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Werner Herzog MasterClass Review


by Rebecca Salter

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. However, this does
not influence our evaluations.

Werner Herzog is a self-taught filmmaker with over 70 films to date. As a multi-


award winner, he’s best known for Grizzly Man, Fitzcarraldo, and Nosferatu the
Vampyre. François Trufault described him as “the most important film director
alive.”

So this Werner Herzog MasterClass offers a unique opportunity to learn from


one of the greatest filmmakers of our time.

If you’re here, you’re likely interested to find out whether this course is for you.
So in this Werner Herzog MasterClass review, I’ll weigh up the pros and cons to
help you decide.

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But before delving into the detail, here’s a summary of the key points:

Quick summary

Learn how to:

Develop your skills in storytelling


Create suspense and flow
Understand your audience’s relation to film
Introduce compelling characters and narratives

Pros Cons

Learn from a respected Covers a niche style of


filmmaker filmmaking
Good insight into the Less coverage of
creative process technicalities
Plenty of examples and Lessons aren’t always
suggested viewing clearly defined

Course length: 26 lessons, 5 hours, 57 minutes.

Best for: Those interested in self-teaching rather than film school. This
course has a focus on documentary filmmaking.

Overall: A unique and engaging MasterClass that focuses on a


filmmaker’s relationship with actors, sound, documentary-making, and

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career strategy. Above all, Werner gives insight into life as a filmmaker
and how to learn the basics of film (views details).

Now I’ll look further into what this MasterClass covers, what I enjoyed, and
where it could be improved.

Here’s what I’ll explore:

About Werner Herzog and MasterClass


Inside Werner Herzog’s MasterClass
What I liked and what could be improved
Who the course is for, prices, and alternatives
What others have said about the MasterClass
Verdict – is Werner Herzog’s MasterClass worth it?

First, here are some basics.

About Werner Herzog


Werner Herzog is a German film director known for his obscure feature films and
documentaries.

He won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival with his 1982 film, Fitzcarraldo.

In 2006, he won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial
Achievement. This was for his documentary, Grizzly Man.

If you’re eager to learn how to get into filmmaking, this MasterClass is one to
consider.

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If you haven’t seen the trailer for this MasterClass, I highly recommend you
watch it:

Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking | O6cial Trailer | MasterClass

Check Current Price Of Herzog’s MasterClass

About MasterClass
“Learn from the best.”

MasterClass is an online educational resource founded in 2015. Its unique selling


point is its 80+ video lessons delivered by experts with celebrity status. With a
range of topics to choose from, MasterClass has quickly risen to the top of
online educational content.

Among its teachers include Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Sorkin, and Margaret
Atwood. This makes for an unrivalled viewing experience that MasterClass
matches with outstanding production values.

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You can buy a one-course option for $90 or opt for the all-access pass. This is a
yearly subscription that enables you to mix and match an unlimited number of
courses throughout the year.

Despite being a new company, MasterClass has altered the landscape of online
learning.

But, that being said, MasterClass might not be for everyone. It’s worth
considering the pros and cons before deciding whether MasterClass is for you.

Inside Werner Herzog’s MasterClass

Werner Herzog’s MasterClass consists of 26 lessons spanning 6 hours in total.


Each lesson has an average viewing time of 10 minutes.

MasterClass has some additional resources for this course. These include a
Community Hub, 53-page Workbook, and Q&A document.

Here’s what to expect inside Werner Herzog’s MasterClass:

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Lessons 1-3: Introduction & Teach Yourself Storytelling

“Ultimately, my goal is to be a good soldier of cinema.”

At the beginning of his MasterClass, Werner poses the question: “How do you
survive in this industry?” For Werner, there are certain ways to become a good
filmmaker and to learn the basics yourself.

He discusses his own experiences in first seeing, then analyzing movies from the
perspective of how audiences watch them.

He teaches you how audiences come to form their own cinematic parallel to
what they view on screen. Werner also devotes some time to how to best
introduce a character. He gives an example of this from one of his favorite
movies, Viva Zapata.

