In-Person · Temecula, CA · All Abilities Welcome · Scholarships Available

Every great filmmaker started exactly where you are right now — with a story, a camera, and the drive to create something real. This 16-week immersive course gives you the full picture, from writing your script to seeing your finished film on screen.
Led by award-winning independent filmmaker Pryde Pierce, this hands-on course covers every stage of production: cinematography, directing, screenwriting, editing, sound design, and the business of film. You'll work with professional equipment, collaborate with fellow creatives, and finish the semester with a film you wrote, directed, shot, and edited — screened live at our Winter Showcase premiere.
Whether you dream of film school, a career in media, or just want to tell your story — this course gives you the tools to make it happen.





Storytelling & Screenwriting — Write compelling scripts and develop strong, original narratives
Cinematography & Camera Work — Master framing, composition, and lighting to capture stunning visuals
Directing & Acting for Film — Learn to bring performances to life in front of the camera
Editing & Post-Production — Cut, refine, and enhance your footage with industry-standard techniques
Production Planning — Understand budgeting, scheduling, and managing a professional set
Sound Design & Special Effects — Explore how audio, music, and effects elevate your storytelling
Hands-On Learning — Work on real projects using professional-grade equipment
Collaborate & Create — Partner with passionate filmmakers and actors to bring your vision to life
Showcase Your Work — See your film screened at our year-end Winter Showcase premiere
Industry Insights — Learn directly from an award-winning filmmaker with professional credits
Build a Portfolio — Essential for students applying to film programs or starting a career in media

Pryde Pierce is an award-winning independent filmmaker, actor, and videographer whose credits span Shakespeare productions, Fortune 500 corporate work, and feature film. His short film Hemorrhage screened at the Directors Guild of America during the 48 Film Festival, where he won Best Actor. Most recently, he worked on Shriver starring Michael Shannon and Kate Hudson, and appeared in the Sundance selection Pleasure by Ninja Thyberg.
Pryde has taught digital filmmaking to underserved students through the nonprofit LJR Arts Academy, sits on the Board of Directors for Full Circle Players theater company in Riverside, and serves on the Advisory Board for the film program at San Bernardino Valley College. He brings both the technical precision and the real-world experience every aspiring filmmaker needs.
Classes begin Thursday, August 27, 2026 and meet on the following dates:
August: 27
September: 3, 10, 17, 24
October: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November: 5, 12, 19 (No class Thanksgiving week — Nov. 26)
December: 3, 10, 17
Winter Showcase: December 18–20, 2026 Filmmaking students will premiere their original work alongside Scriptwriting, Musical Theater, and Backstage Production at our year-end celebration!


© Copyright JDS Creative Academy 2026. JDS Creative Academy. All Rights Reserved.
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