What is the Ron Howard Masterclass Program?

The Ron Howard Masterclass program is a film making program that provides useful information on advanced filmmaking. While the program is available at subscription prices, it is taught and developed by Ron Howard himself. Most of the concepts in the program are based on his immense experience working in the entertainment industry. Besides that, most of the content is also sourced from other leading filmmaking companies that Ron has worked with, in the past. He has customized a unique program that is suitable for both novice and advanced filmmakers. Consisting of as many as 30 parts, this all-inclusive program is the best filmmaking class online.

Who is Ron Howard?

Born in March 1954, Ron Howard is among some of the big names in the professional entertainment industry. He is famous for playing various high profile roles in multiple shows and movies. More so, he is also popular for making appearances in various other forms of entertainment and his contribution to the film industry. He first came into the foreground when playing the role of “Opie Taylor” on the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Furthermore, both of his parents were also active names in the entertainment scene. Howard is also notably known for directing the movie Solo: A Star Wars Story, which featured Han Solo. Ron produced his film within a span of 3 weeks, and with a relatively low budget.

However, he has developed over the years to become one of the best filmmakers in the world. In fact, all of his movies have grossed well over the $2billion mark. In his online classes, the award-winning director provides in depth detail about the techniques he uses to produce movies. The lessons consist of workshops, downloadable material and face to face consultations. These are all developed to provide students with an all-inclusive approach for learning about film making.

What you get in the Ron Howard Masterclass

The program is categorized in a specific structure, to help students and filmmakers get the best value. Currently, the program contains an average of 6 hours of video footage. Most of the content involves Ron Howard consulting with various directors, actors, and cameramen. Through this approach, the students get first hand access to the film making techniques that Ron uses. Furthermore, the movie also contains unique content from a host of movies such as Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind and more. He does well to provide in depth explanations about the specific techniques he use in the development of these movies.

Broadly speaking, the entire program contains an average of 32 videos.The videos are then classified into specific, topics which are listed in the primary site. Some of them include:

  • Evaluating a script- over the years, Ron has come up with a specific checklist that can be used to improve a script. According to Ron, the main aspects of the ideal screenplay are similar. The ideal music composer has to be aware of these aspects an incorporate them into their entertainment content.
  • Refining a script- the ideal script must relate to creative and intellectual factors. According to Ron, there are no shortcuts to rewriting music content. He goes further to share information on how he ensures that a script is “camera ready” before the production process.
  • Working with Cinematographers- the point of view of photography can surpass the capabilities of new directors. Ron does well to talk about finding the appropriate partner to work on a project. He also identifies how you can rely on each other, and work together to define the movie`s visual tone.
  • Cinematography- thinking about cinematic choices is important because it helps in the overall plot development. According to Ron, being able to think about a cinematic decision like a character in the movie is essential. In this lesson, students learn about lighting, stylistic preferences and adding visual power to film.
  • Production Design- in this section, Ron works to search for the correct production designers. He has developed a unique technique to help inspire them to establish sets that can tell a story effectively. Ron mentions that the use of mosaic palettes and color is highly crucial in the process.
  • Editing- the editing section is highly essential. According to Ron, the editing process is the point in time when you have to work on the final rewrite of a movie. You will learn how to locate the proper editor, and work on a specific editing approach for your needs. More so, he mentions that early cuts can compromise the quality of a movie. However, he also knows that editing offers an excellent way to uncover the story of the movie.
  • Sound design- this perspective on a subliminal level. In some cases, taking sound away from a movie can be as effective as including it. Therefore, the ideal filmmaker and composer has to learn to incorporate music effectively for the best impact.

Features

The Ron Howard Masterclass program contains various important concepts that can take your film making skills to the next level. Categorized into several conclusive structures, students can move from novice to advanced artists within just a few weeks. Among some of the critical concepts taught in the program includes:

Scripts, story, and deletion

The program teachers the importance of reviewing the quality of a script before making decisions. Among some of the crucial questions to ask include “who conflicts” and “is it a head turner?” According to the program, being able to ask the appropriate questions is the first step in film making. An important aspect of the answers relates to your intuition and the responses others have to your content. The reaction should relate to emotional factors and also in relation to asking the appropriate questions. More so, Ron also does well to share personal anecdotes that relate to how he selects projects. To promote optimal learning, Ron recommends several books that can suit your learning progress. For instance, “the Art of Dramatic Writing” by Lajos Egri.

Handling the Pressure of Filmmaking

Broadly speaking, the editing room is perhaps one of the most critical places for making films. However, Ron suggests that the editing room is only necessary during the editing process. Ron does well to provide in depth information on the integration of various departments in filmmaking. According to Ron, the combination of these departments is crucial in developing high-quality film content. At one point, Ron does well to underscore the tension that can occur between the heads of the film making departments. For instance, the issues that can arise between the Production Designer and Director of Photography. In particular, the Director of Photography might feel the pressure of producing quality scenes. However, the quality of their work on relates to the content provided by the other departments.

Therefore, realizing the importance of the relationship between these departments is important in the film making process. Similar issues can easily arise in between the sound designers, editors, VFS supervisors and more.

Either way, having an understanding of the challenges that other departments face is crucial in the film making process. Ron suggests that fellow directors should also take acting classes, to realize the feelings of being on the spot to produce results. In essence, the filmmakers have to realize the challenges that actors face such as stage freight and understand the wave of emotions that can occur at such points.

Building Sequences not Just Scenes

According to Ron Howard, building scenes involves classifying the sequences into 10-minute sections. He also goes on to mention that identifying a rhythm within the script is essential. The ideal sequence should have a unique beginning, middle and end section. However, the sequence should also relate to the overall plot of the movie, but on an individual level. Being able to incorporate such scenes with some level of tension, curiosity or a climax is also beneficial. In lesson 20 where he explains a scene from a movie, where he identifies the importance of sequencing. According to him, the director has to sequence scenes in a structured approach. Following this, the editor has to structure these scenes and introduce unique movements and rhythms to the film.

Pros

  • The Program is developed by a certified and professional filmmaking expert
  • It also contains concepts that are simple to understand
  • The classes are available in categorized structures
  • Students gain access to an open discussion forum
  • The concepts are based on Ron’s firsthand experience

Cons

  • It takes time and practice to master all the film making concepts
  • The responses on the discussion hub are sometimes late

Overall

Becoming a good filmmaker is all about having the appropriate values, and gaining access to useful information. In particular, the Ron Howard Masterclass is an excellent way for students to improve their filmmaking skills. Based on the immense experience of a proven actor and film maker, the program contains useful information. Besides that, the program is also classified into coherent categories that are simple to understand and incisive. Even more, Ron also offers responses to questions posted by students. As such, the Masterclass program offers an excellent learning experience for any budding film maker.