My key takeaway from this lesson was Werner’s emphasis on the universal rules

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of filmmaking. Like other MasterClasses I had seen, this one struck a clear
balance between creativity and adhering to certain rules.

Lesson 4: Writing a Script

“I am somebody who never corrects a single word.”

In contrast to other filmmakers such as David Mamet, Werner dismisses the


3-act structure. For any fan of Werner’s movies, this is no surprise. His films take
you to unexpected places and have a different pace to what you’d expect.

With this in mind, Werner teaches you how to do the following:

Psych yourself up to write


Take inspiration from poetry and music
Find your own way to write
Write with a sense of urgency
Use the screenplay to set the tone for your film

Although this chapter delves into the niche ways in which Werner works, he also
stresses the importance of finding your own way to write. He does this by
dismantling commonly-held theories such as how long a work should be and
when action should occur.

Interestingly, Werner also discusses the realities of the rewrites that occur on set.
He teaches you how to prepare for that and to translate your work to a
cinematographer.

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Click To View This Lesson On MasterClass

Lessons 5-6: Financing First Films & Negotiation Skills

“Ultimately, you have to become your own producer – your own financier.”

As someone who made their first movie aged 17, Werner is a prime candidate
for discussing how to finance a film. He advises you to take on all aspects of the
filmmaking process, including negotiating a crew, understanding costs, and
raising your own money.

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Werner explains how to:

reduce costs when filming


make a feature film
understand basic legal concepts
negotiate with conviction and deal with attorneys

Werner places a lot of emphasis on how to be your own boss and having a
sense of urgency when negotiating. As he ends his chapter, “If you don’t have
the deal within 2 days, you will not have it in 2 years either.”

Lessons 7-9: Locations, Leading the Platoon & Set Rules

“The quality of pre-production made the quality of what you see on screen.”

Using a scene from Aguire, the Wrath of God, Werner shows how quality
scouting leads to quality footage. This clip shows a view below Machu Picchu,
where the camera draws back to show the steepness of the mountain.

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This scene was filmed only once. He achieved this by truly knowing his location,
considering logistics and adapting to local difficulties. This, he says, is how to
ensure quality footage.

As a further example he explains how he overcame the difficulties of shooting


Fitzcarraldo in which a ship is pulled over a mountain.

For Werner, using digital effects for this scene would be no substitute for the real
thing; he wanted to ensure that his viewers could trust what they were seeing. 

The challenge of filming Fitzcarraldo was a nice segue into his ritual on
overcoming doubt. As he puts it, doubts always come “on the very first hour of
shooting” and there are methods you can use to settle this for both yourself and
your crew.

My key takeaway from these lessons was Werner’s emphasis on fortifying


yourself to deal with the unexpected. For example, he discusses the tantrums of
his collaborator, Klaus Kinski, and how he defused the situation.

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Werner teaches you the pros and cons of what can occur on set. He shows you
how to manage these to foster the best working environment. As he puts it, you
need to create “some sort of dynamic” to ensure a successful day of shooting.

Enroll In Herzog’s MasterClass

Lessons 10-12: Camera: Shooting Strategy, Cinematography &


Techniques

“I want the camera to be so curious that we physically move in.”

Like other filmmakers I had listened to, Werner has a clear opinion on what he
does and doesn’t like. In particular, he rebukes storyboards as a basis for filming
and dismisses the tendency to over-prepare.

You will learn how to do the following:

Plan on-set (especially for continuity)

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Save time while shooting


Operate the camera with your body
Choose shots wisely to avoid post-production issues
Create a visual mood through light
Utilize Werner’s favorite techniques

This section was compelling because of its physical demonstration. Along with
clips from Werner’s films, he demonstrates how he operates a camera and
created techniques such as “The Kinski Spiral.”

Werner reinforces the need to be frugal with coverage shots and teaches you
how to save time and money by shooting quickly and strategically.

In conclusion, Werner minimizes where he can. As a result, limitations can help


you to shoot practically and keep up the momentum. This is in contrast to a lot
of stylistic filming that is common in other filmmakers’ works.

