Cinematic Storytelling with a Smartphone

Learn how to shoot professional-quality, cinematic video with your smartphone.

• Indie Feature Films / Short Films
• Documentaries
• Travel Films
• Music Videos
• Corporate Videos
• Real Estate Videos
• Marketing Promos
• YouTube Videos
• Social Media

And a lot more. Really whatever you want to create.

In this course you'll learn the fundamentals of cinematography and visual storytelling that applies to using any and all kinds of cameras. Then we'll explore tech & app essentials that make shooting smartphone video different than shooting with traditional cameras.

Included in this course:

• Over 40 video lessons / 3+ hours of education material
• Recap quizzes / PDF downloads / Professional film & video examples
• Additional resources and links

Covers these topics and more:

• Composition & Framing
• The Rule of Thirds
• Stage Direction (The 180° Rule)
• 3-Point Lighting
• Types of Camera Movement (with real-world examples)
• Aperture, ISO and Shutter (for traditional cameras & smartphones)
• Smartphone lenses (built-in and third-party)
• Video Codecs plus shooting Apple Log (on iPhone)

The best thing is once you learn the basic principles of cinematography (composition, framing & lighting), those skills will stay with you forever and can be used regardless of the kind of camera you shoot with in the future.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of cinematography and mobile filmmaking

• The lessons in this course can apply to any and all kinds of productions, but note that many of the examples presented are from narrative film & TV style projects.

• Also, this is not your normal "lecture" style course where an instructor just talks and talks to the camera, but rarely shows anything. This course is all about hands-on demonstrations along with how-to instruction throughout. And students can ask questions at any time via comments in the lessons.

• Please note: If you previously enrolled in our past Smartphone Cinematography 101 course (which has been sunset), then you do not need to enroll in this new one as it has a similar curriculum (but that has been updated in 2026).

Suggested Requirements:

• A smartphone and a video camera app. Any device, old or new is fine.
  
  
• This is a beginner's course, so no filmmaking experience is required. However, some of the technical aspects we cover including the camera app functions might feel somewhat advanced for students brand new to mobile filmmaking (but they will learn along the way!). So the course can also benefit intermediate level filmmakers who are wanting to learn more about smartphone video and mobile filmmaking.

• Note: We use an iPhone and a mix of camera apps in the course, but it does NOT matter what phone or app you use (so Androids can join in the fun too). This course is about cinematography and smartphone video production, not specific products (and remember, apps and phone models always change anyway).
  

Did you know you can also view this course on the Teachable iOS app, too? Yep. Download it here.

***BUNDLE THIS COURSE AND SAVE ALMOST 30%!*** Learn smartphone cinematography and the Blackmagic Camera app for one low price.

Don't wait to create! Start today and unlock the potential of the amazing camera you carry in your pocket.