class by hailey bartholomew

Film-making

This is film-making taught from the heart. Approachable, hands-on, and grounded in real-world experience.

Filmmaker and director Hailey Bartholomew shares what she’s learned over 15+ years working on everything from solo shoots to large-scale productions. But more than that, she brings her whole self — the real stories, the honest mistakes, the moments of doubt, and the tools that have helped her stay in love with the work. 

I'm interested
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COURSE LENGTH

6 weeks

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class start date

9th Mar 2026

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INVESTMENT

$350 / $450

Independent / Guided

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hailey bartholomew

This class is for anyone who dreams of telling meaningful stories on screen — without getting tangled in the tech or tripped up by self-doubt. 

It's for people who want to learn the essentials — sound, lighting, interviews, and editing — but also want to tap into the why behind it all. If tech has ever felt intimidating, or tutorials left you cold, this is your chance to reconnect with the heart of filmmaking.

register for a Guided seat
register for aN independent seat
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    • How to turn an idea into a story worth filming 
      Shape a spark of inspiration into a clear, compelling story — whether it’s personal, brand-led, or documentary-style. 

    • Planning and pre-production made simple 
      Learn how to prep with clarity — from shot lists to schedules — so filming feels focused, not frantic. 

    • Interviewing with presence and purpose 
      Discover how to ask better questions, create emotional safety, and capture authentic responses on camera. 

    • Filming solo (or with a tiny team) 
      Real-world techniques for working light and fast — without sacrificing quality or connection. 

    • Lighting that’s simple, beautiful, and effective 
      Make the most of natural light and basic gear to elevate your visuals in any space. 

    • Sound that supports your story 
      Understand the essentials of clean audio, and why sound can make or break how your film feels. 

    • Framing and composition with heart 
      Learn how to use your lens to direct the viewer’s eye and deepen emotional impact. 

    • Directing real people with care and confidence 
      Whether it’s a client, subject, or family member — help people feel comfortable, seen, and honest on camera. 

    • Editing for emotion and clarity 
      Bring your footage to life through rhythm, structure, and a clear point of view. 

    • How to keep going when it gets hard 
      Candid insights on imposter syndrome, burnout, and staying in love with the work for the long haul. 

  • This 5-week interactive online class will include:

    • A supportive place to explore film-making

    • Regular check in’s and questions answered from me

    • Exercises and lessons that will help you create great films

    • Weekly assignments

    • Videos of Hailey showing how she edits

    • Individual Feedback and creative critique on assignments for Guided Students

    • Detailed behind scenes info on how Hailey films her own projects

    • Video chats with Hailey about the course lessons

  • Just a willingness to learn and a few basic tools: 

    • Something to film with – anything from an iPhone to a DSLR or mirrorless camera will work. 

    • Something to edit on – a laptop or desktop computer with editing software (we use Premiere Pro, but the lessons will still have some cross over if you’re using something like Final Cut, DaVinci, or iMovie). 

  • Interactive classes are held online and registration opens seasonally.

    Guided students can participate fully in class, by asking questions, submitting assignments, and getting personalized feedback from your teacher.

    Independent students have full access to class content and can participate in class discussions —they just don’t get teacher critique and feedback on images or assignments.

“Hailey’s enthusiasm is infectious. You can feel this in her work, and it follows through into her teaching. She is so giving with her information and time that you can't help but fall in love with film making too, no matter what your level or aspirations. A wonderful class.”

kirsty
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MEET THE TEACHER

Hailey

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Bartholomew

Hi, I’m Hailey Bartholomew — a self-taught filmmaker, director, and mum who’s been chasing stories with a camera for over 15 years.

I’ve worked on everything from solo passion projects (just me, my camera, and some very willing friends) to leading full-scale shoots with big crews and tight schedules. Whether it’s a tiny brand film or a feature-length documentary, I’m in it for the same reason: the power of a good story. 

I didn’t go to film school — I learned by doing, experimenting, making mistakes, and falling in love with the process.

That’s part of why I care so much about helping others find their voice and confidence in this medium. Because film isn’t just technical — it’s emotional. It’s about connection. And when it works, it can change the way we see the world. 

Through my work (and my production company, You Can’t Be Serious), I’ve had the joy of creating everything from TV commercials to feature-length documentaries and heart-driven brand content, plus short films that have gone on to win awards. We all have films that have moved us or changed us — and that magic is what keeps me hooked, even when the industry gets a little tricky. 

If you’re curious about filmmaking — or maybe even a little scared — I get it. But I also know what’s possible when you give it a go. So let’s dive in.

See hailey's instagram
Visit hailey's website

Many of Hailey’s films have won awards at international festivals including a best director award in 2025 for her work in Seen documentary.

She has also published two books and presented a a TedX talk on gratitude.

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Any questions?

Email your teacher directly here and they will get back to you.

Alumni Student?

We’d love to have you back! Email your teacher here and they will send you a link.

Registration opens January 7th

6pm EST

REMIND ME
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What other students had to say

This is hands down, the best class i've ever taken. It was organized, comprehensive and absolutely inspiring. Leaving the class I feel excited and empowered and I would love to take it again

heather

I loved learning about making brand films and telling stories for clients that are not necessarily families, but businesses or non-profit organizations. Hailey's interviews with her collaborators were incredibly interesting and gave really great insight into all the nuts and bolts that go into filmmaking as a career. Above all though, Hailey's critiques were the most valuable part of the class. I have been so yearning for some really solid technical feedback on my work in order to grow and learn, and she gave me just that. It was unbelievably helpful and I am so inspired to now push myself to the next level.

fraNcesca
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Hailey is a generous and enjoyable teacher. Her course content and feedback is extremely valuable, and the project gets you to a point where you know how to make good quality film projects right away. I definitely recommend.

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deanna
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