Lessons 13-14: Working with Actors: Creating the Character & On-
Set

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“The only thing that counts is what you see on the screen.”

In this chapter, Werner considers how to do the following:

Cast the right actors and develop an eye for talent


Use physicality, wardrobe, and props to create character
Find the character’s voice
Build a relationship with actors
Keep actors motivated and energized
Direct and control actors successfully

He uses Nicolas Cage in Bad Lieutenant as an example, and considers how you
can create character through wardrobe and props. He shows you how he
enhanced Nicolas’s character by directing physical quirks.

What I liked most about this section was Werner’s dismissal of star power. As he
sees it, best-selling actors are nothing without chemistry. Because of this,
everyone has an equal chance.

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He also emphasizes the freshness that comes from actors delivering their lines
while they’re new and how over rehearsing can drain rather than energize the
actor.

In this section, you will learn how to keep your actors on their marks, direct them
effectively, and manage them to produce the best results.

View More Details On MasterClass

Lessons 15-16: Sound & Music

“Sometimes I take more time in organizing sound than I take in organizing


camera and light.”

For Werner, understanding sound is a key aspect of filmmaking: you need to


know how to handle sound and understand its problems – only then can you
produce the remarkable. 

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He gives an example of how he overcame issues with sound recording in Even


Dwarfs Started Small. 

Of all the sections, the one on sound was possibly the most vague. Werner
spent a lot of time insisting that you learn the basics and train your ears to listen.
However, there was less demonstration of how to do this than I would have
hoped.

When it came to music, Werner shared ample material and advice. Like with
sound, Werner notes that he often has music planned even before filming. This
was the case, he says, with Bells from the Deep – a film about faith and
superstition in Russia.

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In this section, you will learn the importance of finding the mood for a film, and
how to enhance this with music. Werner shares what he looks for when selecting
a song and how to communicate this in the studio.

Lesson 17: Editing

“I do not start to edit until I have seen it all.”

Harking back to the beginning of his course, Werner reminds you to always put
the audience at the forefront and to see the film from their perspective.

He advocates sensitizing your audience to what they are about to see and to be
ruthless when cutting. 

He also covers the following:

Approaching editing as a collaborative venture


Understanding the idiosyncrasies of audiences
Getting the right feedback for your film
Using the footage you can’t ignore in your final cut

Lessons 18-19: Invaded by Images

“Stories stumble into you all the time.”

Here, Werner shares some examples of how he stumbled upon images and put

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them into his movies regardless of narrative relevance. He examines how you
can find ideas in unexpected ways and how you can decide which subjects to
include.

Herzog provides interesting tips on staying open to discoveries as well as how to


grab a story with a sense of urgency. He also emphasizes the need to combine
ideas in unexpected ways. Werner concludes with an obscure scene from his
film, Stroszek, which depicts a sequence of dancing animals.

However, I found this lesson very abstract. However, considering the niche
nature of Werner’s films, this is hardly out of character.

Lessons 19-23: Documentary: Making Conversation, Eliciting


Stories, Dealing with Human Beings & Truth in Non-Fiction

“Many of my documentaries, in fact, are feature films in disguise.”

Commercially, we know Werner best through his documentary films and


MasterClass does dedicate 4 chapters to his most famed genre.

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In these sections, Werner distinguishes between interviews and conversations.


He teaches you how to make conversation with your subject and humanize them
on screen.

Using The White Diamond as an example, Werner shows you how his
conversational strategies translate onto the screen and achieve naturalism.

This was an interesting way to see how Werner approached subjects for his
movies. He gives great attention to respecting ethical boundaries and to creating
scripted moments when it feels right.

Click To Go To Werner Herzog’s MasterClass

Lessons 24-26: Career Strategy, Life as a Filmmaker & Postscript

“Be one of the ruthless ones who bursts onto the scene.”

At the end of his MasterClass, Werner advocates the need to teach yourself and

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to find your own platform. As he puts it, his world of filmmaking no longer exists.
Moreover, you have to take initiative when it comes to making the most of what
you have.

