About the course
If you want to work in the film industry as a writer, director, producer or crew, your chances of success are greater if you have a plan of attack for breaking into the film industry. Learn how to identify your particular areas of interest, and figure out how to approach the people who can help and hire you.
This class is part of the Filmmakers’ Foundation Certificate course.
Who should take this course?
Breaking into the Film Industry is suitable for anyone with aspirations of working in film, including students, career-changers, hobbyists and those new to filmmaking.
What you’ll learn
You will learn the steps needed in order to establish yourself within a particular area of the film industry. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify what your own key areas of focus are and put together a plan that supports your aspirations. Taught in lecture-style, you will have ample opportunities to ask questions and receive direct feedback from your instructor Elliot Grove, founder of Raindance.
Topics to be covered:
- Creating a showreel
- Presenting yourself: CV’s and query letters
- How to break in as a writer, a director or producer
- Getting jobs in a film crew: sound, camera, art department, post-production etc.
About Elliot Grove
Elliot Grove is the founder of Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards. He has produced over 700 hundred short films and five feature films, including the multi-award-winning The Living and the Dead in 2006 an d the SXSW 2019 Grand Jury Prize Winner, Alice.
He teaches screenwriting and producing in the UK, Europe, Asia and America. Elliot has written three books which have become industry standards: Raindance Writers’ Lab: Write + Sell the Hot Screenplay, now in its second edition (Focal Press 2008), Raindance Producers’ Lab: Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking (Focal Press 2013) and 130 Projects to Get You Into Filmmaking (Barrons 2009).
In 2009 he was awarded a PhD for services to film education. Elliot also teaches the Screenwriters’ Foundation Certificate, Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking and Write and Sell the HOT Script classes at Raindance.
Related
Question: “I’ve done a filmmaking course in London like this before. How is this course different?”
Answer: There are multiple filmmaking courses in London or online like this one. Mostly curriculums like this one encompass just one of these 3 key essentials: Repetition-based, immersion-based, or mastery-based. The curriculum on a Raindance course actually encompasses all three categories.At Raindance you get a well-rounded experience as you develop your filmmaking career.
Not to mention that tutors like Elliot Grove and Simon Hunter’s experience is very unique and rare. Between them they have 65+ years of knowledge gained from a wide variety of projects they have been totally involved with. They have a unique unique step-by-step implementation programme. In short, Raindance courses are different. They offer more high value information in a short period of time at an unbeatable price. In short. Raindance filmmaking courses really, really work.
Question: “Is this Raindance filmmaking course for me?”
Answer: Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a mid-career professional seeking a creative outlet or a veteran creative industry professional looking to re-invigorate or re-tool, or someone just curious about the film industry, I can tell you this. Raindance tutors are different from most other filmmaking courses. They have condensed decades of experience into hours with our courses. A Raindance course has content for every single level. We have had so many beginners take this course and absolutely love it.
We have also had amazing filmmakers learn valuable lessons from Raindance and are still using these techniques and tips today! There is no doubt that whatever career or job you currently have, or what level you are at, you will gain insight and knowledge which you will be able to apply.
To top it off, there is no other film school in the world that offers such a range and breadth of filmmaking course and which operates a top-tier international film festival like Raindance.
Question: “Am I in your online classes on my own?”
Answer: Not at all! It’s easy to think of our online courses as being delivered to you in solitary confinement.
Firstly, our on-line courses are delivered in person and in real time. They are fully interactive giving you the ability to interact with the presenter and your fellow classmates. You will also have access to a unique after-class followup email with additional resources. Some classes have weekly homework assignments. In addition, Raindance operates a private Facebook group that encourages creative collaboration and brainstorming. We also hold monthly networking sessions in our international hubs and in multiple time zones.
Some of our most successful alumni got started in groups like these just taking to like-minded people who shared the same goal: to make movies.
Question: “I’m terrible with tech, can I still do this?
Answer: Tech and equipment can be confusing. Our online courses are delivered on Zoom. We have written tutorials and videos that explain how the software works.
As for our in-person and hybrid classes, our tutors and presenters will walk you through the technical details in a way that’s designed to keep everything very simple and easy-to-follow. If you feel you need specialist help we have a fully trained assistant who can guide you through the tech until you gain the confidence to take control yourself.
Question:: “What if I don’t have the time?”
Answer: The future is starting now. You need to choose if you want to stay where you are now, or explore your creativity. If you don’t have the time to prepare for the future, to gain new skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world then you need this course more than anyone.
Let the staff at Raindance led by the founder Elliot Grove help you create a learning environment where time is an asset not a burden!
Question: “Am I ready for this?”
Answer: If you’re asking yourself this, I bet there’s been something in your life that you didn’t do because you didn’t feel like you were ready. Honestly, with anything new in life you’re never going to feel Our founder, Elliot Grove always says it’s time to get ready, aim and fire. Your action is going to feel uncomfortable at first. But on the other side you could well be at the very next level.
Plus if you jump in and it’s not for you, just let us know within 30 days and we will issue you a full refund.
The risk is on us and we are totally cool with that. We have the best people in the game giving you world class education. If you’re willing to put in the work and follow a plan we have laid out, you got this.
Question: I hate email help desks…
Answer: … We’ll stop you right there … so do we. If you have any questions, call us Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm. Or email Courses@raindance.co.uk with your contact details and availability so we call call, Skype or Zoom you back
- How much experience do I need for this class?
