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Welcome to The Independent Film School
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the fun
Welcome to The Independent Film School
Build skills, confidence, community. Stress only about your premiere outfit.
you have talenT Don't question it.
Founding Director
You’re a writer, director, actor, or all of the above. Or maybe you’d like to be. Your desire to create is all the proof that I need to know that you have talent.
Our world would be a better place if your creativity ended up on the screen.
But I know how it goes. Years of procrastination? Worked your butt off and saw no results? Almost got that big break and then it fell through? Gave up? Thinking of giving up? I’m raising my hand to all of the above.
My name is Ela Thier, I’m a working writer, director, and actor, and I’m here to tell you:
- Your creative work matters.
- You don’t have to give up on your dreams
- And you don’t have to go it alone.
Tenets of IFS
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Every human is creative with vast talents. We know how to unleash it.
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Artists are leaders who shape history. Creativity is not extra-curricular fluff.
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Artists thrive in community and wilt in isolation. We prefer collaboration over competition.
*IFS is the acronym for the Independent Film School.
our program
Get skilled.
Get connected.
Get to work.
Repeatedly.
⚠️ Proceed with caution. Artists who join us find out what they’re capable of.
— Bunnie Rivera
our flagship courses
Write those scripts that only you could write.
✦ Become Prolific
✦ Achieve Emotional Impact
✦ Foundations of Screenwriting
✦ Story Structure: Write Page-Turners
Direct like a pro, on any budget.
✦ Directing Actors: The Toolbook
✦ Directing Actors: Scene Study
✦ Directing the Camera: Fundamentals
✦ Directing the Camera: Composition
✦ The Moving Camera
Become the producer you’ve been waiting for.
✦ Get your film made: right now!
✦ Raise Money & Resources
✦ Crush That Pitch
✦ Physical Production A to Z
✦ Festivals, Publicity, Distribution
✦ Film Production Resource Center
✦ [coming soon] The 7-figure feature
Film editing made simple.
✦ Film Editing Made Simple
✦ Join Me in The Cutting Room
* We no longer offer individual courses. The IFS All Access Pass gives our students access to a brand new 6-day challenge every month, all community features, and all flagship courses. Join us here to learn more.
how to fail as an artist, my best tips
Your creativity wants you back
If you’ve given up or are about to, you’re in good company. This funny, raw, confessional memoir doubles as a hard-hitting pep talk. A love letter to all artists, this is the book to reach for when your creative spirit needs a laugh, a cry, and a flashlight.
“It’s not a film school, it’s a lifestyle.”
– Eileen Cruz, IFS Community Manager