In conclusion, you will learn how to do the following:

Prepare for rejection and work through it


Use film festivals for exposure
Find your own platform
Create specific filmmaking goals

From these concluding chapters, I got the strong impression that Werner was
sincere in his advice. He’s honest about the system he went through to get to
where he is today and realistic about its downfalls.

All in all, I found these chapters inspiring and helpful. Werner does a good job at
balancing the practical with the theoretical. He also shares the logical steps you
can take to get ahead in the industry.

My Experience of Werner Herzog’s MasterClass


Overall, I found Werner Herzog’s MasterClass an interesting and unique look at
filmmaking. It gave a lot of unconventional (but practical) advice that would be
helpful for any aspiring filmmaker.

However, I don’t think this is a perfect course by any means. I plan to cover both
the pros and cons to help you decide whether this MasterClass is right for you.

In other words, it’s worth bearing in mind all aspects of this course before
choosing to commit to it.

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What I Liked About Werner Herzog’s MasterClass


Learn from a Respected Filmmaker

As one of the recognized pioneers of “New German Cinema,” Werner is an


important filmmaker who isn’t afraid to explore the unusual. Despite being self-
taught, he has amassed great accolades as a director.

In this MasterClass, you learn from Werner’s unique perspective and gain insight
into a more niche style of filmmaking. Personally, I liked that he strayed away
from more Hollywood-centric filmmaking and gave us something refreshing to
explore.

Good Insight into the Creative Process

One frequent criticism of MasterClass is that it’s difficult – if not impossible – to


teach the creative process. That being said, I think such courses are valuable
when it comes to sharing inspiration and helping viewers to better observe the
world around them.

Werner does a great job of this and shares his personal inspiration and daily
practices. In this MasterClass, you will learn how to use poetry and music to find
ideas and how to discover new ways of looking at the world.

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I also liked that all practical knowledge is supported by the need to find a spark.
This is something that underpins Werner’s filmmaking and influences all aspects
of production.

Try Werner Herzog’s MasterClass

Strong Visual Examples and Suggested Viewing

Throughout the videos and the Workbook, Werner offers plenty of case studies
to illustrate his teaching. This is helpful for visual learners who like to see lessons
backed up with examples. 

Across the course, you can easily expect 1-2 case studies in each chapter. I
think MasterClass balances its case studies well and keeps the viewer interested
throughout the viewing.

In addition, the Workbook is also worth mentioning here. MasterClass has an


index of all films referenced in the course so viewers can explore them in their
own time. It also includes Werner’s suggested reading, which he considers
equally as important to watching films.

Helpful Workbook and Q&A Document

Beyond the index, MasterClass also loads the Workbook with extra content and
assignments. These offer active learning opportunities because they encourage
users to go out and film for themselves.

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If you’re interested in printing a copy, or even returning to the PDF after the
course, you will find chapter summaries, further viewing, and embedded links to
take you beyond the course content.

After that, there is also a Q&A document. Here, Werner answers audience
questions and elaborates on some of the points mentioned in the course. This is
helpful to those with additional queries and is a nice way of reinforcing lessons.

Great Balance of Theory and Practical

Unlike some other classes, which are either theory-based or practical, Werner
strikes a good balance between the two. For me, this is a strong way of finding a
medium between the abstract and the tactile.

Werner also discusses some abstract concepts such as creating suspense and
involving the audience. However, these are always cemented with clear
examples of how this translates on screen.

Engaging Community Hub

When starting the class, you are encouraged to get involved in the Community

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Hub. This is a forum devoted to Werner’s MasterClass and is a place to discuss


lessons with fellow students. While online learning is often remote, this is the
closest you get to a seminar experience.

If you’re someone who learns better through discussion and feedback, this is a
valuable resource. In conclusion, it’s also a great place to read/view others’
works and to even learn something new about the MasterClass.

Accessibility

Werner Herzog’s MasterClass is currently in English with captions for the hard-
of-hearing. While MasterClass has plans to expand its languages, it is worth
noting that all subtitles are carefully created. They’re certainly a far-cry from
auto-generated subtitles, which I thought was a huge bonus.

