Hitchcock University: A Free Film School

500-A Guest Lecture (The Irishman) Jan 03, 2021

In this class session, a master returns to us to teach us how a theme can guide a filmmaker's every decision.

I also give some disappointing news about the upcoming semester.

423-Your Mistakes Might As Well Be Your Own (Fedora & Buddy Buddy) Nov 08, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives us perhaps his greatest lesson about being your own filmmaker, in spite of surrounding circumstances.

422 - When the Wind at Your Back Isn't Your Own (The Front Page) Oct 26, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives a pointer on how you can use blocking to help you edit, but more importantly, helps us all understand the lose-lose proposition that is remakes.

421 - Here, We Take Our Time (Avanti!) Oct 12, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us about counterpoint in storytelling, and about how to hide your exposition.

420 - Billy Troubleshoots (The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes) Sep 28, 2020

In this class session, Billy doles out some helpful hints to making your life on set much easier.

419 - He Describes a Pretzel and it Comes out a Doughnut (The Fortune Cookie) Sep 14, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us the beauty in simplicity.

418 - Billy Swings for the Fences (Kiss, Me Stupid) Aug 31, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us what it's like to be before your time.

417 - It's a Profession (Irma La Douce) Aug 17, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us his approach to casting and gives us some insight into how he leveraged the power of efficiency.

416 - Just a Short Walk from the Bathroom (One, Two, Three) Aug 03, 2020

In this class session, Billy breaks one of his own rules, and shows what to expect from doing a controversial film.

415 - Billy is Tops, Creative-wise (The Apartment) Jul 20, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us about how to play into the muses and not fight them.

414 - No Actor is Perfect (Some Like it Hot) Jul 06, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives us a lot to think about. From the trick to dealing with every actor, even the most difficult, to comic timing, to what not to show an audience.

413 - Billy the Architect (Witness for the Prosecution) Jun 22, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives us his thoughts on story structure, and tells us what he wanted from actors.

412 - A Partnership Forms (Love in the Afternoon) Jun 08, 2020

In this class session, Billy tells us all about the man he was born to collaborate with, and how that collaboration went well beyond the writer's room.

411-What is Photographable (The Spirit of St Louis) Jun 07, 2020

In this class session, Billy shows us why some stories just aren't made for the screen.

410-Don't Go to Pieces (The Seven Year Itch) May 31, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us why harder might be smarter.

409-Blood, Sweat, and Fake Illness (Sabrina) May 17, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us about persistence and closeups.

408-I Said You Can, That Doesn't Mean You Have To (Stalag 17) May 03, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us the importance of decision-making.

407-Tugging on One End of a Rope (Ace in the Hole) Apr 19, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us about what is needed for great collaboration, and why too much control will hurt you.

406-Grab 'Em By the Throat (Sunset Boulevard) Apr 05, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us not only how to grab an audience's attention from the fade up, but also how to help keep them there.

405-When You Need it Most (The Lost Weekend) Mar 22, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives us insight on three key aspects of visual storytelling.

404-For Both of Us (Double Indemnity) Mar 08, 2020

In this class session, Billy gives us some of his thoughts on collaboration. Why it works and why it doesn't.

403-How to Make Your First Film (The Major and The Minor) Feb 23, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us two very important secrets to making your first film.

402-Lubitsch Touch (Ninotchka) Feb 09, 2020

In this class session, Billy introduces his own professor, Ernst Lubitsch as he does his best to explain what the Lubitsch Touch is, and why we should all ask ourselves "How would Lubitsch do it?"

401-The Director Must Be Able to Read (People on Sunday & Mauvaise Graine) Jan 19, 2020

In this class session, Billy teaches us the importance of sticking to the script, and why deviating can be more of a hassle than it's worth.

400-Syllabus Jan 05, 2020

In this class session we meet our professor for the semester, the great Billy Wilder, as he gives us a brief history about himself and the list of films that will serve as our lessons.

