Start Here. Build Your Film Career From This Moment. 99 Minute Film School
The First Step Into the Raindance Filmmaker Pathway
Most people don’t fail in film because they lack talent.
They fail because they don’t know what to do next.
This is where you fix that.
In just 99 minutes, you’ll get a clear, honest breakdown of how the film industry actually works — and exactly where you fit inside it.
And more importantly:
You’ll know your next move.
This Is Not Just a Course. It’s Your Entry Point.
The 99 Minute Film School is designed as the first step into the Raindance ecosystem:
- Step 1 → Clarity (99 Minute Film School)
- Step 2 → Skill (Foundation Certificates)
- Step 3 → Execution (Your Film)
Most film courses dump information on you.
We give you a pathway.
What Happens in 99 Minutes
You’ll leave with:
- A clear understanding of how films actually get made and seen
- The difference between hobby filmmakers and working filmmakers
- A breakdown of the real industry (not the myth version)
- A decision:
What you do next — and why
This session is designed to unlock you.
What You’ll Learn
- How a “film” becomes a movie people actually watch
- The truth about film marketing and distribution
- What makes a filmmaker stand out (and get funded)
- Practical filmmaking shortcuts you can use immediately
- How to get your work seen without waiting for permission
- Social media that builds audience, not vanity metrics
- The real career ladder (and how to climb it faster)
Your Next Step (We Make It Obvious)
At the end of this session, you’ll know exactly which path to take:
Screenwriters’ Foundation Certificate
Turn your idea into a script that actually works.
Film Producers’ Foundation Certificate
Learn how films are financed, built, and brought to market.
Directing Pathways (Advanced Courses)
Move from idea to execution with confidence.
No guessing. No wandering. Just direction.
Who This Is For
- You want to make a film but don’t know where to start
- You’ve started… and stalled
- You are serious about film, but need clarity
- You’re ready to stop consuming and start doing
Why This Works
Because we don’t overwhelm you.
We give you just enough clarity to move forward. Immediately.
And then we show you exactly how to go deeper.
Meet Your Instructor
Elliot Grove
Founder, Raindance Film Festival & British Independent Film Awards
- Produced 700+ short films and multiple features
- The Living and the Dead (2006) — multi-award-winning
- Alice (2019) — SXSW Grand Jury Prize Winner
- Taught filmmakers across the world
- Author of industry-standard filmmaking books
This isn’t theory.
This is experience, compressed.
The Raindance Pathway
We don’t just teach filmmaking.
We build filmmakers through a clear progression:
99 Minute Film School → Foundation Certificates → Your First Feature
This is where it starts.
Bonuses & Access
- FREE for Raindance Members (entry point into the ecosystem)
- FREE for HND & MA Students
- Free 1–1 consultation for your next step
- 100% Money-Back Guarantee
One Decision Changes Everything
You can keep researching.
Or you can start.
Book your place. Find your path. Begin.
Stay Stuck… or Go Further
Most people stop after “learning about film.”
The ones who succeed?
They take the next step.
At the end of this session, you’ll get priority access + exclusive discounts to the Foundation Certificates.
Did you know?
- Raindance members get this course for free. You can join online HERE and start saving immediately
- This course is FREE for our HND and Postgraduate/MA/ students
- You can book a free 1-1 consultation about our full-time degree courses HERE
- 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.
Richard –
Eliot provides an entertaining and informative evening on the highs and lows of film making. His knowledge and experience will inspire any budding filmmaker and no doubt refresh a few key points for those already in the business. A great introduction and recommended for anyone thinking about Raindance courses, or who simply want find out more about this precarious but exciting industry. I progressed on to the Producers course as part of setting up my own production company, Ashton House Films, and I’d also highly recommend that course.
Elisa –
This was my first lecture with Elliot and I greatly admired his elegant, vibrant and engaging style. The lecture was packed with gems of information only an experienced insider can provide and many funny anecdotes along the way. A real eye opener for someone trying to break into the industry. He gave us plenty of practical advice and tips about many aspects of the industry and how to approach different situations
Lucy Linger –
It’s incredible what Elliot manages to pack into 99 minutes. So many great tips, anecdotes and help demystifying the film world. I have put lots of it into practice and have a meeting with an acquisitions director this Friday. Didn’t know what one was before the 99 minute film school! Highly recommend.
