Black
Filmmaker’s
Academy
Learn how to write, create,
produce, distribute, edit, and market
the films Black America is waiting for.
107 Free Filmmaker Forms and Templates
WE TEACH FROM EXPERIENCE.
We’re filmmakers just like you and we share the strategies and techniques that have helped us produce masterful films.
The real starting point of a film career comes in the process of learning. True learning is a lifelong experience. We learn from school, online learning centers, fellow filmmakers, industry experts, conferences and film festivals, and, of course, the school of life. You’ll also learn tips, techniques, casting skills, camera tutorials and more right here at the Black Filmmaker’s Academy.
According to a 2015 Washington Post research project, Hollywood’s most notable filmmakers are 89% male and 84% Caucasian. In fact, of the hundreds of major Hollywood films released in the last decade, fewer than 7% had black directors. Why such a disparity when there are so many notable black directors putting out excellent films.
- Spike Lee
- Tyler Perry
- Cheryl Dunye
- John Singleton
- Steve McQueen
These are just a few of the black filmmakers and directors most of us are familiar with. Guess what? They all started right where you are now.
Join us at the Black Filmmaker’s Academy and start learning how to write, create, produce, distribute, edit, and market the films Black America is waiting for.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
Toneka is a giver. Any information she has about filmmaking, she shares with whoever asks or needs it. She hosts a show online featuring different filmmakers and people in the filmmaking business to help encourage and assist other filmmakers. I have learned, laughed, and been intrigued by these shows and their guests as well.
I’ve also been on set with Toneka and watched her grow as a filmmaker. Her ability to not only teach but learn the process is what makes her passion for filmmaking come out in every project. I’m looking forward to her next endeavor.
Stefan LaToure
FILM PRODUCER/ EDITOR
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
Toneka is not just an accomplished filmmaker… she’s also a fan of filmmaking and an advocate for independent filmmakers. If she’s not busy sharing information and educating up and coming indie filmmakers via her Youtube webseries, Independent Filmmaker, she’s helping them increase viewership via her company, REEL-365 that aims to connect viewers to stellar African American independent feature and short films. Her passion and dedication is what drives her to make every opportunity a learning moment, which in turn makes her a better filmmaker and an ideal teacher.
Lori Nelson-Lee, Filmmaker
Co-Founder, Lleft Entertainment, LLC
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
Toneka gave me one of my first opportunities to be a lead of the short film ‘Book By Its Cover’ and I am forever grateful to her for trusting me with their project and for my experience on set!! Not only was the script amazing and fun, the set was professional and extremely well-run. Years later, as I have been blessed to work on television and feature film sets with award-winning actors and directors, I’m in awe of how I can still pull from my experience on ‘Book By Its Cover’. I hope I am on their short list of actors because I would totally work for them again!
Chanté Bowser
Actor/Writer Fox, Lifetime’s ‘Faith Under Fire’ and the upcoming feature film ‘Best of Enemies’ with award-winning actors Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
When it comes to knowing #theculture, Toneka and the team at Reel-365 deliver every time. All of their movie reviews are spot on and my girlfriends and I have mini-debates based on new info that we heard from Reel-365. I am also an aspiring filmmaker and Toneka’s advice during our consult literally saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are looking for expert advice to get your film off the ground and stay within your budget, Reel-365 is your new home!