What Could Be Improved


Heavily Opinionated Point of View

To an extent, a personal bias in a MasterClass is unavoidable. However, it’s


worth noting that Werner is very opinionated and blunt when it comes to
expressing his views. For example, he describes storyboards as “brainless” and

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“for losers.” 

Werner is unapologetic when it comes to criticizing the approaches he disagrees


with. You should bear this in mind when approaching the MasterClass. 

Later Chapters Are Documentary-Focused

Werner disagrees with the distinction between feature films and documentary
films. That being said, about a quarter of the course is more specifically focused
on documentary-making.

These chapters cover how to make conversation with subjects, tell difficult
stories, and handle the problems of truth and fiction. Most of this advice is
specific and less likely to translate into feature film-making.

If you’re not interested in documentary-making, I still wouldn’t say this course is


a write-off. However, it might be more beneficial to consider an all-access pass,
so you can delve into a range of topics and take away what is relevant for you.

Inconsistency in Some Lessons

While this course was engaging, a few lessons such as “Invaded by Images” and
“Editing” fell a little short for me. They lacked a clear direction and didn’t fit into
any one topic. Werner would sometimes toggle between discussing music to
storytelling, and I wasn’t clear what the lesson objectives were ultimately
supposed to be.

As a result, some of the case studies were quite random. For someone who
hasn’t seen these films, they’re probably even more obscure. So, it’s worth
noting that at times throughout the course, you might not come away with total
clarity. 

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Films Aren’t Clearly Headed

This is a minor point, but considering the scope of case studies used, it would’ve
been helpful to have some clearly-signed movie titles. And Werner sometimes
begins discussing one movie, only for a clip to be shown of another. 

In this MasterClass, the signposts aren’t entirely absent. For instance, The Wild
Blue Yonder is clearly captioned on one of the clips, including the film’s release
date. But, I think this course would have benefitted with some more consistency
in this regard. 

Less Suited to Film Students

While Werner’s lessons are in-depth and helpful to anyone looking to advance in
their film career, there is a strong focus on self-teaching. Importantly, Werner
criticizes the restrictiveness and expense of film schools. He claims anyone can
learn the basics of film school in 1-2 weeks – without the hefty fees.

His lessons are heavily focused on how he taught himself filmmaking. Because
of this emphasis, you might find yourself disappointed – especially if you’re keen
to go on to film school.

Who Is This Course For?


On a scale of 1-10 (1 being a beginner and 10 being an expert) this course is
geared towards those in the 1-6 range. It’s more suited to filmmakers who are
starting out and Werner emphasizes your ability to start from little to no
resources.

However, some of his advice is less relevant to advanced filmmakers, especially


those with some released short films. Werner will teach you how to familiarize
yourself with the legalities of filmmaking, understand financing, and getting your

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work exposed.

In this MasterClass, you can expect to learn how to:

Teach yourself filmmaking through analysis


Understand the relationship between film and audience
Introduce and develop characters on screen
Find your own voice as a filmmaker
Communicate your vision to cinematographers
Gain some foundational knowledge in film production
Cast the right actors for your movie
Edit and find valuable feedback for your film
Begin and develop your career as a filmmaker

How Much Does the Course Cost?


Currently, MasterClass has two payment options:

Single-Course Purchase

This is a single payment of $90 that gives you unlimited access to a course of
your choice. Once you’ve bought it, it’s yours forever. This includes the
Workbook PDF.

For Werner’s MasterClass, this works out at around $15 per hour. This is a
reasonable price when compared with other filmmaking courses both on and
outside of MasterClass.

All-Access Pass

The all-access pass is a yearly subscription costing $180. At the same price as 2
single course payments, this gives you access to all courses on MasterClass.

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If you’re heavily interested in one or more topics, this is a great way to learn
more and to expand on a range of sub-topics. Arguably, this is the best value for
money if you’re not set on any one course.

There is also a MasterClass refund within 30 days if you’re unhappy with your
purchase.

