Kolder Creative In-Depth Course Review
TLDR: This course currently offers good value for the price but it should really shine as it’s more built out. If you have a specific industry you would like to shoot for such as weddings, real estate, or music videos I recommend you consider investing in the course Full-Time Filmmaker instead because that course offers specifics on those niches. However, if you’re looking to craft a unique style, create more cinematic content, land brand deals, and leverage your camera to travel the world this course is for you.
Here are the different modules in the course, I will be going more in-depth into each and share what’s covered in each module.
To the left side, you can see the eleven modules included as well as downloadable sample footage from Sam’s trip to Saudi Arabia. Also, within the Premiere Pro module, there are downloads to a LUT pack Sam created. As I mentioned before this course is under construction which becomes apparent in the first module The Creative there is no currently no content as of writing this on 11/30/2020.
Data Management shows a unique way of organizing files that I’ve honestly never seen before. It’s a great system that allows Sam to keep track of his content from all over the world. If you’re constantly searching for files and losing time doing so you’ll get a lot of value out of this section. It also includes a mac shortcut that I started using immediately. If you’re on Mac you can drop folders into your favorites section for quicker access. This is key for when you’re jumping in and out of the same folder, just leave it in your favorites and leave it there until it’s time to remove it. This will remove a few clicks and hassle from your workflow.
Premiere Pro Sam goes over some basic to reasonably advanced concepts with Premiere. I learned the most from the Sound Design section which is screenshotted above where Sam takes you through his entire workflow for applying sound to a short sequence. There is a lot of value in the technical side but the true gold comes out when Sam shares his thought process as well as things he’s picked up to make his sounds come off crisper and have more impact. He also shares a lot of nuances in time remapping, keyframing, and masking that is changing my workflow and just a better workflow than what I’m currently doing or what I’ve seen shared on Youtube. I also learned about how to leverage overlays in the video overlays section which is definitely something I’m going to be playing with more to make my videos more dynamic.
After Effects Sam share’s what he says has allowed him to create some of his most iconic transitions and allow his content to stand out above other creators and leave viewers wondering how his videos are even real. I learned a lot from the Content Aware Fill class as well as the tracking classes.
Gopro Player and Realstedy Go in these videos Sam shares two of his favorite resources on how to get even smoother Go Pro shots as well as how he edits 360 videos.
Video and Transition Break Downs currently this module only has the wave transition that Sam has also posted on Youtube. If you would like to see his teaching style and skill I recommend you watch that video. He has shared he plans to build out this section with some of his more popular transitions he’s created.
The Guide to FPV Drones I think it’s safe to say at this point in time Sam is on the cutting edge of FPV drones. I don’t fly FPV but from the looks of this module, Sam covers just about everything to do with them.
Gear here Sam goes over his setups with a range of different types of equipment he uses. However, at the time of making this video, I noticed he didn’t include what kind of gimbal he uses or recommendations for that. But in other videos, he does share he uses DJI gimbals for stabilization.
Technicalities nothing out of the ordinary here. This information is some of the building blocks of filmmaking. This section is nice to have if you need a refresher but I view it as basic information that just needed to be included especially since there are going to be complete beginners to filmmaking joining this course.
Shooting here Sam shares different techniques to get smooth shots as well as how he plans his shots to make sure he has more options in post to bring what he’s captured together. I got a few good pointers out of types of camera movements since Sam shared his thoughts on what to look with shots and what types of shots look best with certain camera movements.
Business here Sam introduces his manager who helps Sam win brand deals, gain clients, and make sure things are running smoothly. However, don’t be intimidated this does not mean you need a manager by any means. It’s just nice to learn from someone who specializes in the business aspect. He shares different ways you can engage brands that you want to work with. I’m looking for this section to be built out, currently, there are only a few videos available.
Downloadable Sample Footage in this section Sam includes a range of clips shot with a drone, FPV drone, and multiple cameras for you to experiment with.
Facebook Group there is an extremely active Facebook group of creatives that come with the course. There Sam has already announced a few updates such as what he plans to build out on the course next, challenges, gear giveaways, and he’s hinted at hiring opportunities to come in the future.
My conclusion: I’m excited I got this course and even without it being updated I think it delivers on the creative side of things. If you want to learn how to create better videos and maximize what you can do within the Adobe Suite this course is a winner. I can’t wait for it be more built out as well as the business section. I believe that Sam will make this course a priority since his reputation is staked on it -his name is literally on the course. Also, having followed Sam over the years you can tell he’s a perfectionist, and I think he will bring that level to the quality of this course as he’s demonstrated in his work time and time again.
Here’s my affiliate link to the course (full disclosure I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you) if you do purchase the course through my link I promise to reinvest any earnings into new gear and assets to further my videography career.
Also, as a thank you for purchasing through my link I would be more than happy to connect with you and give you advice on how you can land more clients. I have a background in sales and have used that background to consistently have work lined up for me and have created for a number of brands I’ve been stoked to work with.
Here’s a link to my agency Repeak Media as well as my business email italo@repeakmedia.com simply shoot me an email sharing you went through my affiliate link and I would be more than happy to hop on a call with you to help you define your niche, start reaching out to brands, and share strategies to help you convert your leads into clients.
Best of luck with your career as a creative. If you have any questions about the course feel free to reach out to me as well.
-Italo