Have questions regarding our courses & events? Check out our frequently asked questions or if your question is not answered, contact us!

Before Enrollment

[expand title=”What are participants responsible for?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
It can very per trip. It’s best to read the trip description on our site for specific details. In general:

  • Travel to and from the course start location
  • Any accommodation before or after the course
  • Personal outdoor gear (when applicable)
  • Video camera and accessories
  • External hard drive (for media storage)
  • Some meals (variable per course)

[expand title=”Are there tuition scholarships available?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
We do not currently have any scholarships available. We do offer discounted adventures to friends and family members who come along as film subjects for participant films. We also offer tuition discounts for returning alumni.[/expand]

[expand title=”Are there gear, equipment, & financial sponsorship opportunities available?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
Do not offer any sponsorships or discounts. Finding funding for a short film or an expedition is the reality of most filmmakers! Our participants have had success pursuing sponsorships with a little time and effort. If this is something you’re interested in doing, please let us know and we’re happy to provides tips & strategies others have used.[/expand]

[expand title=”Who attends the Adventure Film School?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
Anyone and everyone! You do not need to be a professional filmmaker to come on our courses. We work with participants looking for something fun & interesting to do on vacation to looking to take their professional film & photography to the next step. If there are specific requirements to register for a course, this will be outlined in the course description. [/expand]

[expand title=”How far in advance do I have to reserve my spot for the Adventure Film School?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. If you plan to register, registering sooner than later will help us plan and accommodate everyone. [/expand]

[expand title=”How much filmmaking experience is required to enroll in your courses?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Unless specified in the course description, you don’t need any previous experience. We are delighted to help our participants even if they are starting at square one. However, for these participants we do require that you take our pre-production exercises seriously so you are well prepared to shoot and edit your film on the course. We also have many highly experienced students on our courses, and for these students we provide advanced-level instruction to build on their existing skill sets.[/expand]

[expand title=”How should I train for the course?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]

Most of our trips should not be physically demanding for people who are healthy and reasonably fit. We also work hard to accommodate varying abilities and hiking paces. Any course that may require specific training will outline the requirements in the course description. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.[/expand]

[expand title=”What happens if different people on an expedition have different ability levels?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
The team is only as strong as its weakest member! There will be multiple guides on the expedition, and depending on varying ability levels, the guides may split into different groups to accommodate everyone’s fitness level. Do not worry, everyone has a different pace. Our itineraries are built to accommodate varying fitness levels and to have fun! [/expand]

[expand title=”What is the participant to instructor ratio?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
We strive for a ratio of one instructor for every four participants. This allows for one-to-one training at many times during the course and ensures that all participants receive excellent mentoring throughout each stage of the filmmaking process.[/expand]

[expand title=”Can I get college credit for these courses?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


At this time we do not offer college credit. [/expand]

[expand title=”If I am traveling solo, will I have a private room or will I have roommates?

” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
We like to room solo travelers together to promote camaraderie, but if you desire a private room please let us know and we will try to accomodate. Additional charges may apply.[/expand]

[expand title=”Can I make my own travel arrangements?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
All participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Feel free to stay and explore these amazing and beautiful locations longer than the intended course dates. Please be in communication regarding your travel arrangements so we can sort logistics.[/expand]

[expand title=”Do I need a visa to participate in courses abroad?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


The need for visas depends on the course and we will notify you if visas are necessary. You will need a current passport for all international courses.[/expand]

[expand title=”What is your refund policy if I cannot attend after signing up?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Please read our Registration Conditions. [/expand]

Pre-Production & Gear Prep

[expand title=”What does “Pre-Production” entail?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
In the weeks leading up to your course, we work with you to develop the storytelling and writing aspects of your filmmaking skills. We host a group Google Hangout conversation to introduce course mentors & fellow course members for introductions and pre-production work. The group call will allow you to start practicing the steps of writing a treatment, storyboarding and pitching. We also provide and encourage you to familiarize yourself with our list of resources, books, websites, and video tutorials. AFS staff & instructors are such a great resource for understanding the whole process of filmmaking and are here to answer any of your concerns or questions.[/expand]

[expand title=”Should I bring my own camera?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
We encourage you to bring the camera you will most likely use after the course. If you do not have access to a camera, we recommend borrowing from family/friends or renting. We have a limited supply of cameras for rent. Please do not feel obligated to purchase a new camera. We would much rather you come on the course to try different cameras and get some hands-on experience before purchasing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. [/expand]

[expand title=”What should I do about audio gear?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
Audio is critical for a great film. The gear you need will largely depend on the film you plan to make. If you do not have audio equipment, we have a limited selection available for use. Lav mics and hand-held recorders can be shared among multiple participants. We would highly recommend some sort of shotgun mic for your camera. . [/expand]

[expand title=”What outdoor equipment will I need for the schools?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


We provide a comprehensive list of suggested items when you sign up for a film school. We will assist participants in finding the gear they need.[/expand]

[expand title=”Do I have to carry my own gear?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Participants are expected to carry their own gear, unless specified by the course description. If you are traveling with a pack, we will provide gear information & tips for packing light and staying mobile. [/expand]

Production

[expand title=”What happens on courses?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Once we travel to our location you will hit the ground running, getting footage, interviews and other important story pieces together. AFS team will be on hand to instruct on everything from shot composition and sound recording to capturing important pieces of your story. We will help those who are just learning to use their cameras, and will lend higher level advice to those who already have experience shooting.[/expand]

Post Production

[expand title=”What does “Post-Production” entail?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Back at our editing headquarters, AFS instructors will demonstrate a system for organizing your footage in your editing software. We are able to cater to students with varying levels of experience in your editing software, though we strongly encourage true beginners to get experience with the program by experimenting with and using on-line tutorials prior to the course. No matter your experience, every participant will have a completed film, directed, shot, and edited by you, to show at our student film festival to conclude the course.[/expand]

[expand title=”Who owns the footage I shoot?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]


Participants share the rights to the footage with the Adventure Film School. This agreement allows us to promote the Adventure Film School while furthering participant opportunities by posting the footage and films across the internet, submitting to film festivals, and airing them on television. Participants are able to use the material they shoot for their reels and other films as well.[/expand]

[expand title=”How can I contact Adventure Film School?” startwrap=”” endwrap=”“]
Adventure Film School
Boulder, CO & Seattle, WA
p: (425) 224-6449
Contact us today![/expand]