Online Film School
for Aspiring Filmmakers and Cinematographers
There are over a thousand articles and hundreds of videos on this site. All free.
That’s enough content for you to learn from and use for a year or two. Add to that the millions of other free videos online. It can get overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be too hard to find what you’re looking for.
But here’s the catch: Not everyone knows what to look for. It takes a lot of experience to know what questions to ask.
That’s where I come in. I have a different take on education.
Before I explain myself, a bit about me.
About me
My name is Sareesh Sudhakaran. You probably know me as the guy who makes those videos on the wolfcrow YouTube channel.
I have 20+ years of experience in filmmaking and cinematography. I’ve made two feature films. One was released in theaters in 2024.
I educate from the heart. When I started out no one helped me learn. They held on to information like it was some sort of secret.
It was all bullshit. Filmmaking is not rocket science. It’s not even as hard as senior high school math.
I promised myself I would never be like that.
This is why the Wolfcrow Online Film School is special. Use it well.
Sareesh Sudhakaran
When I started making educational content over ten years ago I decided I’m going to do it two ways.
First, I decided information should be free.
If I’m standing at a street corner and someone asks me the time, I tell them the time. For free. Sounds silly, but that’s why I mean by free information.
The basics – like exposure, three-point lighting, aperture, camera angles, cameras and gear, and lots more – should be free to learn.
Then why charge for this online film school?
Let me tell you about the second way.
If information should be free, I decided specific step-by-step courses should be charged.
These courses take a lot of time to put together. If the person asking me the time also asks me to help him set his watch, I’ll help. I’m one of those people you could easily take advantage of.
But what if the person asks me to teach him how to use his watch? That’s a very specific request. Not only does it take time and information, but it demands that I draw on another skill – the skill of teaching.
That’s why the Wolfcrow Online Film School isn’t about the basics of filmmaking and cinematography. That’s all free, as it should be.
This Online Film School is about the specific pain points serious aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers will face in their careers.
I’ve put a lot of time and thought into these courses. You won’t need another one.
Why should you act fast?
You really can’t get better at filmmaking and cinematography without practice. Just as you can’t learn swimming by watching videos or reading about it.
Practice means being on set, with others, in the role you aspire to be in. Or at least as close to it as possible.
In order to do that you need to show some chops first.
You might have to make short films, or work on someone else’s low budget (or no budget) films.
You need to learn fast. And, learn how to get creative fast.
What people hire you for is your vision, creativity, and most importantly, problem-solving skills. With enough money you can get professional results. You don’t need to go to school for that.
When there’s no money, that’s when all three skills – vision, creativity and problem-solving – will be taxed.
And you only get one shot at a film.
Learning to see how your film is going to turn out before you start filming requires a different kind of vision.
You have no choice but to identify and fix issues before you start filming.
You need to develop that vision fast.
That kind of learning has to be structured, specific and thorough. And, with tools and gear on a low budget that anyone has access to.
So don’t procrastinate.
What do you want to learn?
Select one of the two tabs, or both:
Filmmaker
Learn to make your film on schedule and under budget, without sacrificing quality or performance.
Access the best filmmaking guides on the planet:
Cinematographer
Learn to practically realize the ideas and images in your head, and always come away with the shot.
Access the best cinematography guides on the planet:
Everything’s included. You get access to every course and content in the Wolfcrow Online Film school.
Take advantage of my experience and the countless mistakes I’ve made. Take advantage of having me as your mentor.
Get access to Wolfcrow Online Film School today:
What you get
List of guides in the Wolfcrow Online Film School
Here are select guides with details on what you're really getting:
How to Shoot a Scene
LEVEL: BEGINNER | 2.5+ HOURS
What does a scene look like when shot with just one angle? I'll show you.
Then I show you how to stage a scene, show how to decide where to place the camera, and how to film everything from different angles. Finally, we edit the short film and see how it all comes together.
The Ultimate Guide to Shooting Dialogue Scenes
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE | 5+ HOURS
This guide is for filmmakers who have already made one or two short films.
I show you how to make a practical shooting script, and my tunnel technique of coverage.
We also take a look at scheduling your film so you can complete everything on time. We look at covering complex dialogue scenes of up to four people.
I show you my auditioning and rehearsal process. We go through the filming, sound and cinematography. Finally, we edit and grade the short film.
How to Stage Fight and Action Scenes on a Low Budget
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE | 2.5+ HOURS
This guide is for filmmakers who need to stage fight scenes on a low budget.
I show you how to go about planning and executing complex stunts, with and without the help of a a Stunt Coordinator (Action Director).
All from my second feature film, Gin Ke Dus!
The Beginner's Guide to Lighting for Film
LEVEL: BEGINNER | 7+ HOURS
Learn to light with cheap and DIY equipment you can buy anywhere in the world.
I show you how to think about lighting, in baby steps, all the way to lighting complex projects with real film lighting and grip crew.
I show you how to "see" light. And, finding the right exposure.
Over this monster guide I take you behind the scenes of multiple projects, with how I lit each shot and scene. We cover interior, exterior and night scenes.
The Guide to Lighting Night Scenes
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE | 4.5+ HOURS
How does exposure change for night scenes? How much light do you really need for night scenes? I'll show you.
We go through typical night lighting scenarios - forest, house exteriors, night interiors.
I'll also discuss production challenges while filming night scenes.