Check Latest Price For This MasterClass

Alternatives to Werner Herzog’s MasterClass


Across MasterClass, there are other filmmaking classes available. They are:

Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking


David Lynch Teaches Creativity and Film
Spike Lee Teaches Independent Filmmaking
Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking
Mira Nair Teaches Independent Filmmaking
Ken Burns Teaches Documentary Filmmaking

Outside of MasterClass, there is a documentary course available on Udemy


which spans 4.5 hours.

Despite these alternatives, I don’t think they compare to the high production
values and level of teaching we get from MasterClass. You also have the added
bonus of having all content in one place.

Werner Herzog’s MasterClass: What Others Have Said


From what I saw online, it seemed a lot of viewers were already fans of Werner’s

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work. On MasterClass, YouTube, and Reddit, the course had a largely positive
reception.

That being said, Werner’s course didn’t have totally positive feedback. In fact,
one Reddit user noted that his methods are so unique that they barely translate
for other filmmakers.

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Others also questioned the course’s pricing, listing it as a main factor in deciding
against it.

Lack of funds is also Werner’s point of critique against film school. In fact,
MasterClass is easily cheaper than going to college. That being said, I think it’s
important to consider what you want to get out of this course and to look into
the alternatives.

Is the Course Content Unique?

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While researching Werner’s other advice on filmmaking, I stumbled across a


thread on Reddit where he answers questions from users.

Interestingly, this was part of the promotion for his MasterClass. It met with
plenty of positive feedback. Along with this, there are several interviews where
he dismisses the ability of filmmaking to be taught, and where he frequently
mocks film schools.

"There is no training ground for >lmmaking" Werner Herzog on Directing

However, that being said, most commenters seemed to hold his MasterClass in

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great esteem. One user even referenced it as being the most inspirational of all
of their teachings.

“His MasterClass is one of the greatest educations I have ever received.”


- Comment from YouTube

What You Will Need


There isn’t an essential list of equipment for this course. In fact, Werner stresses
the importance of using what you have rather than buying tools. That being said,
the Workbook does recommend a recording device so you can complete some
of the filming assignments.

Is It Worth It?
If you’re interested in documentary filmmaking, this course is worth watching.
For instance, his lessons have a strong focus on working for yourself. As I have
suggested, it’s less suited to those interested in film school.

Pros:

Learn from a respected filmmaker


Good insight into the creative process
Plenty of visual examples and suggested viewing

Cons:

Covers a niche style of filmmaking


Less coverage of technicalities
Lessons aren’t always clearly delineated

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In this MasterClass you will learn how to:

Gather and develop ideas to tell a story


Approach feature- and documentary-filmmaking
Become self-reliant and disciplined
Launch your career on your own platform
Gain insight into the theory and practice of being a director

While $90 is a steep price for some, it’s worth considering what you will get out
of this MasterClass. If Werner’s lesson plan interests you, this could be a
worthwhile investment.

That being said, you should bear in mind the all-access pass. It’s worth
considering the topics you’re interested in and deciding for yourself what is the
best value for money.

In conclusion, Werner’s course covers a range of topics from a unique


perspective and has a lot of useful information about breaking into film.

While it’s less suited to those interested in film school, I also think it’s a plausible
alternative to those who are eager to explore other styles of filmmaking.

Click Here To Be Taken To MasterClass

Frequently Asked Questions


How much does Werner Herzog’s MasterClass course cost?
On its own, this MasterClass costs $90. However, the all-access pass costs
$180 and gives you access to unlimited courses for a year.

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How long is Werner Herzog’s MasterClass?


The Werner Herzog MasterClass is 5 hours 57 minutes long.

Can you get Werner Herzog MasterClass free?


No, this MasterClass isn’t available for free. The closest you can get to this is if
someone buys it for you as a gift.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the MasterClass?


Yes, MasterClass offers refunds within 30 days.

Rebecca Salter
Rebecca graduated from King’s College university with a first class honours in
English Language, followed by a Masters’ Degree in Eighteenth Century
Studies.

# Media
$ MasterClass, Media, Review
% Spike Lee MasterClass Review
& Aaron Sorkin MasterClass Review

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