Why do some people pay for online courses? Isn’t everything already online?
To be honest, I think you can find all the knowledge you need for free. But I still purchase 2 or 3 online courses a year. Why do I do it?
Because the knowledge is not what’s being sold. It’s something else. When you look at MasterClass it becomes clear pretty quickly what it actually is.
Before I discuss a few MasterClass courses that get me excited, here’s a short disclaimer.
I have watched some of these courses but not all of them. I’m also an affiliate for MasterClass which meant that I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Still, whatever I write here is my honest opinion and if I haven’t seen a certain class, I’ll make it clear.
Let’s go back to what are you actually paying for if that’s not the knowledge.
The word is a process. We pay for the process. The facts, the information is available far and wide. But how do we leverage all of it to get from point A to point B? That’s what we’re paying for. For this process.
MasterClass courses are a great example of that. The masters teach you how they were able to get to where they are. What considerations you need to make. What should be your focus on that journey.
Sure they teach you techniques, recipes, bare facts as well. But it’s structured in a way that gives you a better picture of what your next steps should be. That’s why I appreciate their courses.
Let’s have a look at a few I really enjoy or just can’t wait to finally watch.
Well, you don’t have to look far for the uniqueness factor in Werner Herzog’s class. It’s Herzog himself. His style is very heavily contrary to the Hollywood system of making movies.
He walks us through his way of making films. What he considers to be crucial. What he considers to be crooked in the industry, the techniques he uses to get the best performance possible out of his actors.
I’ve watched this masterclass once and I know I’ll be rewatching it soon.
Ron Howard’s MasterClass starts slowly. To be honest, the first few chapters feel weak compared to the figure of Werner Herzog. But then comes the section when Ron takes you on the set.
You see him in action. Staging, blocking, directing actors. His whole process of dissecting a scene on the location. Not only what he does but more importantly how and why he does it.
Once again, a course I’ll be rewatching in the future. Although I’ll probably skip first few chapters
Aaron Sorkin is known for his dialogue scenes. Some people say no one can write dialogue for a film better than him.
Extraordinary Screenwriting Course
While you can obviously argue with that, the thought process he shows in his class is phenomenal. Not only he discusses his screenwriting but he also gives feedback to a few young and talented aspiring screenwriters.
He comments on what’s good and how the scripts could be improved. A true gold mine for anyone wishing to write a screenplay one day.
So this is a masterclass I haven’t watched yet. But David Mamet has always been such a figure for me. I actually think you cannot find a better short book about the art of directing then his “On Directing”. It’s such a short but extraordinary read that I feel quite confident I won’t be disappointed when I finally get to watch his class.
The last MasterClass I’m really thrilled about doesn’t have to do anything with filmmaking. At least to a certain degree.
So… I like cocktails. Old Fashioned is probably my favorite one.
Mixology is a very interesting art for me. In some way, it reminds me of editing.
With only a few basic ingredients you can create something amazing. Something far more superior than the ingredients on their own.
I also enjoy a nice drink before going to bed. I’ve never drunk a lot. It’s just for taste. For making the moment special. For the celebration of the day. I just want to stress the fact that you should always drink responsibly. I hope I don’t have to convince you more
Which MasterClasses make your heart beat faster?
