Teaches Filmmaking

Werner Herzog

Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking

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Celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member the chance to jump-start their writing career.

We're celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member a chance at a life-changing experience.

Watch her class, and you and a guest will have a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Esther's relationship retreat in Paros, Greece.

From TIME ©2022 TIME USA LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

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Reviewed - USA Today

Meet your new instructor, a self-taught filmmaker who's made films on all seven continents. Are you ready to become a 'soldier of cinema'?

1. Introduction

Introduction

Werner teaches you the importance of careful film analysis by deconstructing the opening scene of Viva Zapata, starring Marlon Brando.

2. Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch Films

Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch Films

If you want to master storytelling, don't just watch movies. Werner explains why reading is key to becoming a great filmmaker and shares passages from his mandatory reading list.

3. Teach Yourself Storytelling: Read

Teach Yourself Storytelling: Read

Forget the three-act screenwriting structure. Werner reveals how he draws on poetry and Beethoven to inspire scripts that capture his vision in words.

4. Writing a Script

Writing a Script

You don't need millions to make a movie. With $10,000 and an extraordinary idea you can start the journey toward bringing your project to the screen.

5. Financing First Films

Financing First Films

Film is an art—but it's also a business. Werner shares his insights into the industry to help you learn how to protect your stories.

6. Negotiation Skills

Negotiation Skills

Jungles, oceans, and volcanic craters—Werner has shot movies in them all. Learn how to find spectacular locations and turn them into functional sets for your own films.

7. Locations

Locations

When Christian Bale had to eat real maggots in Rescue Dawn, Werner offered to eat them first. Here, he explains the power of leading by example to inspire your cast and crew.

8. Leading The Platoon

Leading The Platoon

In filmmaking, if you're on time, you're late. Be professional: Organize your set to tell the story, not to impress anyone. Forget the director's chair, turn off your cell phone, and stay close to your actors.

9. Set Rules

Set Rules

Keep it simple, focused, and efficient—don't shoot coverage. Learn how to use one camera to make the best film possible.

10. Camera: Shooting Strategy

Camera: Shooting Strategy

Learn how to paint with light, work with cinematographers, and bring your vision to life with extraordinary images.

11. Camera: Cinematography

Camera: Cinematography

Werner teaches the basic rules of cinematography—and how to break them—to maximize your creative vision.

12. Camera: Techniques

Camera: Techniques

Through casting, wardrobe, and behavioral ticks, Werner shares both the subtle and bold techniques for developing characters with your actors.

13. Working With Actors: Creating the Character

Working With Actors: Creating the Character

Werner breaks down how he directs actors on set and how to work with the best of the best, including Klaus Kinski.

14. Working With Actors: On-Set

Working With Actors: On-Set

Sound quality can make or break your film. Learn how to avoid lost footage and listen for the remarkable.

15. Sound

Sound

Learn how to communicate the mood you want for your music and how to work with composers to create amazing, memorable scores.

16. Music

Music

Editing begins on the set. Werner's methods are unique, and will give you a practical way to cut through the footage to make a beautiful film.

17. Editing

Editing

Inspiration can come from anywhere, but you have to know how to recognize it—and seek it out. Learn where Werner got the ideas for many of his most famous films.

18. Invaded by Images: Part 1

Invaded by Images: Part 1

Amazing stories are often a combination of discoveries. Werner breaks down the genesis of Fitzcarraldo and the development of scenes in Stroszek.

19. Invaded by Images: Part 2

Invaded by Images: Part 2

Werner discusses his techniques to "crack a human being open." Learn how to make your subjects comfortable, identify with them, and capture their humanity.

20. Documentary: Making the Conversation

Documentary: Making the Conversation

Werner breaks down the need for narrative discipline and "knowing the heart of men." Learn how to get to the heart of your subject and shape your story.

21. Documentary: Eliciting Difficult Stories

Documentary: Eliciting Difficult Stories

There are lines you should not cross. Learn from Werner's experiences filming Grizzly Man and Into the Abyss, and how to get to the heart of your subject quickly.

22. Documentary: Dealing with Human Beings

Documentary: Dealing with Human Beings

Ditch the 'fly-on-the-wall' approach to documentary filmmaking. Shape the 'ecstatic truth' to tell a beautiful and brilliant story.

23. Documentary: Truth in Nonfiction

Documentary: Truth in Nonfiction

Be one of the ruthless ones who burst onto the scene. Learn how to deal with rejection and take control of your career.

24. Career Strategy

Career Strategy

The life of a filmmaker is fraught with doubt, rejection, and constant battles for survival. Learn how to survive in an impossible industry.

25. Life as a Filmmaker

Life as a Filmmaker

Werner leaves you with the words of a medieval mystic and wishes you luck on your journey.

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