You Know How to Make Films, this is the engine behind it.
Doc Film School is a focused business system for impact documentary filmmakers. It includes step-by-step training, bi-weekly live calls, and a private community of working professionals actively making films.
Limited to 40 participants per year and available by application only, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all course, it’s for filmmakers committed to meaningful work and being part of a community that holds the same standard.
View the course
Meet your Instructor
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T.C. Johnstone is a multi-award-winning documentary film director/producer and the founder of the Gratis 7 Media Group Foundation, which produces films and content designed to create measurable change. T.C. and his wife, Kristen, live in Boulder, CO.
Film Overview:
“Rising From Ashes”, Executive produced by Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker. Winner of 19 film festival awards, with U.S. and international distribution.
“Red Horizon” Narrated by eight-time Grammy winner Usher.
“Teen Press”, Multiple festival wins; generated national and international youth journalism pilots.
“In the Dirt”, Screened in over 100 communities; winner of numerous audience awards.
“The Power of Small”, Releasing now; Festivals and community screenings.
“Untethered”, Currently in post-production.
And many others.
Their foundation has raised over $3M in funding for impact films through the DFS system.
For 25 years, Gratis 7 Films has produced award-winning documentaries that have reached global audiences, mobilized thousands, and raised millions for nonprofits and organizations. Now, we're focused on equipping documentary filmmakers and organizations to do the same thing.
Whats included:
135 videos lessons: 8-phase impact filmmaking system.
Templates for every stage of your project: Pitch decks, one sheets, project proposals, budgets, scriptwriting tools, budgeting tools, marketing resources, photography guides, email marketing templates, communication templates, and more. These are actual documents we use every day that have produced multiple award winning films and we have used to raised over 3 millions of dollars in film funding and measurable impact around the world.
Bi-Weekly 60 minute live zoom calls with Q&A session.
Access to live Q&A with guest instructors.
Access to private participant and instructor community group.
One on one instructor feedback or career strategy.
FAQ
How much is it?
The current price of the course is $3000. This is a one time cost.
Who is this course designed for?
Aspiring Documentary Filmmakers: Individuals who have an idea for a documentary and want learn how to develop, fund, and produce it.
Creative Entrepreneurs: People with a passion for storytelling who want to build a sustainable business around making impactful documentaries.
Professionals with an idea: Individuals who have a clear vision for a film but lack the know-how to structure and produce a movie.
Content Creators and Media Professionals: Professionals looking to expand their skillset into documentary filmmaking with a focus on impactful, purpose-driven content.
Nonprofit and Advocacy media creatives: People working in organizations who want to tell impactful stories about their mission or projects through documentaries.
Educators or Researchers: Those who wish to use documentaries to amplify their findings.
How long will it take to complete the course?
It takes working filmmakers about 2 week to go through the materials while they are still working. Then it's up to you to begin to create your creative materials. This course is not something you finish, it's a business framework that you just keep refining. We use this exact system every day with our productions.
Can I jump ahead in the course if I'm facing problems with a current project?
Absolutely! We encourage that. However, we prioritize participants who are committed to joining our weekly calls and are eager to invest in our creative community. If you only need support for a specific phase, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d be happy to work with you on a personalized consulting basis. The cost is similar, and we do this kind of work regularly!
Can I use some of my time for career advice
We’ve built in one hour of one-on-one time specifically for this purpose. There’s no set template for how to use this time. It's up to you.
What is your refund policy
Our refund policy is straightforward: you’re eligible for a full refund within 15 days. However, if any course materials or templates are downloaded during that period, we won’t be able to issue a refund.
What is the real value of the course
Small, Personal, and Relationship-Focused: Filmmaking is a career built on relationships—who you know and trust. It’s also incredibly challenging to do alone, which is why this course emphasizes a close, supportive community.
Documents and Templates: One of the most frustrating and time-consuming aspects of documentary filmmaking isn’t production; it’s effectively communicating your idea on paper and having a system to move it forward. Our proven documents have helped raise millions of dollars for films over the years.
Time: We’ve designed this course to give participants ample time to process, collaborate, and truly learn at their own pace.
Why did you create this course?
We have a deep passion for documentary filmmaking and wanted to give back to the next generation of creatives.
We wanted to share our model on a bigger scale. We've been consulting for years and this is a much better way to do it.
We’re still actively making films and far from done. However, we need talented directors and producers to help us expand our capacity. There are many projects, but a shortage of experienced and skilled impact documentary filmmakers specifically directors and producers. . So, we decided: if we can’t find them, we’ll train and hire those who rise to the top.