
Adrian Per – The Filmmaker’s Academy: Master Cinematography Without Expensive Gear
Quick Answer: Adrian Per’s Filmmaker’s Academy is a 5-module online cinematography course that teaches professional filmmaking techniques without requiring expensive camera equipment. Priced at $29 (originally $549), the program includes visual storytelling mastery, one-light cinematic setups, Adrian Per’s signature sound design formula, and lifetime access to templates, practice footage, and The Cinematic Creator Blueprint ($399 value) as a free bonus.
Adrian Per, a self-taught music video director with 15+ years of professional experience, has worked with artists like Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, The Kid LAROI, Tyga, G-Eazy, and Kehlani. He photographed Lil Nas X’s viral pregnancy photos for People Magazine and co-founded Lumpia Watermelon, a full-service video production company in Los Angeles. Now he teaches the exact filmmaking methods used in his professional work.
Who Is Adrian Per? (Verified Director Credentials)
Adrian Per is a Filipino-American filmmaker, photographer, and creative director based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in San Francisco, he began producing music videos at age 19 and quickly became one of the Bay Area’s top directors before relocating to LA in 2018 to scale his career.
His verified credentials include:
- 15+ years of professional filmmaking experience
- Director and photographer for Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, The Kid LAROI, Polo G, 24kGoldn, Tyga, Kehlani, G-Eazy, O.T. Genasis, and E-40
- Photographed Lil Nas X’s iconic pregnancy photos for People Magazine
- Directed Lil Nas X’s viral “Montero” album promotional birth video
- Co-founder of Lumpia Watermelon production company
- Brand work with Nike LA (Koreatown Run Club, Goodvibes Track Club, Keep It Run Hundred)
- Creator of “We Are Golden” and “Para Sa Kultura” gallery exhibits celebrating AAPI heritage
Videography Classes vs Film School: Why Adrian Per’s Approach Works
Traditional film school costs $50,000+ and takes 2-4 years. Most online videography classes teach button-pressing without context. Adrian Per – The Filmmaker’s Academy bridges this gap by teaching the creative reasoning behind professional cinematography decisions – the same approach used on music video sets for platinum artists.
This filmmaking course for beginners and intermediate creators covers:
- The mindset shift from content creator to filmmaker
- Intermediate composition and framing principles most creators skip
- Camera movement techniques that drive emotional response
- Adrian’s signature one-light cinematic setup for dramatic results
- The psychology of camera angles and how framing directs emotion
- Sound design as a storytelling tool (the most overlooked skill)
Cinematography Techniques You’ll Master in This Course
Adrian Per’s Filmmaker’s Academy goes beyond basic videography classes to teach professional cinematography techniques used in music videos, commercials, and short films:
- One-Light Cinematic Setups – Create dramatic, professional lighting with minimal equipment
- The Center Eye Rule – Renaissance composition principles adapted for vertical video
- Camera Movement Psychology – How motion creates emotional response in viewers
- Lens Selection for Mood – Matching focal length to your story’s tone
- Sound Design Formula – Adrian’s signature riser → climax → silence technique
- Pacing & Rhythm – Editing patterns that hold attention and evoke emotion
Adrian Per – The Filmmaker’s Academy: Complete 5-Module Curriculum
Module 1: Creator to Filmmaker Mindset
Shift from making content to creating films. Learn what it means to think like a filmmaker, understand the power of intention in every shot, and set up your own film project to follow along throughout the course.
- Chapter 1: Setting the Stage (What to Expect)
- Chapter 2: What It Means to Think Like A Filmmaker
- Chapter 3: The Power of Intentionality In Every Shot
- Chapter 4: Project Setup
Module 2: Visual Storytelling for Solo Shooters
Master how filmmakers approach story through visuals. Learn intermediate composition principles, camera movement for emotion, shot sequence planning, and matching lens choice to mood.
- Chapter 1: How Filmmakers Approach Story in Visuals
- Chapter 2: Intermediate Composition & Framing Principles
- Chapter 3: Camera Movement to Drive Emotion
- Chapter 4: Planning Shot Sequences for Narrative Flow
- Chapter 5: Lens Choice & Focal Length for Mood
Module 3: Cinematic Shooting Techniques
Understand what “cinematic” actually means and how to achieve it. Learn one-light setups, the psychology of camera angles, and vertical video framing using the centre-eye rule.
- Chapter 1: What Does “Cinematic” Actually Mean?
