Create Cinematic Films and Videos
Maybe you've just been dreaming of making films and videos. Or perhaps you've been at it for a while. But you're not seeing the results you want. The footage you're capturing just doesn't meet your expectations and you know you can do better. But HOW? That's where cinematic lighting comes in!
INTRODUCING ThE NEW CINEMATIC FILM LIGHTING COURSE
without spending $10k on a NEW CAMERA and HIGH-END LIGHTING GEAR
A cinematic lighting self-study COURSE for aspiring and early-stage filmmakers who want to make films that matter.
But let's stay in touch. Get free filmmaking tips a few times per month. Plus get on the wait list for the next time STORY LIGHTING opens for enrolment.
Registration is Now Closed
Let's stay in touch!
Get on the list!
Learn the foundational cinematic lighting skillset that'll take your films and footage from basic to professional. Get the skills to fullfil your creative goals and dreams.
Gain a Cinematic Lighting Skillset in 5 Weeks
Watch the video for full program details
Tell Your Stories!
ENROLL TODAY
How It Works
Register for the online course. You'll get a password for the course space right away where you can get started on Week 1.
REGISTER
There are 5 modules, 5 assignments and some bonuses. I recommend taking one week per module. But this is a self-study, so you can take your time.
SCHEDULE IT
Practicing your lighting means practicing your filmmaking. You'll be doing some assignments that will help you take on bigger and more exciting projects!
START FILMMAKING
You’re a busy professional who is juggling work, relationships, LIFE, and the need for some alone time now and then. On top of that you have a filmmaking dream that you're not willing to put on the shelf and give up on!
Good. You don't have to. You can pursue your filmmaking dream, build an incredible skillset, make better films, and boost your confidence without spending years struggling with DIY learning.
You don't have time to spend hundreds of hours on YouTube watching cinematic lighting videos that don't give you a strategic plan that you can actually follow.
And you definitely don't have time to spend hours every week experimenting with lighting until you figure out the right way to light a scene.
It will take you 1 to 3 years to teach yourself how to light if you go it alone.
Do you really have time for that?
And then there's the cost of buying gear you don't actually need or getting the wrong thing because you're not actually sure WHAT you need to start creating the films you want to create.
Instead of feeling inspired, motivated, and confident in your skills and path as a filmmaker, you're probably stuck. You're not sure if you need a new camera, or a new lens or some other skillset.
The problem is that instead of moving forward and taking action, you're stuck wondering what the "right" thing to do is.
Here's my solution for you: learn how to light and you'll gain confidence in yourself as a filmmaker, you'll gain an invaluable skillset that will make every project you tackle better, and you'll be ahead of the game.
Most people quit filmmaking before they ever even learn how to light. But if you can learn this incredible skillset early in your process, you can create stunning films and videos faster and with more ease. And you DO NOT have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve this.
Who Has Time for Years of DIY Learning?
Save Time
STORY LIGHTING
A cinematic lighting course designed for early-stage and beginner filmmakers and video creators who want to make outstanding films that tell a story. If you want to get good at visual storytelling, filmmaking, and video creation, then you need to know how to light!
introducing...
Why This Film & Video Lighting Program Works
LEARN A SKILLSET
Most programs just give you a bunch of info but no skillset. In this course, you’ll learn all the skills you need to make your first real short film. And you'll create your first portfolio piece.
TAKE YOUR TIME
You can take as long as you like. This course is yours for life. As a self-study program you can allocate the time you need to learn and go slow or fast depending on your needs.
STEp-BY-STEP lEARNING
You’ll learn the skills in a step-by-step way, slowly building your confidence and technical abilities. Each lesson builds on the previous. Each assignment builds off what you just learned.
Good lighting will make your films and videos stand out.
TRAIN YOUR BRAIN
Most filmmaking programs online, including lighting programs, are just lectures or tutorials that are not organized in a way that trains your brain.
Instead of building up the neural pathways that allow lighting to become second nature, you're in a confusing and unstructured mess. But with this program, you'll learn in a step-by-step way that gets you practicing so that you lighting becomes a skillset that you take with you everywhere.
GAIN A SKILLSET FOR LIFE.
What You Can Expect
If you’ve done some online learning in the past, you might be used to hearing big promises and seeing very little results. Or maybe you've discovered that some online education is really freaking confusing. The platforms are annoying and you can't follow the structure.
This program is different. It’s designed to get you practicing right away. It follows the path I took to get good at lighting but seriously speeds it up for you. It will help you improve your footage and films, while meeting you where you're at with the gear that you have.
LEARN VISUALLY
Lighting is one of those topics that you need to learn visually.