Cain Aldred (verified owner) –
A very warm and welcoming class that set the tone for any future courses to come. I found Elliot to be a friendly tutor and the information given in the class was useful. All good.
Serena (verified owner) –
Elliot really is a masterful teacher. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in all things Film, he is an expert story teller and guides you through the process of making films while interweaving the class with helpful stories from his own experience. Extremely helpful and insightful. Highly recommended
Marina Barabanova (verified owner) –
An excellent session, both useful and entertaining – a rare combination. Thank you Elliot, you are the best!
lewis_cromwell (verified owner) –
I left motivated, happy and well-informed, Elliot teaches and reinforces everything from his experienced perspective with a charm that would appeal to everyone! Both highly informative and fun, absolutely worth it.
Daniel Grasskamp (verified owner) –
What better way to spend an evening than listening to Eliott share some of the industry’s best-kept secrets.
Illy (verified owner) –
I was pleasantly surprised to meet such a fascinating man as Elliot Grove. I could hear him talk endlessly. I left the class wanting to learn and hear more from Elliot’s experience and knowledge. Highly recommended for inexperienced as well as experienced film professionals
Cindy –
Very different from other film courses, talked about the practical side of the industry, want to learn and know more.
Daniel Morgan (verified owner) –
I thought it was an excellent introduction to the film industry with plenty of useful insights. Elliot is an excellent speaker and I remained engrossed throughout. The best thing about it was just how motivating it was. Afterwards you feel that urge to continue learning and start making films. Highly recommended.
Simon Birks (verified owner) –
Good practical knowledge from Elliot. It was a free course since I’m a member, which made it even better. Was a few interesting topics that I took away and will build on. Recommended.
Evelyn Bonella (verified owner) –
Elliot’s pragmatic approach to supporting the film maker is utterly wonderful and refreshing. His advice is perfectly tailored for the current film climate and his teaching style a much needed breath of fresh air. Attend at least one course to change your future.
Rob Stollenmaier (verified owner) –
I was unsure what to expect from this course before I attended, but I learnt an awful lot, that a first time film maker would never think to prioritise. Elliot’s delivery of the course was very engaging, and left you wanting to hear more from him. He is a master story teller. I am looking forward to the next course with Elliot.
vida zukauskas (verified owner) –
Great information let motivated and inspired
Hillary Shakespeare (verified owner) –
A really useful whirlwind tour of press kits and marketing for your film that is not often covered. More of this kind of thing would be helpful!
Malgorzata Wiktor (verified owner) –
I found the class really interesting. It covered important information about film industry and you hear about useful tips concerning marketing and festivals. I would definitely recommend it. Elliot Grove is very motivating and shares his knowledge with humour and passion.
Lois-Amber Toole –
Exciting crash course into the film industry, covering all key elements. I found the marketing strategies most interesting as well as pitching with press kits. Elliot is so entertaining to listen to – what better way to discuss creating stories than telling his own stories along the way! 5 stars.
Nicolas C (verified owner) –
There was a lot of knowledge that is not really available elsewhere and proves that Elliot talks out of first hand experience.
Spikeschip (verified owner) –
Fantastic class with lots of insightful tips, linked to real world examples of the types of areas that those setting out in a filmmaking career may not have even considered but could be cruicial to making your film a success and getting it noticed. Elliot Grove has a fantastic presenting style and is engaging and easy to listen to. Highly recommend this class.
Jackie –
Elliot is an expert story teller. Very entertaining. Guided us through the process of film making. I left motivated. Highly recommended.
Ryan Bartlett (verified owner) –
A brilliant and entertaining introduction to the industry that teaches a lot of tricks and tips about the business that many outside the class don’t know, and how to find the answers to succeed. Elliot teaches with sheer passion, wit and humour that’s infectious to everyone around him, and with an eagerness to share his knowledge and experience with others. That said, this quick crash course is both informative and unique, which in the end, motivates anyone who attends to keep pushing forward.
jskinner04 (verified owner) –
This was engaging and informative, with some great stories included along the way, thanks Elliot!
jskinner04 (verified owner) –
This was engaging and insightful. It left me with plenty to think about and the motivation to get a move on with making and selling films!
Sadikur Rahman –
It was a pleasure meeting Elliot as he spoke about his experience in the film industry as well as gave us important knowledge about the film industry and how it works. Thank you.
