Better than Film School
Wonderful resource! Better than film school, like a mix of film school, personal mentoring and hands-on set experience.
Steve Ettler
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Filmmakers Academy
4.844 reviews
Last reviewed: Feb 12, 2026Do you agree with Filmmakers Academy's TrustScore? Voice your opinion today and hear what 48 customers have already said.
filmmakersacademy.comMember since Mar 2026
Filmmakers Academy is an online company. Based on 44 reviews on TrustPlane, it has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Last reviewed February 12, 2026.
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44 reviews
Best Cinematography Platform for Professionals
Filmmaker's Academy is the best platform out there to learn serious cinematography and other disciplines by the best in the world.You even get a chance to shadow Shane Hurlbut on set. I flew all the way from Germany to be able to learn from him in person and was also able to contribute. Personally, best investment and experience ever. If you are serious about cinematography, this is a must have. If you get permanent / continuous access if you suddenly have a very niche shoot and need to prep or refresh any specifics, that is the place you want at your fingertips. Explained effectively by Shane Hurlbut himself.Plus, you can watch it on the phone on the go (even offline), as a filmmaker that travels a lot that is essential. This review is a thank you and a show of gratitude of how lucky we are that Shane and the team decided to share the secrets of the craft to all of us.
Dario
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One of the leading online courses in filmmaking
The Filmmakers Academy is the community needed for anyone serious about success in the industry. The value here is exceptional. It offers a genuine leap into the world of film professionals, providing tons of videos, a dedicated and highly efficient app, regular coaching calls, and shadowing opportunities with best-in-class cinematographers. Learning everything from A to Z has been a smooth and rewarding experience. I’m extremely happy to be a member and highly recommend this community.
Roman Deshchenko
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Filmmakers Academy
I have been with Filmmakers for over two years and I have learned and have access to resources I would never get at a traditional film school.
Bruce Eisenberg
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Worth it!
Great info, Great webinars, just all around an awesome program.. Thank you!
rolydiaz
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Fantastic podcasts and community calls
Fantastic podcasts, training videos and community calls! Hey, I could even submit question to Lawrence Sher, Joker DOP. And loads of experience sharing from proffessionals. I'm already member for 2 years.
Andres Kostiv
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Wonderful resource
Wonderful resource. Something here for everyone.
Denis Moran
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The best platform to learn…
The best platform to learn cinematography and other filmmaking topics. Top-notch instructors, like Shane Hurlbut, who brings enormous real-world experience. The lessons are focused on practical, on-set knowledge. There are also regular community meetups — I love that!
Łukasz Babst
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Great Community!
Great company. They are truly doing so much to create and help their community. Lots of great resources. Really appreciate being a part of it!
Nick Ramsey
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Fantastic Webinar and classes!
Fantastic Webinar and classes!
john
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Valuable, Real World Advice From Experienced Filmmakers
Joining Filmmakers Academy has been an incredible experience for me. I'm an industry professional who went to UCLA Film School and every single time I attend a FA webinar I learn something new and valuable. Shane and his team are very generous and you learn real world, in-the-trenches stuff you would never pickup merely watching YouTube or getting a college degree in film. If you want to work in the film and TV industry, you absolutely need this kind of insider information to compete.
Martin Shapiro
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This is a great platform and company
This is a great platform and company. If you have any question, they answer in a very short time. All the career path are very well structured. If you look for great insides, product comparison on detail or just hang around exploring.. you can find all here. So far I’m learning a lot from Shan and company.
Diover
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I have been suscribed to Shane’s…
I have been suscribed to Shane’s classes since his previous site, and I have learn tons of useful tips, knowledge and profesional etiquette. Simply the best way to learn filmmaking if you are far from a film school, or to grow as a filmmaker.
Antonio Aparicio Ferrer
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Download direction is very poor
Download direction is very poor. when you click on option to download you go around in circle with load getting access to the download link
GRINDLEY STUDIO
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frustrating process to use their…
frustrating process to use their services. Paying for free youtube information is wild.
James
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Greatly useful!
Absolutely, fantastic information. Presented in a clear, concise way.Great care was taken to give detail and also broad strokes. I absolutely found some new information that I will be able to use going forward and dealing with this camera. Whether I buy it or rent it or use it on a job I’m quite sure that the information from this presentation will be useful.
Lawrence
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My Journey at Filmmakers Academy
My Journey at Filmmakers Academy: A Community of Growth and InnovationAs a member of Filmmakers Academy, I've found an educational haven that exceeds all expectations. The academy stands out not just for its comprehensive curriculum, but for fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive.What truly sets Filmmakers Academy apart is their approach to learning. Whether you're tackling a new technique or exploring an unfamiliar aspect of filmmaking, the academy's resources are both extensive and accessible. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, ensuring that every filmmaker, regardless of their experience level, can find the guidance they need.However, the academy's greatest strength lies in its community. The opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow filmmakers have been invaluable. These interactions go beyond mere networking – they're chances to learn from peers, share experiences, and grow together in our craft.Special recognition must go to Shane, Lydia, and their dedicated team. Their commitment to creating this exceptional learning environment is evident in every aspect of the academy. They've built more than just an educational platform; they've cultivated a thriving ecosystem where filmmakers can develop their skills and artistic vision.The Filmmakers Academy has become my go-to resource for professional development. When faced with new challenges or seeking to expand my skillset, I know I can turn to the academy's wealth of knowledge and supportive community. It's more than just a learning platform – it's a cornerstone of my filmmaking journey.
Joel Aponte
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On of the best Online Film Courses…
One of the best Online Film Courses there is...but the coup-de-grace is the personal element. Tutorials and networking sessions with Shane and his highly skilled industry family. After a career as actor/director I was too old to go 'back' to Film School and preferred something I could do in conjunction with 'real world' practice. This is it.
Phil Pritchard
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Brilliant in every way!
I've studied a lot of on line courses, read books, researched university offerings, etc and nothing comes close to what is offered here at the Filmmakers Academy; real world filmmaking pros are here teaching what you need to know in the trenches, the real work of filmmaking. University programs can not touch what is being offered here, AND you wont accumulate ANY debt either, let alone astronomical university type debt. What Shane and Lydia Halbert have created here, is a disruptive idea of true genius, one that, surprisingly in this world, also comes directly from the heart; they TRULY want more than anything else to see you succeed as the filmmaker you want to be - THIS is the future of filmmaking!
Pete Castellano
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I enjoy all of the insider information…
I enjoy all of the insider information this app provides as well as the community building.
Cayla Jordan
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According to TrustPlane, Filmmakers Academy has a 4.8/5 rating based on 44 verified reviews as of April 2026. Source: trustplane.app/company/filmmakersacademy-com