You need to see AND hear the principles. Then you need to practice on your own in a way that is also visual yet structured.
In this program, the concepts are presented visually so there's no confusion. Then you do the practice exercises, so you can get started making your films better immediately instead of wasting time waiting and wondering if the concepts will work for you.
WATCH AND LEARN!
NO EXPENSIVE GEAR REQUIRED.
You’ll need a camera - any DSLR or mirrorless camera is fine. You can also do this entire course with an iPhone or other smart phone. You'll need a computer and some way to edit. This can be iMovie or any other free software. You can even edit with YouTube. And no, you don't have to be "good" at editing.
You DO NOT need to spend $10k on gear to take this course. You’ll learn how to improve your lighting skills based on the fundamental principles of lighting not a long list of fancy gear.
THE SUN, ANY CAMERA, YOUR COMPUTER
Dates & Times
Registration is open from
SEPT 25 at 10 am PST to
OCT 8 at 11:59 pm PST, 2021
REGISTRATION
You'll gain instant to the first module of the course. Then you'll get a new module every Friday starting on October 8th, 2021.
START DATE
This is a self-study program which means you'll be learning on your own. This program is yours for life.
YOURS FOR LIFE
• The qualities of light that will transform your footage even if you don't have ANY gear at all
•The NUMBER ONE rule of lighting every filmmaker must know
•Why black and white actually matter in filmmaking and lighting
•How to get perfect skin tones no matter what lighting you're dealing with
•How you need to think about lighting so you can actually prevent major problems
•The main ways to shape hard light sources so any light can bend to your creative will!
•Why this one main lighting technique is where you need to put 90% of your attention
•The 3 main ways to modify light whether you're using gear or sunlight
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS COURSE:
From Basic to Beautiful
Shadow Mastery
MODULE 1
Module 2
•The real secret behind 3 point lighting and how you can switch it up
•How to place your light to get the shadows you want
•The best way to light your shots if you want to create drama and depth
•The lighting rule almost every single beginner breaks
•How to shoot a two-shot the right way
Get Those Techniques!
MODULE 4
•The tools and techniques you need to light with confidence
•What bulbs you need to use and which should be totally banished from your toolkit
•All the main light modifiers for solo filmmakers and a few crew-based tools too
•How to deal with tricky mixed light situations
•How to think about contrast ratios without confusing the heck out of yourself
Command the Gear
MODULE 3
•What to do for every single shoot so that you get the footage you need
•How to approach a shoot even if you're on a tight budget
•The number one thing you need to think about when designing your lighting
•How the hell you should approach lighting design
•The exact steps to follow to successfully create stunning images every time
The Lighting Formula
MODULE 5
ENROLL TODAY
A real confidence booster.
"I'm so glad i found you on the internet."
This course was a real confidence booster for me personally. I feel confident in my ability to tell stories and feel I’m on a good path to learn more about this process, and to become more technically capable in film production and editing.
Having a few finished films I can now show people has already led to some interesting projects people are proposing… volunteer so far, but that is a good start. Before the summer I was all talk and no show!
Your course is very well thought out and it is obvious you have put a lot of time, creative thinking, and content development into making it effective for learners.
I really appreciated your responsiveness to my many questions, and how you added new content to the course along the way if something new emerged that would be helpful to me and others.
I’m so thankful I found you on the internet and am very appreciative of all your help, guidance, and encouragement over the past several months!
-COLIN,
MUSICIAN & SOLO FILMMAKER
What STORY ENVELOPE ACADEMY STUDENTS ARE Saying about our courses:
Do any of these lighting and filmmaking struggles sound like you?
If your lighting is falling flat you're not alone! Do any of these things sound familiar?
1.
2.
3.
4.
if your lighting is falling flat, you're not alonE.
In fact, every single person who pursue's their filmmaking dreams will have all of these issues as well. We're all on the same path. But here's the good news: you don't have to do this alone and you don't have to waste time making all the same mistakes everyone else has! You can fast-track your progress with good education.
I used to struggle with ALL of these filmmaking villains too.
after years of trial and error, I created a system that allowed me to create better lighting and better films without breaking the bank on gear.
but guess what...
I know that I would not have been able to just pick this stuff up just by watching some tutorials on Lynda.com or YouTube etc.
"saved me time"
What often stopped me from studying filmmaking was that it seemed like there were so many different tools and techniques that go into filmmaking, such as cameras, lighting, sound, and editing that I felt overwhelmed.
I didn't have the time or the money to enroll in film school.
I also loved the tone of the teaching. It's funny and personable and at the same time practical and professional. I really like having both the text to read through alongside the video and audio instructions.