People on Sunday & Mauvaise Graine
Ninotchka
The Major and the Minor
Double Indemnity
The Lost Weekend
Sunset Boulevard
Ace in the Hole
Stalag 17
Sabrina
Seven Year Itch
Spirit of St Louis
Love in the Afternoon
Witness for the Prosecution
Some Like it Hot
The Apartment
One, Two, Three
Irma La Douce
Kiss Me, Stupid
The Fortune Cookie
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes
Avanti!
The Front Page
Fedora & Buddy Buddy

321 - You're a Good Friend Quentin (Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood) Nov 03, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us about about making characters strong enough they don't need a story, and how to structure a day in the life movie to keep it interesting.

320-Rodriguez Becomes James Cameron (Alita: Battle Angel) Sep 22, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez teaches us about how all those years of doing low budget films taught him how to make a movie with a massive budget.

319-Let's Slow it Way Down (Hateful Eight) Sep 08, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us his method to suspense, and it's not what you expect.

318-Y'All Done Heard the Man (Django Unchained) Aug 25, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us how he leads a movie, and how that helps produce his unique style.

317-The Character is the Character (Inglourious Basterds) Aug 11, 2019

In this class session, Tarantino teaches us about creating three-dimensional characters.

316-Where Real Cars Crash into Real Cars (Death Proof) Jul 28, 2019

In this class session, Tarantino gives us a master course on working within a genre and within set pieces.

315-Rodriguez Continues Pushing the Envelope (Planet Terror) Jul 14, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez teaches us about working in a genre, but still thinking outside the box.

314-Robert Rodriguez's Balancing Act (Sin City) Jun 30, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez shows us how he balances collaboration with doing so many jobs himself, why both are important, and how they are actually related.

313-The Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Storytelling Technique (Kill Bill Pt 2) Jun 16, 2019

In this class session, Quentin gives us another masterclass on storytelling.

312-A Half-Breed Japanese-Chinese American Movie (Kill Bill Pt 1) Jun 02, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us how to borrow from your influences and inspirations, without stealing from them.

311-Rodriguez Blazes a Trail (Once Upon a Time in Mexico) May 26, 2019

In this class session, Robert Rodriguez teaches us perhaps his most important lesson yet, and inspires us with a simple mantra. Be technical!

310-Rodriguez Gathers His Fuel (Spy Kids 3D) May 12, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez teaches us how to embrace the latest technologies, and not get hung up on the ways of old.

309-Rodriguez Lights a Match (Spy Kids) Apr 28, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez teaches us that being outside of Hollywood is actually an advantage.

308-Rodriguez Takes an Assignment (The Faculty) Apr 14, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez covers a lot of ground as he teaches us about collaboration, the importance of pre-production (especially when it comes to effects), and the art of editing.

307-You Catch an Audience Off Guard with This (Jackie Brown) Mar 31, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us his method for adaptations and how to evade the pressure of a massive success.

306-When Individuals Collaborate (From Dusk Till Dawn) Mar 17, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez shows us how he can still be collaborative while maintaining a unique voice and technique.

305-Rodriguez Makes a Little Look Like a Lot (Desperado) Mar 03, 2019

In this class session, Rodriguez teaches us how to make very limited resources look like a major motion picture, and encourages us that practice is the only way to keep improving.

304-Oh I'm Sorry, Did Quentin Break Your Concentration (Pulp Fiction) Feb 17, 2019

In this class session, Quentin shows us not only how to think outside the box, but how it leads to making an impression on your audience.

303-Quentin Doesn't Tell You Anything, But He Shows You Everything (True Romance) Feb 17, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us what makes a story different from a situation, and helps us understand what filmmaking is at it's core.

302-Robert Rodriguez Rebels (El Mariachi) Feb 03, 2019

In this class session, Robert Rodriguez gives us the groundwork for how to make films on the lowest budget possible, and gives us a step by step guide on what it means to make a film on your own.

301-Quentin Didn't Create the Situation, He's Dealing With It (Reservoir Dogs) Jan 20, 2019

In this class session, Quentin teaches us the foolproof method of directing a movie.

