The kids, especially Mr B, have long been interested in making short films. They have been known to “steal” my phone or camera and make videos. So when he heard that we were going to be able to review Online Christian Filmmakers Academy by Family Gravity Media, a division of Families For Christ Ministries, Inc., he was ecstatic.
Online Christian Filmmakers Academy is the online course that father-son team, Ken and Zack Lawrence developed to train up Christian filmmakers. They have been working together since 2004. Some of the projects they have completed include the feature film In His Steps, TV series Welcome Home Antelope Valley, DVD releases The Pastor’s House, Father-Child Projects, The Courtship Formula documentary, and many short films.
In addition to being a certified Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor in Audio/Video & film; Ken is also a pastor, author, actor, Christian film producer and homeschool father of four.
Zack wrote, produced and directed the feature film In His Steps based on the Christian classic by Charles Sheldon during 2012 and 2013. He also produced the Indy Christian Series which ran online for 100 episodes.
Together Ken and Zack operate the Rocky Mountain Christian Filmmakers camp (since 2007) and the Online Christian Filmmakers Academy (since 2012)
Mr B’s Review
Each of the videos are very informative and interesting. I learned about what kind of camera to buy and how to use it. I also learned about the different types of lighting and how to use it. I also learned about how much to zoom in while filming and what to zoom in on. “I enjoyed the classes and am looking forward to completing the course.”
What Does the Online Christian Filmmakers Academy Cover?
Module 1: The Camera
- Introduction to Camera
- DSLR’s and Lens (Part 1)
- DSLR’s and Lens (Part 2)
- Frame Rate
- ISO and Shutter Speed
- Tripods and Camera Support
- Quiz 1
Module 2: Cinematography
- Introduction to Cinematography
- Color Temp and White Balance
- Hard vs Soft Light
- Types of Lights
- Lighting Accessories
- Using Lights
- 3 & 4 Point Lighting
- Painting with Light
- Framing
- Outdoor Lighting
- Depth of Field
- Jibs and Dollies
- Green Screen
- Setting Up an Interview
- Final Considerations
Module 3: Sound
- Introduction
- Sound Equipment
- Microphone
- Field Recorders
- Location Recording
- ADR and Foley
- Quiz 3 (coming soon!)
Module 4: Pre-production
- Introduction to Pre-production
- The Story
- Writing the Screenplay
- Pre-production Paperwork
- Assemble the Team
- Quiz 4 (coming soon!)
Module 5: Production
- The Crew
- Set Heirarchy
- Set Etiquette
- Directing
- The Slate
- Filming Step by Step
- Quiz 5 (coming soon!)
This course is very in depth! I’m glad they are adding the quizzes so I will know how well Mr B is retaining the information. If you have a student who is interested in filmmaking I would recommend this course. There is so much great information presented in an easy to understand way.
From now until November 30th they are offering a coupon code for $100 off the regular price of $299. Just use FALLCREW16 to claim the discount.
Connect with Online Christian Fmilmmakers Academy on these Social Media Links:
Current facebook page for our hands-on film camp is: www.facebook.com/christianfilmmakerscamp
New facebook page for just the Online Christian Filmmakers Academy: www.facebook.com/ChristianFilmmakersAcademy
I hope you will take the time to read reviews from other members of the Homeschool Review Crew by clicking the banner below.
Jennifer
