4-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING
(CERTIFICATE)
The 4-Week Intensive training provides students with a thorough foundation in any course of their choice. It is structured around the production of three short films of increasing complexity, which is screened weekly with all students and facilitators present, for feedback and appraisals. Classes and hands-on practical are held Monday-Thursday during the first three weeks; Friday and Saturday are reserved for shooting. The fourth week is devoted to shooting and editing the final film, culminating in the final screening. The students LEARN by DOING, working individually and in groups. Students graduate from our 4 week program having at least 3 short films to their credit, and more from working on other students’ projects.
8-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING
(CERTIFICATE)
The 8-Week Intensive training allows students interested in a short-term course to go beyond the basics. It is comprised of two four-week portions. The first 4 weeks is focused on helping the students develop a strong foundation in their craft through intense class room lectures, hands-on practical, and working on 3 short films, the second 4 week program is designed to immerge the students in the world of practical filmmaking, by working on 2 professional short film productions.
The 8-Week program challenges students to work on a cumulative of 5 short films of increasing complexity, which are screened and critiqued in class, over a period of two months. For students with little or no filmmaking experience, the 8-Week program offers the best of all worlds: focused learning, hands-on film shoots, and the opportunity to make a fully-realized final film.
6 MONTHS DIPLOMA
The 6-Month Professional Program is designed for students seeking deep, immersive training that moves from strong foundations to advanced, industry-level practice. The program begins with intensive classroom instruction and hands-on practicals that build technical skill, creative discipline, and storytelling confidence. As the months progress, students transition from guided exercises into sustained production work, developing mastery through repeated application and critique.
Over six months, students work on multiple short film projects of increasing scale and complexity, collaborating across departments in a professional training environment. The program culminates in the production of fully realized films that reflect industry standards in performance, direction, and technical execution. For students committed to a serious career path, the 6-Month Program offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and the practical experience needed to operate confidently in the film industry.
WEEKEND PROGRAM
The Weekend Program is designed for students who need flexible scheduling while receiving the same structured, hands-on training as HDFA’s regular programs. Available across all courses, the program mirrors the 4-Week, 8-Week, and 6-Month curricula, delivered over 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 6 months respectively, with progressive learning from foundations to advanced practice.
Through focused weekend classes, practical exercises, and collaborative film projects, students build skills steadily while balancing other commitments. Each level emphasizes real production experience, critique, and mentorship, ensuring graduates gain the confidence and practical competence required for professional filmmaking and acting.
MASTERCLASSES
The HDFA Masterclasses offer intensive, expert-led training across all major courses, while also covering specialized crew disciplines not included in regular programs. These focused sessions provide practical insight into areas such as sound design, music scoring, production design, production management, costume, special effects makeup, focus pulling, color grading, and more.
Running from 1–3 days, and in some cases a full week, the masterclasses are designed to sharpen specific skills, expose participants to industry best practices, and deliver concentrated learning with immediate practical value for professionals and emerging creatives alike.
SUMMER ACTING & FILMMAKING
For KIDS and TEENS
The Summer Acting & Filmmaking Program for Kids & Teens is a fun, immersive training experience designed to introduce young creatives to the fundamentals of performance and filmmaking. Covering all major courses, the program combines age-appropriate instruction with hands-on activities that build confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
Over the duration of the program, participants receive practical training and take part in guided productions, allowing them to experience the excitement of working on real film projects. The program nurtures talent while encouraging self-expression, discipline, and a love for storytelling through cinema.
PRIVATE TRAINING
The Private Training Program is designed for individuals seeking personalized instruction across all major courses, tailored to their specific goals, pace, and skill level. This program offers focused, one-on-one or small-group training that adapts to the unique needs of each participant.
In addition to customized classroom instruction, students gain hands-on production experience through guided projects, ensuring practical application of skills learned. The private training pathway provides flexibility, depth, and direct mentorship for students pursuing targeted professional growth.
CORPORATE TRAINING
The Corporate Training Program is designed for organizations, churches, schools, and groups seeking tailored media and performance training across all major courses. The program is customized to align with each organization’s objectives, communication needs, and creative goals.
Participants receive structured instruction combined with hands-on production experience, enabling teams to develop practical skills while working on real projects. This approach equips organizations with the creative capacity to produce impactful content and communicate more effectively through film and media.