About

MISSION

Our mission is to empower nonprofits and advocacy groups to easily create video content that builds community, celebrates their work, and amplifies their message.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Nonprofit communicators

The course is perfect for anyone in a communications role. Communications director, social media manager? This is for you. You can take the course individually, at your own pace, by choosing our ONLINE option. If you like to learn in groups and network with other communications professionals, our COHORT option is for you. We run independent cohorts whenever we have enough participants.

Foundations/Funders

The Crash Course is designed as a tool you can offer to your state-level groups or grantees. Our CUSTOM option is for you. You can foot the bill to have videos produced for your grantees or you can empower them to do it on their own, effectively. Once they know a few tricks and tips, your message will be spread far and wide - and shared and liked!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Crash Course is an 10-part online course that teaches you how to create engaging videos using only your cell phone. And we’ll teach you everything else you need to know including how to: prepare for a video project, come up with ideas, conduct interviews, shoot, edit, and share.

Each session is hosted by Gerard Matthews, a documentary filmmaker, and former journalist and nonprofit communications director. Gerard has worked with countless nonprofits, candidates, movements, causes, and artists to help them tell their own stories.

We offer three types of classes: ONLINE, COHORT, and CUSTOM.

WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

Participants meet once per week in an hour-long Zoom session that consists of a 15-minute-long recorded lesson, a Q and A session, and a brief discussion about the next week’s assignment. Each week’s lesson and a recording of the Zoom session are posted to a members-only section of thecrashcourse.tv. Participants have access to that content - plus other resources and tips - for a full year.

ONLINE participants can go at their own pace. COHORT and CUSTOM participants will get guided courses, via Zoom, and be a part of an online community.

Every week, participants are assigned exercises to help them use the skills they’ve been taught. Participants will post their completed assignments online. Participants in the COHORT or CUSTOM courses, will be a part of a private Facebook Group. This allows them to build community as they build skills. It’s also an opportunity to network, offer support, and ask questions. Gerard is also available outside of classes to help you out when you get stuck.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

Very little. You need your cell phone and the CapCut app (which is free). Suggested, but not required, are items like external microphones and a monopod. We provide gear recommendations throughout the course.