- Chapter 2: Cinematic Lighting With One Light
- Chapter 3: The Psychology of Camera Angles – Directing Emotion with Framing
- Chapter 4: Framing for Vertical Video – The Center Eye Rule & Renaissance Principles
Module 4: Sound & Edit Rhythm
Learn to use sound as your most powerful storytelling tool. Master Adrian’s signature sound formula (riser → climax → silence), pacing and rhythm for emotion, and immersive sound layering.
- Chapter 1: Sound as a Cinematic Storytelling Tool
- Chapter 2: The Formula (Adrian’s Method)
- Chapter 3: Pacing & Rhythm – Editing to Evoke Emotion
- Chapter 4: Building Immersive Sound Layers
- Chapter 5: Applying Sound Design in Real Time
Module 5: Preparing for Advanced Filmmaking
Celebrate how far you’ve come and prepare for what’s next. Identify what separates good work from great, build a sustainable creative practice, and understand your path forward.
- Chapter 1: What Separates Intermediate from Pro-Level Work
- Chapter 2: How to Build a Sustainable Filmmaker Practice
- Chapter 3: What You’re Now Ready For
- Chapter 4: Final Reflection – Where You Go From Here
✓ What’s Included in Adrian Per – The Filmmaker’s Academy
- ✅ 5 Core Modules – Complete filmmaker training from mindset to advanced techniques
- ✅ The Cinematic Creator Blueprint – Foundation course ($399 value) included FREE
- ✅ The Filmmaker’s Journal – Guided reflection companion for creative growth
- ✅ Filmmaking Templates Pack – Shot lists, lighting guides, story structure templates, pacing maps
- ✅ Sound Design Starter Pack – Custom library of risers, hits, and ambient textures
- ✅ Process & Practice Footage – Watch Adrian’s real editing process + download raw footage to practice
- ✅ Project Planning Template – Turn scattered ideas into stories with narrative flow
- ✅ Founders’ Class Access – Private Discord community + exclusive live cohort session
- ✅ Lifetime Access – All modules, templates, and future updates included
Do You Need Expensive Camera Gear for This Cinematography Course?
No. Adrian Per designed The Filmmaker’s Academy for creators using any camera, including smartphones. Students have completed projects using iPhone cameras and budget mirrorless cameras under $600. The curriculum focuses on composition, lighting technique, sound design, and storytelling psychology – not equipment specifications. As Adrian teaches: “The most important tool is understanding why every shot matters.”
This makes it ideal for iPhone filmmaking, smartphone cinematography, and for creators who want professional results without a professional budget.
Is Adrian Per’s Filmmaker’s Academy Worth It for Beginners?
Yes – but with context. This course bridges the gap between “content creator” and “filmmaker.” If you’re making videos that look decent but don’t feel cinematic, this is designed for your exact situation. Adrian’s approach differs from other filmmaking courses because he teaches the reasoning behind creative decisions, not just button-pressing tutorials.
The course is ideal for:
- Content creators wanting to elevate their visual storytelling
- YouTubers and social media creators seeking cinematic quality
- Aspiring filmmakers without film school budgets
- Photographers transitioning to video production
- Anyone taking videography classes for beginners who wants the next level
- Creators stuck at a creative plateau with their video work
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to complete Adrian Per’s Filmmaker’s Academy?
A: The course contains 5 modules with comprehensive video content. Most students complete it in 6-8 weeks when dedicating 2-3 hours per week. You have lifetime access to learn at your own pace.
Q: Do I need expensive editing software?
A: No. The cinematography techniques apply to any editing software. Many students use DaVinci Resolve (free), Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or even mobile editing apps.
Q: What makes this different from free YouTube tutorials or other videography classes?
A: YouTube teaches isolated techniques. Adrian Per’s Filmmaker’s Academy teaches the complete creative framework – how professionals think about every shot, why certain choices create emotional impact, and how to develop your unique visual style. Plus you get templates, raw footage to practice with, and community access.
Q: Is this a cinematography certificate program?
A: This is a practical skills course focused on real-world application rather than formal certification. You’ll build a portfolio of work demonstrating your cinematography techniques rather than earning a certificate.
Get Adrian Per – The Filmmaker’s Academy Today
Transform from content creator to filmmaker with guidance from a director who’s worked with Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Nike, and more. Originally $549 – now just $29 (94% off). Includes all 5 modules, The Cinematic Creator Blueprint ($399 bonus), templates, sound design pack, practice footage, and lifetime access.

