In this Masterclass created by director and VFX supervisor, HaZ Dulull, you will explore the secrets and methodologies behind Sci-Fi filmmaking. From preproduction to marketing your film. All steps are revealed. Read below our review on this step by step Sci-Fi filmmaking course.

Be prepared, work hard, and follow the steps

I remember back then, there was (and still is) Video Copilot which has been educating SFX enthusiasts to create science fiction effects and tricks on AfterEffect, and then embed them on DSLR 8-bit footage. Video Copilot’s tutorials were engaging, precise, and allowed anyone to create stunning VFX. However, there is a significant lack of resources for those who are eager to actually direct a Sci-Fi film. 

Luckily, HaZ’s Sci-Fi masterclass owns a unique educational approach that is dedicated to directing a science fiction feature from scratch. 

The Sci-Fi filmmaking masterclass covers almost every aspect of the filmmaking process and development cycle, from preproduction to feature. You will learn the basic methodology in feature film development, from the initial phase of planning to market the product (your film) and distribution.

The series isn’t about getting in-depth nor basic knowledge regarding VFX software and techniques. You will not learn how to make those Sci-Fi effects. Nevertheless, it will grant you the essential foundations of creating a Sci-Fi project specifically, or feature film in general.

According to the description of the course:” This is an in-depth yet straight to the point – a master class about science fiction filmmaking, covering all the critical steps from script breakdown, budgeting, and scheduling, pre-production, production, post-production, deliverables, and marketing”.

This is an in-depth yet straight to the point – a master class about science fiction filmmaking, covering all the critical steps from script breakdown, budgeting, and scheduling, pre-production, production, post-production, deliverables, and marketing

HaZ Dullul – director and VFX supervisor

The instructor: HaZ Dulull – Director / Producer

The instructor constitutes an essential part of the course. We wrote about HaZ and his film Portals that was entirely shot on Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K utilizing the BRAW codec. HaZ is known for his breakout sci-fi indie feature film – THE BEYOND, which was released by Gravitas Ventures, and premiered at #2 on the iTunes charts before trending on Netflix. His second feature film, 2036: ORIGIN UNKNOWN, which starred Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), earned a limited theatrical release in the United States. So basically, you get here an expert in almost every filmmaking disciplines, especially concerning VFX.

Filmmaking is a complex process

As described in one of the chapters, filmmaking is a fast-spinning wheel, when decisions continually being made and things change regularly.  Anybody who has made a film is well familiar with that complexity. That’s even truer when shooting a Sci-Fi movie. The segmentation of the creation process into parts is crucial. Let’s soar over the masterclass episodes:

1. Breaking down the script as part of the prep process.
2. Storyboarding process as an essential part of preproduction.
3. Previs (Previsualization) and the importance of using it as part of pre-production.
4. Production Structure of indie sci-fi films.
5. Collaborating with the 1st AD & Cinematographer.
6. Scheduling and budgeting of an indie feature film.
7. Working with Practical Models.
8. Set build approach to production design
9. Casting & Working with Actors.
10. Creating Digital Bodies / Costumes.
11. Location approach to production design
12. Shooting for VFX to ensure the VFX process is creative and not “fixing in the post.”
13. Coverage for Editorial.
14. Screen Graphics as a critical visual narrative device to telling the story.
15. Making use of VFX assets to utilize visual effects smartly in independent sci-fi films.
16. The importance of legal and paperwork when producing an indie feature film.
17. Marketing, creating posters, and trailers.

Filmmaking is a fast-spinning wheel when decisions continually being made and things change regularly

HaZ Dulull

Price

You can rent the masterclass for a 48-hour streaming period for $25, or buy it for $55. However, there is no possibility to download the episodes. I highly recommend you to buy it for $55, since 48 hours streaming period is not enough to ingest all of that vast amount of information. You will have to take your time and watch some episodes again and again before being able to understand and execute that knowledge in your first feature film.

Final thoughts

First, I highly recommend you taking the masterclass. You will be exposed to the small yet crucial details of how to develop your Sci-Fi feature film from scratch. But remember, as written above, be prepared to work hard on financing and recruiting the right crew for the job. Think of it like developing a product, or founding a startup company. It’s complicated! Furthermore, there is all that legal stuff and paperwork that are critical to the film (we intend to cover this separately).

To sum it up, we can conclude that this Masterclass could be your first jump into the deep water of science fiction filmmaking. 

Have you experienced with Sci-Fi filmmaking? Let’s know your insights regarding this masterclass.