300-Syllabus: Tarantino & Rodriguez Jan 06, 2019

In our first class session back, we get a preview of what our third semester will bring, as we introduce our latest masters to Hitchcock University, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.

222-Marty's Biggest Lesson (Silence) Oct 28, 2018

In our final class session, Marty reminds us of the importance of remaining flexible, and embracing inspiration.

221-Marty Crafts Performances (Wolf of Wall Street) Oct 14, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us how to craft a performance from pre-production through post-production.

220-Marty's Past, Present and Future (Hugo) Sep 30, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us about the history of film, while tackling its future.

219-Marty Weaves a Tale (Shutter Island) Sep 16, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us how to layer a complicated film in which the various realities presented, may or may not be the "true" one.

218-Marty & The Cast (The Departed) Sep 02, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us his techniques for directing actors.

217-Marty Sticks to His Guns (The Aviator) Aug 19, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us the importance of sticking to your vision.

216-Marty Montages an Opera (Gangs of New York) Aug 05, 2018

In this class session, Marty blends reality with fiction, and puts an emphasis on montage editing.

215-Marty Reaches Enlightenment (Kundun) Jul 29, 2018

In this class session, Marty learns a new way to make a film.

214-Marty and the Human Epic (Casino) Jul 15, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us how to make a movie big, but also how to keep it human, even if the characters aren't likable.

213-Marty Let's the Camera Talk (Age of Innocence) Jul 01, 2018

In this class sesssion, Marty teaches us to let the visuals speak for the characters.

212-Marty Stays True (Cape Fear) Jun 17, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us the importance of being true to yourself as a filmmaker.

211-Marty Gets Creative (Goodfellas) Jun 03, 2018

In this class session, Marty challenges us to think outside the box and get creative.

210-Marty Compromises (The Last Temptation of Christ) May 27, 2018

In this class session, Marty learns that sometimes an uncompromising vision can stand in the way of telling the stories you want to tell.

209-Marty Makes a Commercial Film (Color of Money) May 13, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us how to work with a star and make a commercially successful film.

208-Marty Becomes a Professional (King of Comedy) Apr 29, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us what it means to be a professional.

207-Marty Gets Subjective (Raging Bull) Apr 15, 2018

In this class session Marty lets us in on what has made him and Bobby De Niro so successful, as well as teaches us about creating a subjective experience through the eyes of a protagonist.

206-Marty Improvises (NewYork, New York) Apr 01, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us about the problems improv filmmaking can create, as well as the attention to detail required to replicate a period look.

205-To Love is to Kill (Taxi Driver) Mar 18, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us to prioritize the story over the production.

204-Marty's First Assignment (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore) Mar 04, 2018

In this class session Marty teaches us about how to edit a script, and about camera movement.

203-Marty Has Vision (Mean Streets) Feb 18, 2018

In this class session, Marty teaches us how to collaborate with actors, and his shortcut for getting the most out of pre-composed music.

202-Marty Gits Some Learnin' (Boxcar Bertha) Feb 04, 2018

In this class session, Marty passes on some practical lessons he learned from the master of low budget filmmaking, Roger Corman. Also, we have a special announcement on how you can win some free movies.

201-Marty's Hard Knocks (Who's That Knocking at My Door) Jan 21, 2018

In our first class session we learn the pains of a first feature.

200-Syllabus Jan 07, 2018

In our first class session back, I give you the syllabus for the year, so you'll know exactly what's to to expect from our new teacher, the great Martin Scorsese.

123-Final Exam (Family Plot) Dec 03, 2017

In this, our final class session brought to us by the great Alfred Hitchcock, we review everything he taught us as seen in his final film. Plus, an exclusive sneak peak to next semester.

122-Hitch On Reality (Frenzy) Aug 27, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us about why it must "FEEL real, but never BE real."

121-Hitch's Color Theory (Marnie) Aug 13, 2017

In this class session Hitch takes us on a deep dive into how to use color for dramatic effect.

