STORY-DRIVEN

family films

FilmingLife® 201

Go Beyond Beautiful Clips—Learn How to Craft Films That Truly Resonate

You’ve figured out the basics of filmmaking.
You can shoot video. You can edit a sequence.
But now you’re ready for more.

201: Story-Driven Family Films is where you learn how to bring it all together—your technical skills, your vision, and your voice—to create films that feel intentional, emotive, and unforgettable.

This course is designed for photographers and filmmakers who are ready to elevate their client work, strengthen their storytelling, and feel more confident filming real families in all their messy, wonderful reality.

More depth. More emotion. More story.

This course is for you if:

You’ve created keepsake films and want to start filming clients

You want to move beyond “clips set to music” and into meaningful, story-rich films

You need help structuring a session with a real family (and managing expectations)

You’re ready to deliver films that make people cry, laugh, and hit replay

This course gives you the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts to confidently serve real families—with real stories—and turn your creative work into a sustainable part of your business.

    • Why family films still matter (especially today)

    • The family film spectrum—from simple portraits to layered narratives

    • How to find your unique voice as a filmmaker

    • Behind-the-scenes case studies that show how different artists tell the same story

    • The many paths you can take as a family filmmaker

    • A complete workflow from inquiry to delivery

    • What clients actually need to know (and what they don’t)

    • How to build trust before you even pick up your camera

    • The questions that lead to deeper, more meaningful stories

    • Watch a real pre-session call with a family of five (toddlers included)

    • How to manage expectations as a hybrid shooter

    • 10 practical tips for successful, stress-free client calls

    • My go-to shot list for client sessions

    • How to film toddlers, teens, and everything in between

    • Capturing clean audio—even in chaotic family homes

    • Thinking like an editor while you film, so you get the footage you need

    • Real-time BTS footage from a full client session

    • Quick fixes for the most common mistakes filmmakers make on session day

    • How to shape a story when the narrative isn’t obvious

    • Using dialogue and music to anchor your edit

    • How to find the phrases and emotional beats in music

    • Building a simple but effective emotional arc

    • Final touches that elevate your client experience

    • How I deliver films—and how I ask for testimonials that actually convert

    • How to find real clients—without paying for ads

    • My proven model call strategy (what to say, promote, and capture)

    • What to include in your portfolio to attract your dream clients

    • How to price your first films and move from free to paid confidently

    • Common mistakes photographers make when building a film portfolio

    • How to stand out in your local market

    • Identifying your unique selling point and using it in your messaging

    • Building a sustainable business around family films

    • How to turn client testimonials into marketing gold

    • Creative campaign ideas to stay visible and booked all year long

    • What’s next: keeping the inspiration alive and building your practice long-term

What You’ll Learn:

By the end of this course you’ll be able to:

Confidently plan and shoot family film sessions with paying clients

Ask the right questions to uncover real stories that resonate

Film with intention—so you edit faster and more purposefully

Craft emotionally impactful films that feel true to your vision

Deliver a seamless client experience from inquiry to final film

Build a portfolio that reflects your style and books more work

Market yourself without feeling salesy—and grow your business sustainably

What You Need:

  • A working knowledge of filmmaking (complete 101: Foundations of Filmmaking first)

  • Basic editing experience in Premiere Pro

  • A desire to deepen your storytelling skills and create films for real families

How to Enroll:

201: Story-Driven Family Films is available exclusively to members of FilmingLife® Academy.

For $75/month, you’ll get access to this course, plus:

  • All other courses in the Academy

  • Live-run sessions and critique calls

  • Monthly business growth workshops

  • A global community of filmmakers sharing tips, wins, and honest advice

  • Personalized support and feedback whenever you need it

This course alone is valued at $1200 USD, but as a member, you get full access as part of your membership.

Ready to Tell Stories That Matter?

If you’re ready to go deeper…
To create films that don’t just look good but mean something…
To serve families in a way that’s honest, heartfelt, and fulfilling…

Let’s build the films—and the business—you’ve been dreaming of.