Werner Herzog

Teaches Filmmaking

Masterclass is $20/month (billed annually)

When the legendary director Werner Herzog was 19, he stole a camera and made his first movie. 70 films and 50 awards later, Werner is teaching documentary and feature filmmaking. In this film class, you’ll learn storytelling, cinematography, location scouting, self-financing, documentary interview techniques, and how to bring your ideas to life. By the end, you’ll make uncompromising movies.

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Browse Lesson Plan
1. Introduction

Meet your new instructor, a self-taught filmmaker who's made films on all seven continents. Are you ready to become a 'soldier of cinema'?

2. Teach Yourself Storytelling: Watch Films

Werner teaches you the importance of careful film analysis by deconstructing the opening scene of Viva Zapata, starring Marlon Brando.

3. Teach Yourself Storytelling: Read

If you want to master storytelling, don't just watch movies. Werner explains why reading is key to becoming a great filmmaker and shares passages from his mandatory reading list.

4. Writing a Script

Forget the three-act screenwriting structure. Werner reveals how he draws on poetry and Beethoven to inspire scripts that capture his vision in words.

5. Financing First Films

You don't need millions to make a movie. With $10,000 and an extraordinary idea you can start the journey toward bringing your project to the screen.

6. Negotiation Skills

Film is an art—but it's also a business. Werner shares his insights into the industry to help you learn how to protect your stories.

7. Locations

Jungles, oceans, and volcanic craters—Werner has shot movies in them all. Learn how to find spectacular locations and turn them into functional sets for your own films.

8. Leading The Platoon

When Christian Bale had to eat real maggots in Rescue Dawn, Werner offered to eat them first. Here, he explains the power of leading by example to inspire your cast and crew.

What's in every MasterClass subscription?

All 85+ classes and categories
PDF workbooks for every class
Audio-only lessons
Watch on your desktop, phone, or TV
Download and watch offline
New classes added every month

Frequently asked questions

General
What is MasterClass?

MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 85+ of the world’s best.
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Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players.

What is included in a MasterClass membership?

Membership includes access to an incredible catalog of 85+ classes taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing and more.
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Each class includes around 20 video lessons that are 10 minutes long on average, along with an in-depth workbook. You also get access to our smartphone and TV apps, offline lessons, our member’s only newsletter, and our dynamic community of members around the world.

Where can I watch?

With MasterClass, you can learn and be inspired anytime, anywhere, including your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku streaming media players. You can even download your favorite lessons and watch on the plane or listen during your commute in audio-only mode.*
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*Downloads only on iOS and not available for all classes. Audio mode is not available for all classes.

Which classes are right for me?

MasterClass offers 85+ classes across a variety of categories, including business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more. Every class has been designed to be accessible for people with little to no experience and advanced students alike. With new classes launching regulary, you can learn practical skills, ignite new passions, and get everyday wisdom.
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Check out our catalog and watch a few class trailers!

Pricing & Payment
How much does MasterClass cost?

The annual membership is $200 and provides unlimited access to all classes and new classes as they launch. All MasterClass memberships include access to our mobile and TV apps, high-definition videos, and downloadable class workbooks.

How does the 30-day guarantee work?

Our goal is to make sure that you have the best learning experience possible. If MasterClass isn’t for you, then email us within 30 days of the date you purchase your subscription, and we’ll offer a full refund.

How do I cancel?

If you don’t want to continue, you can cancel your membership renewal through your account page. Follow the prompts to cancel on the Settings page, and your membership will not renew. Please note that there aren’t refunds for partially unused membership periods.
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If you have more questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help!

What is MasterClass?

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