120-The Hitch Aesthetic (The Birds) Jul 30, 2017

In this class session, Hitch helps us understand how to direct actors, the style of sound design, and also teaches us how to achieve a realistic aesthetic.

119-Hitch Plays The Audience (Psycho) Jul 16, 2017

In this class session, Hitch takes the pure cinema we've discussed, and shows us how it can be used to play the audience like a fiddle.

118-The Unexpected Hitch (North by Northwest) Jul 02, 2017

In this class session, Hitch teaches us the power of avoiding the cliche, and reminds us just how little the MacGuffin matters.

117-Hitch's Purest Cinema (Vertigo) Jun 18, 2017

In this class session Hitch takes his thoughts from Rear Window, and expounds on them.

116-Hitchcock Now Redux (The Man Who Knew Too Much [1956]) Jun 04, 2017

In this class session Hitch rebounds from The Trouble with Harry to (re)create a classic.

115-Hitch In Color (The Trouble with Harry) May 21, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us about the use of color, and why making a movie you want to see isn't always the best idea.

114-Hitch And Pure Cinema (Rear Window) May 21, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us about pure cinema.

113-Hitch Recharges His Batteries (Dial M for Murder) May 07, 2017

In this class session, Hitch teaches us how to adapt something from stage to screen, and also the power in saving our storytelling tools.

112-Hitch Returns to His Roots (Strangers on a Train) Apr 23, 2017

In this class session, Hitch starts his new golden era with a return to themes of old.

111-Hitch Oner (Rope) Apr 02, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us how to move the camera as he takes on one of the boldest gimmicks ever, film an entire movie in one shot...in 1948!

110-Hitch Makes Romance (Notorious) Mar 19, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us how to think outside the box from writing to filming.

109-Hitch Makes Parallels (Shadow of a Doubt) Mar 19, 2017

In this class session, Hitch teaches us about the power of visual motifs and why casting "against type" can be a helpful thing.

108-Hitch Spoils Everything (Suspicion) Mar 05, 2017

In this class session Hitch spoils the ending of a good movie. Listen to the first ten minutes for some tidbits about the nature of suspense, then go track down the movie, and finally come back and finish up the class session.

107-Hitch: He Solves Problems (Foreign Correspondent) Feb 19, 2017

In this class session Hitch teaches us about problem solving, and dives deeper into suspense, showing us how to play the audience like a fiddle.

106-Hitch Comes to America (Rebecca) Feb 05, 2017

Today's class breaks formula as we discuss the behind the scenes story of Hitch's first American film, but also learn a little bit about how Hitch's style grew in the United States.

105-Hitch Show Not Tell (The Lady Vanishes) Jan 29, 2017

Today's class Hitch teaches us specifics on visual storytelling, and gives us some insight into directing actors.

104-Hitch Adapts (The 39 Steps) Jan 15, 2017

In this episode Hitch teaches us how to adapt a story from one medium to another.

103-The Man Who Knew How to Make a Movie (The Man Who Knew Too Much [1934]) Jan 01, 2017

In this episode, Hitch teaches us what elements make a good story, and gives us a couple words of wisdom for life.

Hitchcock/Truffaut Book
https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Revised-Francois-Truffaut/dp/0671604295
Hitchcock/Truffaut Original Tapes
https://the.hitchcock.zone/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock_and_Fran%C3%A7ois_Truffaut_(Aug/1962)
Hitchcock/Truffaut Documentary
https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Truffaut-Blu-ray-Kent-Jones/dp/B01M2YQUMU/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JEC97RZEPHZWWBCR8R0N
Hitch: The Life and Times of Alfred Hitchcock
https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Life-Times-Alfred-Hitchcock/dp/0306806770
Hitchcock on Hitchcock
https://www.amazon.com/Hitchcock-Selected-Writings-Interviews/dp/0520212223
Spotify Album
Alfred Hitchcock Interviews by Alfred Hitchcock on Spotify

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