Career Growth | Film Industry

Training and skills development is essential for individuals seeking to grow a successful career in the film industry. These courses are designed to help aspiring filmmakers develop the necessary skills to pursue careers as assistant directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and other roles within the filmmaking world.

PRODUCING A FILM FROM A-TO-Z with Adam Ropp

A film’s Producer is the driving force behind a project, responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and ensuring the realization of the creative vision. In this course, students will explore the entire movie production process, from conceptualization to distribution, and gain valuable insights into the key elements that contribute to a successful film.

This course is now offered virtually via Zoom. There is no in-person training option available at this time.

2/1 – 2/2 | Saturday & Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM | $199 | Register Now

FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FIRST AD) with Jordan Wilson 

The First Assistant Director (First AD) course covers the responsibilities of managing a film set, including breaking down scripts, creating shooting schedules, and coordinating daily operations to keep production on track. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively with the director, department heads, and crew to ensure a smooth workflow. The course will also focus on safety protocols and risk management, emphasizing the AD’s role in maintaining a safe and efficient set environment. Students will gain hands-on experience with call sheets, on-set logistics, and problem-solving under pressure.

This course takes place in person at Meridian’s South Campus in Guthrie. If students have Movie Magic Scheduling software it may be offered virtually. When registering, students will select in-person or virtual attendance. 

3/11 – 3/13 and 3/15 – 3/16 | TWTh from 6 PM – 9 PM and  9 AM – 5 PM on Saturday & Sunday | $249 | Register Now

SECOND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SECOND AD) with Jordan Wilson 

A Second Assistant Director (Second AD) course will cover the essential duties of supporting the First AD in managing the logistics and paperwork of a film production. Participants will learn how to create and distribute call sheets, manage talent scheduling, and coordinate with various departments to ensure a smooth production flow. The course will also focus on developing the skills needed for setting up and managing the base camp, including talent check-in and handling daily production reports. Additionally, students will gain practical skills in communication, scheduling adjustments, and troubleshooting on-set challenges.

This course is offered in-person or virtually via Zoom. When registering, students will select in-person or virtual attendance. 

5/3 – 5/4 | Saturday & Sunday  | 9 AM – 5 PM | $199 | Register Now

We don’t have dates set for these classes, but we anticipate offering them too!

MAKING A SHORT FILM FROM DEVELOPMENT TO DISTRIBUTION with Ben Richardson

Short films are typically less than 40 minutes in length, but that doesn’t mean they take less time to make. This introductory course focuses on what it takes to go from an idea to a finished short film. Attention will be on the development, pre-production, production, post-production and distribution of a film project. No previous film experience is needed for this course.

This course is offered in-person or virtually via Zoom. When registering, students will select in-person or virtual attendance. 

TBD | Saturday & Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM | $199 | Registration TBD

SCREENWRITING INTENSIVE with Ben Richardson

This course covers key the essential elements for any story from the creative, technical, and logistical aspects. Time will be spent discussing story structure and plot outline, character descriptions and dialogue, and screenplay formats and styles. Students will be assigned to write a five-to-10 page short film that will be workshopped in the course. No screenwriting or film industry experience is required.

This course is offered in-person or virtually via Zoom. When registering, students will select in-person or virtual attendance. 

TBD | MWTh | 6 PM – 9 PM | $149 | Registration TBD

CRAFTING YOUR FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSION PACKAGE with Ben Richardson

Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or shooting your first film, film festivals are crucial to the film industry. This course covers factors filmmakers should consider before submitting to a film festival.

This course is offered in-person or virtually via Zoom. When registering, students will select in-person or virtual attendance. 

TBD | Sunday | 9 AM – 5 PM | $49 | Registration TBD