Edgar Wright

Filmmaking

The award-winning filmmaker made his name with the beloved Cornetto trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End). Follow that with Scott Pilgrim vs the World, Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho and you've got yourself a world-class filmmaking teacher with indie roots and Hollywood experience. From storyboarding and scriptwriting to fundraising and pitching to studios, Edgar will show you the many different approaches to filmmaking and will ultimately help you get your film made and get your film seen.

27 video lessons

Course notes

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What does a subscription include?

For anyone who wants to make a film
For all experiences and budgets
Self-paced, no deadlines

The course

Whether you're just starting out or want some insight into that trademark kinetic style, Edgar's filmmaking class is packed with practical tools and creative inspiration. He'll take you through writing, directing, casting, location scouting, collaborating, funding, production, editing, sound design, distribution and more. Just check out the full list of lessons below for a teaser. You no longer need to fear the live set. Get tips from Edgar and you'll walk in with an auteurial swagger that the cast and crew love to see. Even if it is a little bit fake-it-till-you-make-it.

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Writing to direct with filmmaker, Edgar Wright

Your Maestro

Meet the man who became an indie legend with the Cornetto trilogy and a trademark directing style. He started out making indie movies on a Super 8 camera and directed shorts on a shoestring throughout the 80s and 90s, building up a close-knit group of collaborators including Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. As someone who’s gone from film school reject and micro budgets to Hollywood blockbusters, there’s no one better to guide you through the world of filmmaking and show you how to make your film a reality.

Lessons

Edgar's introduction

3 mins

Meet the man who became an indie legend with a trademark directing style. He’s here to show you how to make your film a reality.

A brief history of film

5 mins

There’s so much you can learn from the classics. Delve into cinematic history with Edgar’s guidance and you’ll pick up tips for your own feature.

Beginnings and education

18 mins

Edgar got rejected from film school. Twice. That didn’t stop him and nothing should stop you from starting out in the right direction…

Advice to aspiring filmmakers

12 mins

Wise words on mental preparation, resilience, the work that lies ahead of you and how to work with your budget (not against it).

Writing to direct

14 mins

Learn about the benefits of writing your own opportunities and selling yourself as the whole package, whether solo or with a co-writer.

Writing: the process

11 mins

Discover the joys (and woes) of writing, through characters and theme, navigating writer’s block and breaking down plot with index cards.

Genre

4 mins

The king of genre play celebrates the wonders of working in genre and playing with story conventions.

Style

8 mins

Smash cut to: developing your own filmmaker aesthetic through editing, sound, cinematography and performance, and understanding how it might evolve.

Storyboards and animatics

8 mins

Edgar has storyboarded every scene since Shaun of the Dead. Learn how to visualise ideas in your head and map out where the story goes.

10.

Getting your film made

20 mins

Hone your skills, find collaborators and make a name for yourself with short films then you’ll have a better chance funding your feature.

11.

Form and content

11 mins

Learn how to construct a scene and tell a story with a little help from the town shootout in Hot Fuzz and the toilet brawl in The World’s End.

12.

Casting and directing actors

12 mins

Tips for finding the right actors for your film and how to work with them in rehearsals and on set. Just in case Tom Hanks isn’t available.

13.

Locations

7 mins

Learn about stage sets versus real locations, when to use which and how to go about location scouting for that perfect setting.

14.

Costume design

5 mins

Costume can make a splash even if you’re not working on a period feature. Consider colour, iconic outfits and presenting character.

15.

Cinematography

6 mins

Think about the camera’s relationship with other actors, the narrative, and the audience. Should it be invisible or like another character?

16.

First day on set

7 mins

How to approach starting out on a production? Edgar advises starting with an ambitious scene to set the tone for the entire shoot.

17.

Music

7 mins

How choosing the right soundtrack can transform your film. Get it cleared early and you can choreograph scenes to perfection.

18.

Sound design

10 mins

Understand the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and the importance of good sound design to heighten the style of a film.

19.

Filming action sequences

10 mins

How to choreograph and execute breath-taking action scenes – from using elements of the Hong Kong Action Style to piecing it together.

20.

Production design

3 mins

The importance of finding a great production designer and keeping your aesthetic front and centre during the filmmaking process.

21.

Editing

8 mins

Weaving your film into a cohesive narrative using editing techniques like the Kuleshov effect, killing your darlings, and trial and error.

22.

TV vs features

10 mins

Edgar’s experience of the similarities and differences in creating content for television versus feature films.

23.

Filmmaking in collaboration

7 mins

Collaboration is key to successful filmmaking. See how an entire crew works together in the breakdown of a scene in Last Night in Soho.

24.

Getting your film seen

7 mins

How to stand out when distributing your film in a crowded arena. Know your strengths, make it pulpy and pitch to the right festivals.

25.

Ask me anything

24 mins

Edgar answers questions from Twitter – on inspiration, working with his heroes, parody vs homage, needle drops and fighting your corner.

26.

Q & A

17 mins

National Film and Television School students pose questions on redrafting scripts, action sequences, dialogue and improv.

27.

In conclusion

1 min

Final thoughts on how to become a filmmaker and how you never stop being a student of the form. Fade to black.

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A collection of the BBC Maestri including Jancis Robinson, David Walliams

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Course notes

64 pages

A downloadable PDF full of tips and exercises to help you put theory into practice.

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