Welcome to The Independent Film School!

It’s official!

Please watch video for a happy dance. I mean, for instructions. Thanks!

In the next few minutes, you’ll receive a welcome email from Ela Thier.

If you’re not finding it, check your promo or updates tab, or the good ol’ spam folder. (Get me outta there!)

If you’re not finding my email in the next 15 minutes, sign up again because typos in email addresses are common.

Still no go? Reach out to us for assistance.

Thanks again!

What else do members receive?

Weekly love

Tip Tuesday

On Tuesday of each week I write a short article, sharing what I know about screenwriting and filmmaking. It’s the stuff they don’t teach us in film school…

Below are a few appreciations from Tip Tuesday readers, among hundreds that I’ve received over the years. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more 🙂

Inspiring, real, funny at times, and actually implementable.
– DIJA HENRY

I get a ton of emails every day, many I ignore, but I am always delighted when your Tip Tuesday shows up and I anxiously open it. – PATRICK MALONE

I have paid subscriptions that are less valuable than your Tip Tuesdays …I always learn something new – even about subjects that I thought I knew a lot about. – MOLLY RUSSIN

Today’s tip was a deeply heartfelt message that I needed to hear, coming at just the right time. Thank you Ela. – GEORGE WILSON

Thank you for your Tip Tuesdays – I read them every week. Unlike other emails about screenwriting or filmmaking, your tips are about humans. I still have some tips that I keep especially near to read over again… to keep repeating to myself. – KATHY PETRAKIS

there's more...?!

Yes. Lots more. But without the overwhelm. The 6-day screenwriting challenge requires just 10 minutes a day. The 6-day filmmaking challenge – also 10 minutes a day. Live events; past events that I can’t remember right now; future events that I haven’t come up with yet… One baby step at a time is how we reach our most ambitious goals.

Why is membership free?

Is there a catch?

I offer paid programs. But every free training is in-depth and complete in and of itself.

You are right to ask. And I’m all for transparency. So here goes:

I’m a teaching artist, and I offer paid programs as well. When I offer free trainings, I promote online courses for further study. My courses are bananas amazing, so I promote them with gusto. They’re the courses that I wish I had gotten to take. That said:

You have my signature guarantee that every free training is a complete, in-depth, and valuable training in and of itself.

No obnoxious infomercials that disrespect your time. That’s a guarantee that I’ve never ever compromise.

Most of what I offer is free. By a long shot.

Besides the self-promoty component, my other win is knowing that these trainings will serve you.

Working in creative fields is crazy difficult, emotionally and economically.

If I can ease and improve your work – that’s a win for both of us. Any time you receive support – that’s a win for everyone.

I believe in artists. The world needs you, your creativity, your work. Societies organized around profits rather than human needs don’t support artists. My life will be richer – in the real sense of that word – playing a part in helping you.

Thank you for joining me. And thank you for finding the courage to live a creative life.

Ela Thier

Any time you receive support – that's a win for everyone.

Appreciations of Tip Tuesday

I write them down and often make the picture you send my wallpaper!
– KATYA SUBBOTINA

There are tips and techniques that I learned from you ten years ago that I still use daily.
– JIM SCHNEIDER

helpful info that I don’t get in my writing class.
– ARRIANNA TATE

It has gotten me out of ruts.
– HASSAN OMAR

As always, your Tip Tuesday makes me feel like you’re reading my mind, actually my soul. Thank you for your ever-encouraging words.
– PAMELA MUÑOZ

They can be inspiring, good reminders, a quick pep talk and are encouraging.
– ESSJAY

Motivating and makes me feel like I am not alone.

– SALLY HASSAN

Tip Tuesday seems to work for me. I’m often inspired to get off email and get back to work.
– MICHAEL VIEYRA

Topical and informative.
– CATERINA A. CAMPAGNA

Thank you so much for Tip Tuesdays! …they really kick me in the butt to stop procrastinating and remember that I love writing!
– GILLIEN GOLL

Educational, informative and always motivating and inspiring.

– IDEMUDIA OSAHON

They encourage me to keep fighting for my dream of being a filmmaker.
– JOEL BELCHER

All the information you provide is relevant.
– EJAY JAMISON

They’re concise yet meaty and they leave me percolating with inspiration.
– KARI MORRIS

I like the advice and your personal voice. It feels like getting an inspiring mail from a friend.
– JULIA VALENTINA

Thank you Ela. Your tips are always appreciated, always helpful, and always right on time.
– MARTRESE MEACHUM

Your Tip Tuesdays are something I look forward to each week!
– JULIE MCNAMARA

As a novice screenwriter and actress I find all of them useful. I gain insight on things I may have never considered.
– AYISHA HENRY

Interesting insights on the industry.

– WILL MALPARTIDA

The knowledge is so vast and widespread.
– GENE JONES

It feels like you’re the long lost friend (I never had) from my film school days. The encouraging words of your emails have awoken me from the heavy slumber of motherhood… Thanks for your tips, tricks and megaton of inspiration!
– SHEILA MORRIS

This [tip] really grabbed me and moved me! …As a registered nurse in isolation, I use Facebook as a means to promote healing, and you provided some powerful insights …Thank you more than I can express!
– RANDI SIMON-SEREY

You’re shining your light, and making it okay for others to shine theirs.
– DENISE GARZA

You know what you’re talking about and you get to the point.
– RUTH FOSTER

I appreciate your practical wealth of knowledge and sense of humor.
– DAWN YOUNG

Valuable information that may be difficult to find.
– LATOYA GLADNEY

They motivate the s#it out of me. Some days I just go back to reread them because I need a little sugar😊😊

– FAVOUR

I so look forward to your Tuesday Tips. You seem to read my mind. You often make me cry – which makes me happy! Better to feel than be a stone.
– ROSEMARY CADDEN

You and the rest of the IFS staff have given me so many free tools, tips and kindness to keep pushing forward as an artist when some of the world thinks I am living a pipe dream at my age. Thank you for believing in me Ela. It means more than you may know. – MIKE SZAJKO

Invite friends to join you in this journey