Filmmaking from the First Directors

Age: 13+ Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School 1 Full Credit

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Thomas Purifoy, Jr. takes students through a unique journey starting in the late 19th-century when film was invented, then guides them through the steps first directors took in creating the modern language of film.

Filmmaking from the First Directors teaches the basics of filmmaking and early film history. It takes students through a unique journey starting in the late 19th century when film was invented, then guides them through the steps first directors took in creating the modern language of film.

  • This class requires a lot of work. After the first lesson, the lessons progressively become more difficult and take much more time to complete. The average time for students to complete a lesson is about 3 weeks.
  • There are no grades in this class. It is simply pass/fail based on completing all the work. (It’s more like real life where no one gives you a grade for the films you make.)
  • This is a class for people wanting to learn how to make films. It is not a film appreciation class. It is about the practical basics of filmmaking.
  • Note: we do not review the content of student submissions, so parents are responsible to monitor their student’s viewing of any links shared by other students.

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Learn more about Filmmaking from the First Directors on compassclassroom.com.

Course Content

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About Instructor

Thomas Purifoy, Jr.

A creative filmmaker who develops unique learning resources intended to advance the Kingdom of God. Thomas helped develop a classical-based curriculum, and taught philosophy, Old Testament, film and history at the American School of Lyon, France. Thomas studied English at Vanderbilt University and is a former Officer in the US Navy. He currently oversees Compass Classroom and Compass Cinema.

5 Courses

Not Enrolled

Course Includes

  • 14 Lessons
  • 94 Steps
  • Course Certificate