Past attendees have come from a wide spectrum from complete novices and emerging filmmakers to industry professionals. It is designed to be an introductory course. And inspirational too.
- Is there an age limit?
We recommend 16+ but we have have had 12 – 15 year olds when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The oldest participant was 74!
- What do you recommend as a followup?
Raindance offers a range of writing, directing and producing part time courses. Over 37% of our full-time students have opted for a HND, BA or MA Raindance course following the Saturday Film School.
- Ask a question about Raindance full time film degree courses:
Happy filmmaking.
Related
Andrea –
This was a really excellent seminar, informative and full of amusing anecdotes drawn from Elliot’s vast experience in the film industry. There was also plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to start their career or make a career change.
James –
A great opportunity to benefit from some knowledgabele advice from Elliot and to ask questions too.
Ashley (verified owner) –
I did this as a stand alone, not part of the certificate. As a career changer trying to break in I found this really helpful. A lot of useful tips I would not have known about. Unfortunately I had to attend online and missed joining in but I could sense there was a good vibe in the room. Elliot’s skill as a storyteller is a model of what one hopes to achieve.
Zohaib Butt –
Elliot was full of amusing anecdotes as well as excellent knowledge and experience working in the film industry. It was a massive joy to attend this seminar for the first time and he did not disappoint.
Dorothy Diamond –
Elliot i live for your anecdotes on the course its almost the most practical way of learning and getting the knowlege we need to be incredible filmmakers. I have learned so much in a very short space of time
Aida –
The best way of learning it’s through experience and the way Elliot shares his knowledge is as if you could be living it yourself. Full of useful real life tips and a great opportunity to ask questions and meet others that were not part of the certificate. Fun, relaxed and learning atmosphere
Giuseppe (verified owner) –
It’s a fantastic course, Elliot really knows his stuff. I hope to learn more in the future
priyantha wijekoon –
i had good knowledge with Elliot and learn lot of thing in that session about how to break in to the film industry.
Sara Luna Caland –
Fantastic course! Great tips on how to break into the film industry for independent filmmakers!
albertobotturi (verified owner) –
This is a very interesting course that gives you a vast and complete idea of the filming production companies and some useful tips to present yourself the way it should be, I’m really glad to have been there
Ghislaine Vedel (verified owner) –
It was very interesting especially for someone who is new in that environment.
Thanks to Elliot who shared his experience, gave us all the information and all those funny anecdotes.
Nicole Loong –
Thanks Elliot for an interesting and informative class! I learnt a lot about the film industry.
Sarah Geddes –
A really interesting class. Definitely worth the time and money.
Jayne Stewart –
I chose to do the whole Filmmaker’s Foundation Certificate. I’m one to lose concentration quickly; however, Elliot and Chris will keep you on your toes and quite entertained with the knowledge they have required over the years. I missed two weeks due to my internet, not working and work issues, as I work long hours. Denise kindly added me on to the two courses I missed out on, and I’m absolutely going to do more course with them. Can’t recommend enough.
Callum –
Informative, easy to understand and a good environment, where you can have the opportunity to chime in and for instance explain how you are looking for entry into the film industry. You will be given advice that is sure to help you in your journey. Make sure to speak with the like minded people around you too. Many are looking to help each other with short film projects and much more. Go and have a blast!
Darren Rae –
Inciteful and motivating, this wonderful class helps boosts your confidence by providing you with information on how to market yourself, and how to market your film.
mark playle –
I have been aware of Raindance for a long time and have been interested in movie making and film for as long as I can remember. I finally became a Raindance member in 2019 and benefited all through the 1st lock down and beyond from all the free lectures and regular information, getting updates and suggestions from Raindance every week.
I am taking the film foundation course and this lecture was a great part and example of the quality and fantastic information I have gleaned in recent weeks.
So pleased with the quality and all aspects of the course and getting first hand knowledge and learning from the master himself Mr Elliot Grove.
I am about to sign up for the producers course starting I think on Tuesday and can’t wait to get started on my first movie.
Samuel Campanella (verified owner) –
Perhaps one of the best courses offered by Raindance! If you want to learn about cinema in all its facets this is the place to be! Don’t be shy and participate!
Richard Parker –
This was a lovely evening seminar. Very relaxed, friendly and informative. Recommended.
Peter Moon –
If you are at all interested in working in any way in film, this is probably the best shortcut to understanding how the industry works and, more importantly, where the viable points of entry are, which are surprising.
Covering etiquette, professionalism, how to make the best impression, how to work your way up in the industry, these are all priceless and can only come from someone who has lived that life. Which Elliot certainly has. Delivered with lots of self effacing humour, humility, the earnest Elliot’s passion for film and the people in it is infectious. There are hundreds of YouTube dead ends, this is the real thing. Treat yourself, it is worth every penny. 5/5.
Elliot Grove –
Blush! Thanks so much for your kind words, and best for your projects!
EEMartin –
Excellent as usual. What can I say. If you want to discuss movies go down the pub after the cinema. If you want to get on and make them… here you are.
Daniel Simler (verified owner) –
Fantastic Course. Loved every second of it.
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
AMAZING COURSE, LOTS OF USEFUL INFORMATION! THANK YOU SO MUCH, ELLIOT AND RAINDANCE!