Breaking into the world of television production has never been more accessible. Whether you dream of becoming a producer, director, camera operator, script supervisor, or editor, online TV production courses offer a convenient and affordable way to build foundational skills, gain industry insights, and start your creative journey. With the right training, you can develop the expertise needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of TV.
This guide highlights some of the top TV production courses online—perfect for beginners, aspiring creatives, or anyone looking to enhance their production knowledge.
Why Take TV Production Courses Online?
Online learning opens the door to world-class instructors, flexible study schedules, and practical, hands-on lessons. Benefits include:
- Learn at your own pace — great for students or working professionals
- Access real industry techniques from experienced mentors
- Build production fundamentals needed for entry-level roles
- Create portfolio-worthy projects
- Gain insights from professionals who’ve worked on TV, film, and digital content
Top Online TV Production Courses
Explore these top-rated online TV production courses that can help you start developing industry-ready skills:
1. Coursera – TV Writing & Producing
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to TV storytelling, writers’ room dynamics, and the production pipeline. Lessons walk students through how episodes take shape—from initial concept development to completed scripts—offering a strong foundation for understanding how television series are built.
2. MasterClass – Shonda Rhimes Teaches Writing for Television
Shonda Rhimes shares her process for developing compelling characters, shaping story arcs, and structuring long-running television shows. The course offers creative insights and practical storytelling techniques from a leading showrunner.
3. LinkedIn Learning – Foundations of Video & TV Production
This course covers essential technical skills such as lighting, camera operation, sound recording, and basic editing. It serves as a clear introduction to the core tools and techniques used in television production.
4. Udemy – Cinematography and Video Production Bootcamp
The lessons focus on visual storytelling, including shot composition, lighting setups, and camera movement. Students gain hands-on knowledge of the visual techniques that shape the look and feel of television content.
5. Skillshare – Video Production for Content Creators
This course blends traditional TV production methods with modern content creation practices. It provides guidance on planning, filming, and editing videos suitable for digital platforms, streaming channels, and broadcast-style formats.
6. FutureLearn – Introduction to TV Production
FutureLearn offers an overview of various roles on a TV set, the stages of production, and industry workflows. Students can explore the structure of a production team and understand how each department contributes to a successful project.
7. NYFA Online Workshops – TV & Digital Production
The New York Film Academy’s online workshops combine practical assignments with live feedback from instructors. The workshop-style format emphasizes hands-on learning and real production exercises.
Key Skills You’ll Learn
TV production courses equip you with both creative and technical skills essential for real-world work. Expect to learn topics such as:
- Pre-production planning (scripts, schedules, budgeting)
- Camera operation and cinematography
- Lighting and audio fundamentals
- Directing techniques
- Editing basics
- Production workflow and set etiquette
- TV storytelling and show structure
These skills are essential for roles in news, reality TV, scripted series, live events, and streaming.
Tips for Choosing the Right Course
Consider the following before enrolling:
- Your experience level
- Course format (video modules vs. live workshops)
- Instructor credentials
- Portfolio or project opportunities
- Certifications
- Real-world assignments included
Choosing a high-quality course can fast-track your entry into the industry and help you build confidence as you begin applying for internships or jobs.
Final Thoughts
The television industry is constantly evolving, but skilled creatives and technicians remain in high demand. Taking online TV production courses is a smart first step toward building a career behind the camera—whether you aim to direct, edit, produce, or operate equipment.
Start learning today and kickstart your journey into TV production.
Key Takeaways:
- Online TV production courses offer flexible and accessible training for beginners and aspiring creatives.
- These courses cover essential skills such as storytelling, cinematography, lighting, audio, editing, and production workflows.
- Structured lessons from platforms like Coursera, MasterClass, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Skillshare, FutureLearn, and NYFA can help build strong creative and technical foundations.
- Students gain insights into real-world TV processes, including writers’ rooms, pre-production planning, on-set roles, and digital content creation.
- Online learning enables hands-on experience through assignments, guided exercises, and project-based tasks.
- Choosing the right course depends on factors like experience level, preferred learning format, instructor background, and portfolio-building opportunities.
- Completing TV production courses can enhance confidence, improve industry readiness, and support career growth in directing, writing, editing, or technical operations.
