From Idea to Screen: Learn Filmmaking for Free on YouTube

I’ve just uploaded my full filmmaking class (1 hour 50 minutes total), From Idea to Screen/Video, to YouTube—and it’s completely free. Please subscribe to Icelandic Film Bakery on YouTube, and leave questions or share your progress in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’re making and have a conversation there.

Watch the full class on YouTube →

DOWNLOAD CLASS BROCHURE

About the class

What’s the best way to get an idea out of your head and onto a screen? Give it something to do.

This is a hands-on filmmaking class where you’ll develop, write, produce, film, and edit a short video based on your own original idea. You can choose to make a scene with or without dialogue, an experimental or atmospheric sequence, or a short film with a story.

All you need is a camera, something to write on, and a computer to edit your film.

What you’ll learn

We’ll work through the complete filmmaking process, including how to:

• Develop your original idea before writing or filming.
• Turn your idea into a visual story.
• Plan and complete a video on a micro-budget.
• Film and edit your project.
• Finish the sound and color.

Along the way, I’ll share practical tips to save you some unnecessary agony. There’s no need to repeat every mistake I’ve already made for you.

Learn by making

The focus is the “indie” in independent filmmaking: learning to do as much as possible yourself and preparing for bigger projects by completing a small one first.

I made an example short film specifically for this class. You’ll follow its development, writing, production, filming, editing, and finishing, with examples you can apply to your own project.

We practice big by taking small steps.

Who is it for?

This class is for anyone starting out or with a couple of film projects behind them. The aim is to demystify the process, help you recognize your creative strengths, and identify where you can grow as a visual storyteller.

You don’t need a perfectly formed idea to begin. Developing it is part of the class.

Your teacher

I’m Olaf de Fleur, an Icelandic filmmaker with more than 20 years of experience. I’ve directed 12 feature films and taught classes in short filmmaking, screenwriting, documentaries, and trailer editing.

This class brings together the practical tools I use to turn an idea into something you can actually watch.

“Olaf's experience and compassion is a unique resource for all who are open and ready.”

— Giancarlo Esposito, actor, Breaking Bad

Bring your idea, subscribe on YouTube, and join me in the comments. Let’s make something.$