The
Production
Course
Learn cinematography, storytelling, scriptwriting, lighting and audio recording.
The
The Production Course
Learn cinematography, storytelling, scriptwriting, lighting and audio recording.
Plan & shoot videos like a pro.
Learn how to create banger videos using compelling scripts and streamlined shoot-day plans. Then, learn to record your ideas with impressive technical chops and take your productions to the next level.
Includes
🗂️ 10 lessons
📺 3.5+ hours
🛒 Gear guides
📗 Cheat sheets
🧰 Resource index
🎉 Now free
What you'll learn
Part 01
Video essentials
Cinematography
Learn eight ways to improve your shots, do a fun set of practice drills and get a mobile cheat sheet that's perfect for shoot days.
SHOT LISTS
Sit in as we plan for our cinematic shoot, showing you how to quickly make shot lists that are compelling and doable.
Successful shoots
Get timeless tips for smooth shoot days and learn tricks for capturing pro-fesh shots with bare-bones, entry-level gear.
Part 02
Storytelling + scriptwriting
STORYTELLING
Learn three key ingredients that make strong stories while watching examples that’ll get your creative juices flowing.
SCRIPTWRITING
See how videos across genres use common content structures to engage viewers, and learn exactly how I format scripts for max efficiency.
Part 03
Production guide
HEADSHOTS
Get a goldmine of tips for looking good on video as I compose the talking headshot for our storytelling video.
Lighting
Create amazing portrait and interview lighting, understand which lights will best fit your workflow, and shop my super-easy buying guide.
AUDIO RECORDING
Soundproof your space on the cheap and know which audio gear to invest in. Plus get setup instructions and a list of practice tasks.
SCRIPT DELIVERY
Learn to talk to the camera like it's your bestie, keep the cringe away and use a simple technique that’ll save you hours of editing.
B-ROLL
Watch us make objects float using fishing wire and attempt a bunch of other trick shots — some of which fly in our face, literally.
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Get a sneak peek.
Preview the first lesson's video and learn 8 quick tips for more professional shots.
Get a sneak peek.
Preview the first lesson and learn 8 quick tips for more professional shots.
Meet your teacher. 👋
Hey, y'all! I'm Mary. I'm a creative director who especially loves video.
Right now I make YouTube documentaries investigating shady money-makers, but in the past I've run a wedding-video business called Thick & Thin Films and a marketing agency called Forward Films with my husband Myles.
On a personal note, I'm highly excitable by mockumentaries, rescue animals and Beyoncé.
Feedback on Mary's teaching
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Hands down one of the best instructional videos I've seen.
Clear, cogent, intense — and funny. Mary, you're like that teacher at school you never forget.
Luke Allen
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OK, I'm gonna simp out a bit.
After watching 10 million tutorials, hands down you're the smoothest and did the best job explaining. 👍👍👍
David F. Morris
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Charming, succinct and exactly what I needed to know.
BIGBMH
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Very well explained, super high-quality content.
DAN_JUERGEN
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You're a born teacher.
CITIZEN WORLD
Get started ————
Produce next-level videos.
🎬⏱️👏
The Production Course
🗂️ 10 lessons
📺 3.5+ hours
🛒 Gear guides
📗 Cheat sheets
🧰 Resource index
🎉 Now free
FAQs
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Skill level 🎬
Who’s this course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to plan and record videos at a professional level. If you’re interested in learning video editing, too, then we’d recommend The Big Video Course instead.
I have zero experience. Will I be lost?
Perfect! We assume you know nothing except how to press record.
I have some experience? Will I be bored?
Possibly at times. If you’re a photographer, for example, you’re probably already familiar with composition and lighting fundamentals that are covered in this course.
That said, there are plenty of video-specific tips to soak in that will boost your confidence as a filmmaker.
What if I want a career in video?
CREATIVE DIRECTING 🎨
If you’d like to become a full-time YouTuber or a pro videographer who's a one-human-band, then we think you’ll like this course because it covers a wide range of skills across the production process.
BUSINESS + FILMMAKING 💰
If you’re looking for training on business or advanced cinematography, we think another course will make you happier.
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Curriculum 📚
What’s not covered in this course?
video editing (see The Big Video Course instead)
business or career advice
excessive motivational fluff
how to buy or use a particular camera
camera settings (though we do touch on a couple)
how to shoot a certain genre of video (like music videos)
advanced filming techniques
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Materials 🖥️
What materials do I need?
A CAMERA 📹
Use any device that records digital video: your phone, a pocket camera, a fancy DSLR or mirrorless camera — whatever you like.
AN EDITOR ✂️
If you want to turn your recordings into a final video, you’ll need a computer or phone to edit with, or a friend who’ll polish up your footage for you.
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Completion 🎓
Is this course self-paced?
Yup! You’re welcome to work on it whenever your schedule allows, and your access to the course never expires.
How long does the course take?
There are about 3.5 hours of video instruction in the course.
We’d add 1-2 hours of hands-on learning for every hour of instruction.
So that’s a total of 9 hours to complete the course.
Caveat: If you watch videos at double speed or spend more time practicing, then you could finish sooner or later.
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Tuition 💵
Do you offer bulk discounts?
We do! If you’re interested in licensing our curriculum to multiple students or employees, we’d love to offer you a deal. Just email us at hi@marybetsy.com for details.
Will my employer cover my tuition costs?
Possibly! That’s up to your organization, but 92% of U.S. employers offer some kind of education benefit to employees. Oftentimes they’ll reimburse your tuition (and score a tax deduction), and if the training is job-related, it’s not counted as taxable income for you.
You might find out first whether your organization has a program like this in place, and if so, tell your manager that you’re interested in this course and how video skills would help you in your current position.
What’s your refund policy?
I’ll give you a full refund within 30 days of enrollment because I want you to be satisfied. Just email hi@marybetsy.com and let me know why this course didn’t meet your expectations.
Other questions?
Email me at hi@marybetsy.com and I’d be happy to help.