
09:38 2The Spark That Inspired Me
13:50 3What Are Family Films?
06:15 4Gear for Family Films
11:50 5Camera Settings for Video
02:56 6Frame Rates & Slow Motion
20:48 7Picture Profiles & Color Grading
06:47 8Settings for Audio Capture
14:13Exposure for Video
13:21 10Stabilization, Focus Techniques & Shifting Mindset
17:41 11The Purpose of Camera Movements
22:19 12Camera Movements Demo
12:02 13Visual Storytelling: How to Film a Scene
04:51 14How to Film a Scene Demo
09:22 15B-Roll & Use in Storytelling
17:57 16Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them
04:30 17How to Look for & Film Different Types of Light
03:28 18The Importance of Audio
10:45 19What About Photos? How to Switch Back and Forth
17:31 20Client Prep
10:49 21Troubleshooting Artificial Light Issues
03:13 22Managing Client Expectations
10:39 23Uncovering Your Client's Story
17:51 24Developing a Story on the Fly
07:12 25Think Ahead as a Storyteller
11:45 26Student Film Critique
38:56 27Ideas for Your First Film
06:31 28Create a Shot List for Your Film
03:26 29Demo: Interaction With Family at Start of Session
20:44 30Demo: Capture Authentic Moments
21:17 31Demo: Work the Scene
28:12 32Demo: Decide What to Shoot
26:06 33Demo: Move From One Location to Another
23:21 34Organize Footage & Photos From a Session
07:53 35Cull & Edit Photos First
17:09 36Sourcing Licensed Music
14:57 37Begin to Edit in Premiere Pro
07:08 38Editing to The Music
19:54 39Scrub Footage & Insert Into Film
33:33 40Breaking Down The Final Film
37:38 41Editing: Color Grading
15:51 42How Much Should You be Charging?
11:03 43Marketing Tips for Family Film Business
10:28 44Delivery Methods For Family Films
05:05Lesson Info
What Are Family Films?
What is a family film? For me, family films differ from what I make for my family, basically. It's a little bit different in the way that I approach it. I'm still Mom when I'm making the ones for my kids, and so it's definitely a different approach. What is a family film? Allison, the other day, when she watched a film of mine that you're going to see next, her response was that it's like walking into a memory, and that's really what I want it to be. I was like, "Yes! I've done it!" That's my goal, that's what I've been wanting to do, is have it be like walking into a memory. I use a documentary approach to have these real moments that are happening within the family, but it's so centered around specific memories that they want to remember forever, and another thing that I've said recently is, I feel like video is like breathing life into a photograph. You know, you have a photograph and that's beautiful and it can tell a story and it's one photograph, and it's static. You add movement...
, you add voices, you add music to that, and it becomes something entirely different. So. (clears throat) This is a family film, some of you have probably seen this one already if you've been following my work. This is a really recent one. This is probably one of my favorite ones to date, and I think a lot of that has to do with how well I knew the client before I went there. I think that it is so much about understanding them beforehand, and talking to them beforehand, and really knowing what matters to them, and what's important to them. So, I'm going to play this one. ("Meant to Be" by Lion's Heart) ♪ In your eyes ♪ ♪ I see a thousand rays ♪ ♪ Coming to life ♪ ♪ Fire and light ♪ Where's Mommy? Boo! (laughs) (baby babbles) ♪ On your lips ♪ ♪ Words fall like melody ♪ ♪ Singing my heart ♪ ♪ Just where we are is enough for me ♪ ♪ Take my hand ♪ ♪ Run away with me ♪ ♪ You and I ♪ ♪ We were meant to be ♪ ♪ Through your heart ♪ ♪ That is the path I'll take ♪ ♪ To understand just who I am ♪ ♪ My love ♪ ♪ Oh, 'cause I understand ♪ ♪ Just who I am ♪ ♪ With you, my love ♪ ♪ Take my hand ♪ Hi! (girl giggles) I found you! All right, looking at a big hand, two big hands. (girl tuts) See, can you see hand? ♪ Take my hand ♪ ♪ Oh, stay with me ♪ ♪ You and I ♪ ♪ We were meant to be ♪ Took a step, by step, by step, through the woods. ♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Ooh ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ ♪ In your eyes ♪ ♪ I see a thousand dreams ♪ ♪ Coming to life ♪ ♪ Fire and light ♪ ♪ Enchanting me ♪ I thought we were past the crying part. (laughs) We might have a long way to go, I think. (audience laughs) I should mention the song earlier, I don't have a slide for it. But the one of my daughter in the kitchen sink was "Always Be" by Holley Maher, licensed through Musicbed. So I want to make sure, because this song is so crucial to the film, I want to make sure that every film you see of mine, I'm going to show you the song I used, where I licensed it through, so that you know where that all happened. And then the artist as well. We always need to give respect to the artists that are creating the music that we are using to give to our clients. That's so important.
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Ratings and Reviews
Adam Nicholls
Worth a watch! Courtney provides a clear and organised class, she is also very passionate about what she does which is always nice to see. She has a great back story which is fantastic. This course is good for beginners who have some knowledge in photography and want to learn more about video. I would recommend that people do not refer this class to the bible of filmmaking as I feel you can expand further on what Courtney teaches. Some useful tips for beginners but some methods I personally feel can be taught differently. I feel a gimbal is a useful bit of kit if used correctly. You can still use a gimbal when in manual mode providing you follow the basics rules! Obviously if Courtney prefers not to use a gimbal then that's also fine but I wouldn't discourage students from exploring useful filmmaking tools. Slow motion can be achieved with 50/60fps however I feel other frame rates should have been discussed like 120fps. I liked that Courtney engaged with the students as it gets them involved and will help them remember what they have learned during the class. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your knowledge
a Creativelive Student
Courtney's work is absolutely amazing and inspiring. I feel lucky that she has chosen to share her process and that this class is available! After watching all the videos and trying my hand at this video thing, I am feeling really encouraged and inspired to do more- both personally and professionally. I appreciate the way that she breaks things down in the video and that she shares her thought process. A really great course!
AShley
Courtney’s course completes me! I have storytelling “holes” in my film previously, but this course helped fill those holes to create a flow and a film with emotion. Not only is the course wonderful (and well worth every penny) but Courtney is wonderful as well! I had such an amazing experience at Creative Live!!!!