How 6 Aspiring Filmmakers Used MasterClass to Make their Films
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 6 min read
Have you ever dreamed of making a film? You’re not alone. In this edition of Member Showcase, six aspiring filmmakers from the MasterClass Community share how MasterClass gave them the tools, techniques and confidence to turn that dream into a reality.
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About the MasterClass Member Showcase
The MasterClass Member Showcase is a selection of work created by MasterClass members, made with tools and techniques learned from class. Members from around the globe come together in the MasterClass Community to share their masterpieces - from writers sharing their published novels to cooks posting mouthwatering food and everything in between. In this edition, we are highlighting a selection of films made by MasterClass members, made possible with the help of instructors like Werner Herzog, Martin Scorsese, Shonda Rhimes, and many more.
“B. Human” by Saliyl Dotson
About the film: B.Human is a limited Docuseries highlighting four American individuals based in NYC. During these weird times it's important to connect with each other's unique narrative, starting from the basic level of our existence, being human. We all carry a story with us, and can all relate in some way. An Owner, An Artist, An Immigrant, and An Intellectual. We all know what it's like to B.Human.
“I'm very grateful for this opportunity to share this project with you all. "B.Human" is a project that my co-director Tom Lock and I made during the early months of the pandemic. We just felt the need to create, and saw an opportunity to share the unique narratives of 4 special individuals living in NY.
I've always looked up to Spike Lee as a Director, Knicks fan, and all around creator. Joining the Spike Lee course was a no brainer for me. All levels of his knowledge were shared from his experience making films, even though they were specifically his own, I was able to contribute a lot of the lessons to my creative process. I took full advantage of every lesson, and it will always be available to me if I need to revisit them. I look forward to thanking him for sharing his art over the years in person, with a beer, courtside at the Knicks vs Nets game. *Make it happen, Universe.”*
Watch the full series and see more of Saliyl’s work at saliyldotson.com.
“Father Bird” by Angels Melange
About the film: Awarded short documentary, this film was directed and filmed in Qinghai Lake (Qinghai province, China). The beautifully cinematic film is centered around a Tibetan monk named Zhihua, who has devoted a great part of his life to protecting the birds of the lake in front of his temple.
“Father Bird was a story that chose its own path. While I was in the "battle field", I remembered Werner's words when I had to replace my main character for another and improvise a new film, but I was relieved to encounter a unique character that opened his world for me in a way I could not have predicted. Werner's Masterclass had taught me by that time that I had to be a Soldier of Cinema, and that's what I've been trying to do ever since.”
Watch more of Angels’ work on Vimeo and follow Angels on Instagram @angelsmelange
“Wallflower” by Jagger Gravning
About the film: Wallflower is a feature that takes place the night of a tragic mass shooting that happened in Seattle's now well-known Capitol Hill neighborhood. The film is fictionalized, but Jagger had personal connections to the real-life tragedy. Wallflower was shot in 21 days on what SAG-AFTRA identifies as an Ultra-Low Budget, which Jagger says took years to raise even that.
“MasterClass has been a continuous source of both inspiration and practical advice. I've been taking as many of the screenwriting and directing classes as I can. I even remember watching bits of the Herzog class in the editing bay as we edited Wallflower and Herzog's insight informing our approach. Wallflower is now available on Amazon, iTunes, Comcast, Fandango Now, etc.”
Wallflower has been featured at AMC theatres, with theatrical runs in 8 cities, starting with a premiere at the AMC 25 in Times Square NYC. Watch the full film on Amazon and follow Jagger on Twitter @JaggerGraving
“Sylvia” by Richard Prendergast
About the film: In a heartbeat, the things we hold dearest can so easily be stripped away. Music, ice-cream and games, Sylvia is the story of a normal family road trip. However, as the journey continues, a sense of anxiety suggests that all is not as it seems. When the final destination is reached, the heartbreaking conclusion of this true story is revealed; it is one that will stay with you forever.
“I’d always wanted to try my hand at directing scripted narrative films. After a few years of talking about it and not doing it, my wife finally had enough and gifted me a subscription to Masterclass.
I consumed as many as my brain could handle and set about making my first film. In June 2018 we wrapped on our first short film; “Sylvia”. After a year on the festival circuit, we screened at 45 festivals, winning 20 international awards, including the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes Film Festival, BAFTA longlisted and in consideration for the 2020 Oscars.
In 2020, we went on to shoot our second short film entitled 'Maximus' which is now starting its festival run and I've started work on my debut feature film.”
Watch the full film on Youtube and follow Richard on Instagram @submotionproductions
“Glimpse” by Peres Owino
About the film: Glimpse explores the lingering nature of loss, commemorating the Mother Emanuel AME Church 9 victims and those they left behind. This powerful short film casts an African and an African American in the lead roles, signifying unity in the ongoing struggle.
“I lost someone I loved and wanted to honor him by exploring the lingering nature of loss. I know a lot of us are experiencing this after the rough year we just had.
The thing about sitting with Ms. Rhimes, Foster, Mirren, and Mr. Sorkin, Howard, Scorcese, Hoffman, Martin, Apatow and Mamet (sounds like the name of a law firm but I digress), you sit with these men and women thinking you are going to learn the techniques of the craft and that is it. But what you get is a whole lot more valuable. At the end of all my classes, I gained "AUDACITY." Definition - a willingness to take bold risks. THAT is what I have most appreciated about the Masterclass and that will serve me in every area of my life.”
Watch more of Peres’ work on Vimeo, and follow her on Twitter @PeresOwino
“Eco-Riot” by Garret Williams
About the film: The concept for Eco-Riot is a thesis based on the Paris climate riots and LA ’92 riots. It was also inspired by a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I think still applies today with climate change: “We must nobly save, or meanly lose the last best hope for our planet.
“MasterClass was the start of my self-education online. I dropped out of CSU Long Beach looking for a mentor in film, and being able to sit down with people like David Lynch, Scorsese, Leibovitz, Sorkin, Jackson etc. is priceless to me. MasterClass gave me the opportunity to experience virtual mentorship from the best in the business with insight that I could never get from youtube or any other platform. In creating this film I was able to use the knowledge from world class masters to make a $500 film look like a $5,000+ film. I directed, acted, wrote, and produced ECO-RIOT, all in two months after finishing the film/tv courses.”
Watch the full film on Amazon and follow Garret on Instagram @garretewilliams.
For more films by MasterClass members, check out the MasterClass Community.
