Cinematography Fundamentals Course

This self-guided course lets you pursue your passion for filmmaking at your own pace.

Steer your own learning journey

Whether you’re brand new to filmmaking or looking to refresh your core skills, Cinematography Fundamentals lets you chart your own course. You can work your way through our dynamic video lessons according to your own schedule; submit a final reel, and get written feedback on your project from a distinguished NYU instructor.

Cover all the bases.  This course covers everything you need to know, including composition; storyboarding; pre-production; lighting; camera movement; and audio/video editing. Enjoy great content on aflexible timeline.  Our video tutorials are best-in-class: crisp, engaging, and concise. And, since this is an entirely asynchronous course, you can take them whenever and wherever it suits you. Get expert feedback from an eminent NYU instructor.  Your final project will be reviewed by award-winning cinematographer and Tisch School of the Arts Head of Cinematography Professor Anthony Jannelli. Professor Jannelli’s credits include films by Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, Sam Raimi, and more. Consider this a down payment.  We want to help you continue your filmmaking journey, which is why you'll also receive a $200 credit to select other NYU Tisch Pro/Online courses. Receive a digital badge to mark your achievement.  Upon successful completion of any Tisch Pro/Online course, you will receive a digital badge that can be linked to your resume, portfolio, or social media accounts.

A self-paced course on a platform built for multimedia education

Our online courses are powered by Smashcut, a revolutionary new platform specifically designed for online filmmaking programs. Smashcut is an easy-to-use, powerful platform built to educate digital creators.

Please note that Cinematography Fundamentals is a self-paced course and does not include all features available in other Tisch Pro/Online courses.

A New Way to Learn Filmmaking

Our collaborative courses redefine online film education.Powered by a dynamic, interactive platform, you’ll learn new skills and get project feedback from NYU faculty.

Expert-led 6-week courses tailored to your passions — and your schedule

• Kickstart Your Portfolio: Our fun and focused courses are designed to help students create standout shorts and screenplays — providing guidance, support, and technical chops.
• Create & Connect: You’ll meet one-on-one with faculty to discuss your goals, supplement rigorous class discussions, and receive key feedback on your projects
• A New Learning Platform: Our new platform powers real-time feedback, live video meetings, peer collaboration, and more. Staff is on-hand to answer any questions about the platform.

Dynamic Courses

Modeled on Tisch’s renowned film school curriculum — and built to avoid the impersonal experience of so many online programs — each of our courses includes weekly individual and collaborative assignments.

Designed to offer you scheduling flexibility, you’ll join live video meetings with faculty and classmates.

Video lectures delivered by Tisch faculty and produced by real-life filmmakers allow students to delve into the material at their own pace.

You’ll be inspired to create great work and receive plenty of guidance.

Note: some features not available for Cinematography Fundamentals