Joe Thomasson –
An amazing crash course for filmakers. The knowledge and experiences that Elliot passes on to the audience through this crash course is informative and useful, as well as fun and enjoyable.
Angelisa Stein –
I just moved to London and I have been advised to take part in Raindance’s activities. I start giving lectures and now I want to do one of the courses with an intention to create a network with the local market! I’m really enjoying the lectures, the tools put at the disposal of the members and I hope to have some film of my own in the Raindance circuits!
Diane Loren –
Fantastic course, I really recommend it. Elliot delivered a dynamic, fun and so useful. We’ve learnt a lot and left feeling motivated and inspired! Thank you!!
Adrienn Lang (verified owner) –
I have found this course really interesting, I have learnt a lot! It was insightful, entertaining and covering key elements. Thank you!
Alberto (verified owner) –
It is really worth spent time! Elliot teaches about the movie industry and gives suggestions about where to start to get in the field of work. He is very entertaining and knows how to tell stories putting them in a way like a chat between friends
Julie Bevan –
An enjoyable and enlightening evening delivered with charm
Paul (verified owner) –
The ’99 Minute Film School’ was a really illuminating evening in regard to the film industry and means with which to market yourself. It’s inspiring and full of great stories, delivered with expertise, experience and humour by Elliot Grove.
Henry Hayward (verified owner) –
Top notch talk from Eliot. He is engaging, easy to listen to and has a plethora of wisdom and useful information to impart with regards to making films with not much or even no money at all. Highly recommend.
Daniel Shehata (verified owner) –
Took it a second time just to be inspired – and it worked!
Ana Ramos (verified owner) –
99 Minutes that leave you wanting to turn all your ideas into film. Elliot has that super-power.
Peter Field (verified owner) –
Eliot Grove’s 99-minute introduction to the film industry and filmmaking flew by with a generous and amusing spirit.
Madhawa Thirimanna (verified owner) –
An excellent session, both useful and entertaining – a rare combination. Thank you Elliot, you are the best
Madhawa Thirimanna (verified owner) –
An excellent session, both useful and entertaining – Thank you Elliot, you are the best
Scott Kettner (verified owner) –
Awesome. Just do it and stop wishing and wanting. I was in the same boat but this course helps you from a starting point and going into the next chapter to start your dreams. Sign up to be a member as well.
Swati Chugh (verified owner) –
Elliot is a master storyteller and more than that he inspires others to be storytellers too ! 99 minutes passed by so fast you don’t even realise and that is the power of a great orator who engages and connects with the audience brilliantly. Elliot talked in detail about film festivals, press kits and really useful tips and nuances. So it was not just about how to reach the best film festivals but also what to do once you reach there. How to ensure you get the best outcome from the festivals and more importantly how to sell your movies in the best possible manner. The session had me all pepped up and want to strive harder and make more movies with the end goal in sight !
BEATRICE COLBRANT (verified owner) –
A precise and detailed talk about filmmaking, from the writing of a script to the marketing and the distribution of the film itself, until, perhaps, the possible stop on the red carpet with Catherine Deneuve as Mae West is no more. From the reunion of various elements – a camera, a sound system, locations and of course actors – and the contacts with the right people – in particular with the head of acquisitions and the head of programming during a festival – will depend the success of a film. The “99 minutes” session manages to offer a complete panorama of the film industry whilst enabling us to know which area of the industry we would like to explore further. This is very useful for everyone including late starters and total debutantes like me. Surprisingly big money is not necessarily needed to fulfil your ambition considering that Claude Chabrol made his first movie with family savings, that Claude Lelouch is currently filming for almost nothing with his iPod and that Roger Corman made so many excellent films on a shoe string, even perhaps on a wing and a prayer as Anglophones say, nevertheless managing to produce such little masterpieces as his few adaptations for the screen of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, with the wonderful Vincent Price, one of my favourite actors with his refined diction, elegant appearance and almost gay good looks although Pierre my gay friend tells me that all men would not necessarily find the latter comment to be a compliment. I did appreciate very much this energetic and encouraging lecture, a mixture of personal and general information, anecdotes and professional advice. I could only notice that whilst Elliot Grove, the speaker, also the founder of Raindance himself was taking 99 minutes to analyse an entire industry, some other services providers and competitors are waiting for ideas, altruism and talent, like I am waiting for Godot and the restoration of Notre Dame.