This course saved me time compared to what it would’ve taken to learn this on YouTube.
Looking for the right tutorials on YouTube can be time-consuming and filled with distractions. YouTube can't teach you a course on filmmaking that is put together in a cohesive and comprehensive way and then follow it up with feedback specific to your learning needs.
I know that I would not have been able to just pick this stuff up just by watching some tutorials on Lynda.com or YouTube etc.
-WADE,
MULTI-pASSIONATE CREATIVE & PAPER ARTIST
What STORY ENVELOPE ACADEMY STUDENTS ARE Saying about our courses:
Colette Nichol
I’ve been making micro films since 2013.
Technically I started learning filmmaking when I was in high school. I took a two year “Film and TV” class, which was basically an example of the blind leading the blind. Most of our projects never saw the light of day.
But in 2013, I bought a DSLR and started teaching myself filmmaking.
Going to film school wasn’t an option. I didn’t want to go back to school full time. Nor did I want to spend hours learning a bunch of theory. So I got to work teaching myself solo filmmaking.
I made 25 short videos in the span of a year, improving with each one.
My goal was to start a business once my work was good enough. The going was rough. I made a lot of crappy videos.
I spent a lot of time doing things wrong. I spent too many hours watching YouTube videos that made me feel like an idiot.
But I stuck with it, and eventually my work improved.
In 2015, I launched my business, Story Envelope Media, and started producing brand videos and promo videos.
Over the next few years I grew my skillset and my business. I went from charging $250 for a video to $30,000+ per project.
I LOVE the online filmmaking space, and my goal is to help you gain the filmmaking skill set that you need to achieve your goals and dreams as a filmmaker.
Whether you want to make stunning films for the online space, or you want to direct short films or create brand videos or documentaries, this course is designed to help you.
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Hi! I'm Colette
SOLO FILMMAKER & STORY STRATEGIST
VANCOUVER, CANADA
"A fresh take on the subject"
Your 5 tips to lighting was a fresh take on the subject. I've seen the 3-point lighting setup as the 'standard' go-to when starting out. However, some of your other tips, such as the 'butterfly light' aren't something I usually see. So, I like that you're approaching it from a different perspective and not just a canned, regurgitated one. Thanks!
Cris
FROM NASHVILLE
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"Love your approach"
Love the way you approach talking about filmmaking from your own personal experiences & use them as a teaching tool.
Teresa
FROM ATLANTIC CITY
"Simple and powerful advice"
Your piece on the use of shadows in lighting a scene was one of the most simple and powerful pieces of advice I’ve read about filmmaking. I’m already looking at films I watch with different eyes. Such a gem piece of info!
Charlene
Lighting is essential, but it's not quite enough to capture your audience's attention on its own. You need to tell stories that work.
Join today and you'll also get the STORY GENIUS training which will show you the 3 things every single story needs in order to be successful.
VALUE: $97 US
Premium Bonuses
THE STORY GENIUS LECTURE
This Bonus 1-hour training will walk you through some little known ways to get to know your potential audiences. If you have big dreams about making a feature or building a niche audience for small scale works, this will be immensely helpful. You'll also get my Audience Building template and worksheet that will help you get started with strategy. This is an advanced training that you'll get at the end of the program.
VALUE: $97 US
AUDIEnCE INSIGHTS & BUILDING
Curriculum Schedule
COURSE REGISTRATION CLOSES: OCT 8
MODULE 1: INSTANT ACCESS
MODULE 2: oct 8 - 10 PM
module 3: oct 15 - 5 pm
Module 4: oct 22 - 5 pm
Module 5: Oct 29 - 5 am
Bonuses: Nov 5 - 5 PM
The course is yours for life. So you can take as long as you like. But here are the dates when you'll get each new module.
Instead of wondering how the hell you're going to improve your footage and make better videos, you can get started now.
You don't have to buy tons of complex gear. And you don't have to wait until you have your dream camera. You can get started with the sun. If you like you can add some simple and cheap tools. Or you can just use the fundamental techniques of placement to make better quality films and videos.
I used to feel completed confused and flustered when I approached lighting a film or video scene. But then I came up with a system for breaking down lighting stories consistently. Now, I'd love to share what I've learned with you!
It's time for you to become a cinematic lighting hero.
Grab 'em by the eyeballs!
What This Is All About
You'll learn the foundational skillset that's required to make better films and videos.
LEARN HOW TO LIGHT
This course is yours for life. You can take as long as you want. It's a self-study which means you can move forward in a way that works for you.
SELF-PACED
This course is based around video modules which culminate in a practice activity which will help you solidify what you've learned. You can do these practice exercises with natural light.
