Fortunately there are still ways to learn about filmmaking. While it doesn’t result in a degree of any kind, Wikiversity’s filmmaking class can be an invaluable resource for movie makers just starting out in the industry. And since it’s free, there’s no excuse to not learn a thing or two from it. The cost of the program’s discs can even be avoided if the student chooses to borrow from the instructor rather than purchase them.

The instructor also provides links to free resources to be used throughout the course.

“Filmmaking is not rocket science. Everything about filmmaking is extremely easy to learn. Anyone can do it if they wish,” proclaims the course website.

However, it warns that, while easy, there is a lot to learn. Even those with quick learning skills can take years to learn the nuances of filmmaking; it’s almost a process of learning the basics for 20 separate jobs.

Created for dramatic motion pictures, the series of courses includes basic filmmaking, film editing, film scoring, scriptwriting, and studio animation.

Students in the course will be expected to produce a short film with a length of less than a minute. According to the course instructor, the course is an excellent step to take in preparing for film school. And with a typical number of 800 applicants seeking only 50 available seats, it can’t hurt to have an edge.