Beatrice Colbrant
Richard (verified owner) –
This was very informative and explained very well by Elliot. These 99 minutes flew past as the course was full of useful information which increased my motivation even more. This is a lot information explained well enough to easily understand. I would recommend anyone getting into film to sign up and become a member
Gabriella Niles-Ewen (verified owner) –
A really enjoyable class with Elliot – he’s a really great guy with a fascinating story. I felt I gained a huge amount of knowledge to help prepare me for the film industry and I learnt more in these 99 minutes than I have done at university. It was well taught, insightful and extremely helpful. Thank you!
Zarel Smith –
Very fascinating, and descriptive. Grove gave very good advice, and I will definitely not only remember it, but use it too. I have looked a lot online for tips on filmmaking, however one-on-one is way simpler to understand, and I have genuinely learned a lot more in these ninety-nine minutes with Grove than I have spending countless hours looking online for any tips I could, without a doubt it was worth what I paid.
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your kind words Zarel, and I hope to see you and/or your film at Raindance soon!
alexiane.cazenave (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed the class with Elliot, not only was it really interesting and full of practical and useful tips, but it was also refreshing and I left the class super motivated! It changed my day!
Olivia Haart (verified owner) –
We had a lovely evening with Elliot learning the tips and tricks to get your short film noticed! It was incredibly informal and getting the chance to chat with other aspiring film makers was a real bonus.
Alexander Fyfe (verified owner) –
An evening well spent. It was great to get some tips and tricks to help with the whole process. Elliot was great and really helpful, I’d definitely recommend!
Emily Stanley (verified owner) –
Fantastic evening with Elliot. Learned some very valuable tips and lots about the production process. Highly recommend. I can’t wait to continue my courses at Raindance
Caroline Lowe –
A truly inspirational session.. enlivening and motivating!
Elliot imparts the best inside advice and strategies from his first hand knowledge and lifetime of experience in the industry.. . This course will enrich you with priceless insider tips and enough motivation to kick you into action! A natural storyteller and motivator bursting with passion for his craft, Elliot will inform, entertain and encourage you to launch your creative passion projects..
Elliot Grove –
BLUSH – and thanks for attending. Best for your design work – what I have seen is amazing!
Floris Vermeir –
I was pleasantly surprised by Elliot Grove storytelling and the practical insights that he shared. He was really inspiring and his encouragement is much appreciated!! If you need some extra motivation to make a movie then you should watch this. I strongly recommend it.
William Lowe –
A very uplifting evening led by Elliot. I really appreciated Elliot’s knowledge, passion, and the way he conveys that there is a potential film maker in us all…! All very valuable and refreshing.
Vasiliki Antonopoulou (verified owner) –
An absolute kick of motivation. Elliot Grove generously shares his insights, getting down to the core of the practicalities of making an indie film. Cannot recommend enough.
Alan Hamwan (verified owner) –
The session was absolutely packed with information, thanks Elliot.
Gentian Gjikopulli (verified owner) –
It was an excellent, elegant and warm session, entirely covered with the eloquent teaching lessons of storytelling and more. However, what I liked most was the press kit session, precious and fruitful to me. Elliot was inspiring and encouraging, full of addicting enthusiasm. Thanks a lot for this marvelous evening. Hope to see you there.
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your kind words!I was glad you could attend. I’m also looking forward to doing this in person again. Best fro your projects.
Kaliste Rodi (verified owner) –
The session was interesting, useful, easygoing and i would definitely suggest it to the aspiring filmmakers. Thumbs up Elliot for all that you do .
Kim Halliday (verified owner) –
An excellent way to spend an evening – informative, entertaining and inspiring in equal measure. Definitely recommended.
Micha Strecker (verified owner) –
To keep it short, the 99 Minute Film School was a helpful reminder of several aspects a filmmaker should be aware of with his idea. I appreciate the personal and open spirit of Raindance events and courses, keeping it simple: helping people make their films!
Alex Largatzis (verified owner) –
Thoroughly enjoyable session with Elliott as he entertains and informs in equal doses. Very useful tips, suggestions and motivation, thank you.
Fiona Brohamer (verified owner) –
Top notch advice from an experienced film maker, and all for free! Amazing!
Jean-Baptiste (verified owner) –
A fantastic couple of hours with Eliott, full of clever practical advice that will help you make a difference when working on your project. Eliott has a wonderful energy and great sense of humour so you’re in for a great time. Thank you Raindance!