The Low Budget Filmmaker’s Production Kit
LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
Nine real world templates and checklists refined over 18 years of filmmaking:
- Pre-production Checklist (DOCX, ODT, PDF)
- Screenplay Impact Worksheet (DOCX, ODT, PDF)
- Location Scout Checklist (DOCX, ODT, PDF)
- Scene Breakdown Template (XLSX, ODS)
- Location Breakdown Template (XLSX, ODS)
- Budget Template (XLSX, ODS)
- Shooting Schedule (XLSX, ODS)
- Call Sheet Template (DOCX, ODT, PDF)
- Film Self-Distribution Blueprint
Other guides part of Wolfcrow Online Film School:
- Film Appreciation Course - Learn how to appreciation film using our ten-step system. 2 hours of downloadable videos. Priced at $67.
- How to Make a Movie you can be proud of - Nine powerful videos to help beginners make their movie on a low budget. 3+ hours of videos and more. Priced at $47.
- Guide to Lighting Products on a Low Budget - Learn to create impressive product videos with cheap lighting equipment. Eight downloadable videos and lighting diagrams. Priced at $67.
- Interview Lighting Guide for Interiors - Learn how to master interview lighting for interior locations using cheap and DIY lights. 15+ lessons and 5+ hours of downloadable videos. Priced at $87.
You can download videos in the filmmaking and camera guides. Please note: Some videos are not available for download.
Unlimited Email Support
Whenever you want, how many ever times you want, send me an email for support.
My projects
Here are some of the projects I've shot that are included as part of the Wolfcrow Online Film School:
Terms and conditions
Is this a one-time payment or a recurring payment?
This is a one-time payment.
When will I get access?
You get immediate access once the payment is successful.
What do you mean 'for life'?
The Online Film School will be available for at least 5 years from the date of purchase. I don't plan on taking down the content, but I don't own the Internet.
No matter what people tell you, it's a business. And businesses, like people, go kaput. This is why I have downloads. Download whatever you find critically important, as soon as possible, strictly for your personal consumption.
These terms are bound under Indian law, and you agree that all matters relating to your purchase and access, including disputes, will be governed by the laws of India. You agree jurisdiction is in India and waive any objections regarding it.
Can I download videos and other content immediately?
You get access to the download links only after the 24-hour refund period lapses. Due to time zone differences it will be automatically available between 24 to 48 hours.
How does the return policy work?
The 24-hour policy begins the moment I send the login credentials. If you're unsatisfied with the membership you can let me know within 24 hours and I'll return your money. No questions asked.
Are there any monthly plans or payment plans or subscriptions or cheaper plans?
Not at this time.
Can any guide be purchased separately?
No. I might make new camera guides available as a separate purchase in the future, though if you have access to Wolfcrow Online Film School all future guides on wolfcrow are included.
I've already bought something from you. Can I get a discount?
No. I did give coupon codes to customers who purchased products prior to May 2020. That was the last chance. No discounts.
What about future content? Will you add more?
You are paying for the content that currently exists, which is worth an order of magnitude more than the price you're paying. Even though I hope I'm healthy and motivated enough to continue producing new content, I can't guarantee it.
What about past content? Can that vanish?
Any content can be added, modified or deleted without notice.
Sometimes content gets outdated, or irrelevant, or is removed on a whim. Any content in your purchase can be deleted or removed if I find the need. Your purchase only gives you access to whatever is available on that day. I urge you to watch or read content as soon as possible, in case it becomes unavailable.
Who is Wolfcrow Online Film School for?
Wolfcrow Online Film School is for anyone who wants to learn filmmaking and cinematography from one of the best teachers on the planet.
It's that simple!
Can I ask you anything via email support?
Whenever you need to, how many ever times you need to, you can send me an email.
I'll try my best to respond to all queries, but please understand, there is no legal obligation for me to do so. This is a complimentary courtesy and is not part of the purchase, so please don't assume it is your legal right! There might be many extenuating circumstances where I won't be able to reply to your emails or messages, and I am not obligated to justify myself for anything either. I'm not running a call center, you know!
Furthermore, I will not answer any questions that need me to spend time; e.g., reading scripts or doing research or whatever. If I've already answered the question in a video or article, I'll try to point you to that. If you need my time personally, I am always available for paid consultations.
And, I reserve the right to block you and cancel support if I feel the need. My decision on this is final, and there is zero obligation to justify myself.
What about personal Consultation or Coaching?
I offer personal consultations that can afford my time. The rate is $499/hour, with a 4-hour commitment. Email me if you're serious about this.
The person who purchased this left the organization, but used our credit card or Paypal. Can you give us access?
If you want access get the person to send me an email from the email address used to make the purchase. If you don't have access to his/her email account there is nothing I can do. I don't store payment details, so without the email it's impossible for me to verify anything.
Can I use my own login and password?
Yes. You will also have your own account page so you can make the necessary changes.
Can the content be read offline?
No. You will always need a browser and an Internet connection to see your content. Of course, downloadable content can be downloaded to read or watch at your leisure. The videos must be downloaded individually. Everything cannot be downloaded all at once.
How do payments work?
Payments are processed by Paypal. We don't store or see your payment information. All we have is the Paypal receipt number (order number) and the email you used with Paypal. Please make sure that your email address stays valid and active.
Are there subtitles for the videos?
No. The videos and all content are in English. If you can understand my YouTube videos you should be okay. But for non-English speakers or poor English speakers you might find it challenging.
Is this membership available in India?
No. Due to restrictions with Paypal these memberships aren't available in India. Please don't ask me for any alternative payment methods. There aren't any.
This is too expensive!
The Wolfcrow Online Film School is for those who see its immense value, and plan to do something about taking their film craft to the next level. It costs less than a cheap kit lens. If it's too much feel free to browse the free content on this site.
24-Hour 100% Money Back Guarantee
I really want to help. And, I want you to get the best out of this purchase.
For your peace of mind, I also offer you a 24-hour 100% money-back guarantee.
No questions asked.
If you feel what I’m teaching is not going to benefit you, ask for your money back anytime within 24 hours.
When was the last time a film school offered you your money back?