PRACTICE
What This Isn't About
Yes, I'm going to be using studio lights to show you the lighting set ups and practical theory. But you can apply almost all the techniques with no extra gear.
EXPENSIVE GEAR
This course is for beginners. If you're in year zero, year 1 or year 2 of your filmmaking journey, this is for you.
ADVANCED LIGHTING
While you can apply all the skills I'm going to teach you to crew-based filmmaking, I'm not going to be showing you big crew set ups.
NOT FOR BIG CREWS
Still Not Sure?
Send any questions to me here:
colette@storyenvelopeacacademy.org
That's okay!
This course is built around first giving you the knowledge that you need in order to take action and then giving you practice activities that are fun and doable.
In order to get good at anything in the realm of filmmaking we have to practice. But sometimes you need a strong grasp of theory in order to practice in a way that doesn't waste time or just make you feel frustrated.
This is all about incremental learning that leaves you with a real skillset.
YOU WILL ACtuALLY WALK AWAY WITH SKILLS!
What's so UNIQUE about this course?
Yup, this isn't just an info dump. You will train your brain.
Do I need to have a lot of gear for this to be worthwhile?
Absolutely not. In fact if you have zero gear you'll be able to do all assignments with natural light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm a total beginner? Will I be able to do it?
Yes! This is designed for early-stage and beginner filmmakers. If you're new to this learning lighting now is a huge benefit.
Should I just buy a light and practice this by myself?
Well, yes and no. You can absolutely do that. But it will take longer to gain the skillset without the foundational training.
Will I learn how to do Hollywood lighting?
When you learn the fundamentals you can light in any style and create any look you want.
How long will the assignments take me each week?
From 1-3 hours per week depending on your personal approach as a learner.
What will the assignments be like? Will they be hard?
They will be specifically focused on having you practice techniques that are essential to master. They won't be hard. They will be strategic.
Do you have a refund policy? Can I get my money back?
You have a 7 day guarantee. No questions asked. And after that you can submit your work to get a full refund at any time within 365 days of purchase.
Will this help me if I want to make low-budget films with a small crew?
Sure will! Somebody on your small crew must know how to light if you want your films to look amazing!
Happy Filmmaker Guarantee
This program works. As long as you do the work, it is impossible to fail. BUT, if you decide within 7-days of registration that you no longer want to learn how to light, you can get a full refund. No questions asked.
And if you do all the assignments and don't think that this program was worth every penny, you have 365 days to request a full refund. Just send in your completed assignments and you'll get a refund.
This kind of refund policy is unheard of for online courses, but that's how much I believe in this program and in your ability to succeed.
✅ STORY LIGHTING COURSE | LEARN TO LIGHT
Video modules, assignments, cheat sheets. Valued at $397 US.
PREMIUM pROGRAM
CINEMATIC LIGHTING PROGRAM
REGULAR
PRICING
✅ HMI CHEAT SHEET
The basics of working with HMIs. Valued at $15 US.
✅ STORY GENIUS LECTURE
Learn the three most important things every story must include and how to identify if your story will actually work. Valued at $97 US.
✅ HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A FILMMAKER
Learn the most common ways filmmakers make money online with their craft and how you can get started. Valued at $97 US.
SPECIAL PRICE
$87 US
$97 US
ENROLL
ENROLL
Payment methods include all credit cards and Pay Pal.
✅ EVERYTHING in Regular, PLUS:
SPECIAL PRICE
ENROLL IN REGULAR
ENROLL in PREMIUM
✅ GROW YOUR AUDIENCE ADVANCED TRAINING
Audience-building workshop and cheat sheets with little known ways to grow an audience online. Valued at $97 US.
*This is the lowest price this course will ever be offered at. So if you like to save, I recommend joining today.
I want to make sure that you're successful. This course is designed to be foolproof. It's based around real evidence-based teaching techniques that have been proven to help students learn.
No matter what your skill-based you can improve your filmmaking skillset.
start filmmaking
ENROLL TODAY
Your Success Guarantee
You'll be sent to an information page with your login information as soon as you complete the registration process.
The program will not be available to you in full instantly. You'll get access to Module 1 and the rest of the modules will be dripped out over the next 5 weeks.
If you have any questions that haven’t been answered, please email me: colette@storyenvelopeacademy.org
Important Details
Ready?
PLEASE READ
Join the Course and start making films and videos that you're excited and proud to share.
Enroll Today
ENROLL TODAY
Get the Free Film Lighting Guide
Learn 5 Simple Cinematic Lighting Set Ups that Even a Beginner Can Master
Free guide