Elliot Grove –
Thanks for your kind words, and best for your upcoming projects!
Mick Spencer (verified owner) –
A good friend who has his own production company suggested that I should attend the 99 minute film school.
I’m from a completely different walk of life, so didn’t really know what to expect.
Elliot’s perspective of the industry really made me think about the “hows and whys” of the process of film making.
Based on this very short interaction, I have signed up for another course and become a member.
I would recommend that you attend in person (rather than online) as the gravitas of the presentation and general buzz of the room would be difficult to capture via Zoom.
Very well done!
nicoloriboni (verified owner) –
Great introductory class on the film production cycle, from distribution to production (yes in this order). Because you need to sell the movie before you even start writing it.
With anecdotes and examples from real life experience, Elliot gives a thorough overview on how to stand out in today’s industry. Really useful class.
Chris Smith (verified owner) –
This was my second time attending the course (albeit years apart), so I considered it a refresher course as much as anything else. What always impresses is Elliot’s wide-ranging experience and expert knowledge about the industry, not just the creative side but the practical, business side too. He is extremely personable too, it was lovely to catch up with him. The 99-minute course, by its very nature, is just a taster of what Raindance offers. I’ve become a Pro member and thoroughly recommend doing so, for the level of access and expert support and advice available.
From a practical perspective, Raindance is easy to get to (right next to Charing X station) and I recommend attending in person to meet and network with like-minded film-makers.
Igor Ismail –
amazing course and teacher Elliott Grove! feel inspired and very lucky to know him! thanks a lot!
Tim Ingall (verified owner) –
Takes the T’ out of can’t, so that you can!
My first visit to Raindance UK headquarters, though I have been a member for 8 months now and competed a few short courses with Raindance. Great to meet Elliot in person, and sit through a solid 99 minutes of what you need to hear, with ample opportunity to ask questions and have them answered.
Many film schools come across cloak and dagger about the industry, perhaps because they don’t actually know the industry that well to confidently answer certain questions. That’s not the case with Raindance, and I have yet to fault the courses, opportunities and prices.
My only rent would be that at least half the emails sent by anyone, seem to go unanswered. However, I’m well aware volunteers are carrying the weight of overburdened inboxes. Perhaps a review and refinement of email process, especially for code and link requests and such which are time sensitive.
Cain Aldred (verified owner) –
I love attending the 99 Minute Film School and also the Saturday Film School because they are excellent opportunities to recap over some basics and to meet new people. It’s convenient to be able to do this shorter one over Zoom as well as I live further afield. Great course and very informative as per usual.
Ashwin Agrawal (verified owner) –
Having taken various classes at Raindance before, I can confidently say that each course has significantly honed my abilities. The lessons from this particular class and other classes were directly applied to my recent short film, which turned out to be amazing. Raindance continues to be an essential part of my growth, inspiring me to push boundaries and create impactful stories.
Maja Selakovic (verified owner) –
I will highly recommend this course to everyone who wants to learn how they can present themselves better as a professional filmmakers. Eliot gave us a lots of very useful information in an interesting and amusing way and he kept my attention for all 99 minutes. In a course I learns a lots of good, practical ideas how I can present my work in a very professional manner and I enjoyed it very much
Karen Finch (verified owner) –
Elliot is clearly a wealth of filmmaking information; really well laid out format, and lots of interesting nuggets. Highly recommend.
Yuxi Huang (verified owner) –
Absolutely brilliant. Clear structure, wide coverage and useful tips with a bit of sense of humour in delivery. I was very lucky to be attending the course in person, and I gained some insight into the area, which is exactly what I want to dive deeper into. Recommend it regardless of the level, even if some knowledge might not be useful for you now, it might come in handy in the future career.
Jeff Turner (verified owner) –
Elliot has so many useful explanations of the highs and lows of filmmaking that you would find it difficult to gain as much insight in as few minutes anywhere else. Like all of the Raindance courses I have attended, I completed the course feeling energised to take action, emboldened to think differently and aware that, whatever I was about to undertake, could succeed if approached correctly. Never mind the budget (though that always helps). It is the vision, the love of film, and the resonance of the story that really matter. Take this course and you’ll feel ready to immediately take on that project you’ve been thinking of for far too long.
Lex Stephenson (verified owner) –
Take notes! Every sentence from Elliot Grove is packed with film wisdom.
@bettertextlex