MasterClass

Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking

When the legendary director Werner Herzog was 19, he stole a camera and made his first movie. 70 films and 50 awards later, Werner is teaching documentary and feature filmmaking. You’ll learn storytelling, cinematography, locations, self-financing, documentary interview techniques, and how to bring your ideas to life. By the end, you’ll make uncompromising films.

Where to Watch Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking

26 Episodes

Introduction
E1
IntroductionMeet your new instructor, a self-taught filmmaker who's made films on all seven continents. Are you ready to become a 'soldier of cinema'?
Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch Films
E2
Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch FilmsWerner teaches you the importance of careful film analysis by deconstructing the opening scene of Viva Zapata, starring Marlon Brando.
Teach Yourself Storytelling: Read
E3
Teach Yourself Storytelling: ReadIf 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.
Writing a Script
E4
Writing a ScriptForget the three-act screenwriting structure. Werner reveals how he draws on poetry and Beethoven to inspire scripts that capture his vision in words.
Financing First Films
E5
Financing First FilmsYou 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.
Negotiation Skills
E6
Negotiation SkillsFilm 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.
Locations
E7
LocationsJungles, 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.
Leading The Platoon
E8
Leading The PlatoonWhen 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.
Set Rules
E9
Set RulesIn 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.
Camera: Shooting Strategy
E10
Camera: Shooting StrategyKeep it simple, focused, and efficient—don't shoot coverage. Learn how to use one camera to make the best film possible.
Camera: Cinematography
E11
Camera: CinematographyLearn how to paint with light, work with cinematographers, and bring your vision to life with extraordinary images.
Camera: Techniques
E12
Camera: TechniquesWerner teaches the basic rules of cinematography—and how to break them—to maximize your creative vision.
Working With Actors: Creating the Character
E13
Working With Actors: Creating the CharacterThrough casting, wardrobe, and behavioral ticks, Werner shares both the subtle and bold techniques for developing characters with your actors.
Working With Actors: On-Set
E14
Working With Actors: On-SetWerner breaks down how he directs actors on set and how to work with the best of the best, including Klaus Kinski.
Sound
E15
SoundSound quality can make or break your film. Learn how to avoid lost footage and listen for the remarkable.
Music
E16
MusicLearn how to communicate the mood you want for your music and how to work with composers to create amazing, memorable scores.
Editing
E17
EditingEditing 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.
Invaded by Images: Part 1
E18
Invaded by Images: Part 1Inspiration 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.
Invaded by Images: Part 2
E19
Invaded by Images: Part 2Amazing stories are often a combination of discoveries. Werner breaks down the genesis of Fitzcarraldo and the development of scenes in Stroszek.
Documentary: Making the Conversation
E20
Documentary: Making the ConversationWerner discusses his techniques to "crack a human being open." Learn how to make your subjects comfortable, identify with them, and capture their humanity.
Documentary: Eliciting Difficult Stories
E21
Documentary: Eliciting Difficult StoriesWerner 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.
Documentary: Dealing with Human Beings
E22
Documentary: Dealing with Human BeingsThere 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.
Documentary: Truth in Nonfiction
E23
Documentary: Truth in NonfictionDitch the 'fly-on-the-wall' approach to documentary filmmaking. Shape the 'ecstatic truth' to tell a beautiful and brilliant story.
Career Strategy
E24
Career StrategyBe one of the ruthless ones who burst onto the scene. Learn how to deal with rejection and take control of your career.
Life as a Filmmaker
E25
Life as a FilmmakerThe life of a filmmaker is fraught with doubt, rejection, and constant battles for survival. Learn how to survive in an impossible industry.
Postscript
E26
PostscriptWerner leaves you with the words of a medieval mystic and wishes you luck on your journey.