"The Business Blueprint For Your Impact Documentary"
Doc Film School is an online course and community dedicated to teaching filmmakers and individuals how to develop, fund, produce, and distribute impactful documentaries. We focus on the business and creative systems you need to turn ideas into professionally structured projects. Our course is exclusively focused on the business of documentary storytelling and impact-driven content.
Doc Film School is not a traditional technical filmmaking program. We do not teach technical skills like cinematography, lighting, or sound. Additionally, this is not a “one size fits all” course for hobbyists or casual learners; it’s designed for individuals serious about turning their ideas into documentary films that create change.
Testimonials
"DFS has helped us bring our first passion project to life. We’ve been to film school and run a successful commercial production company, but DFS offers real mentorship through the documentary filmmaking process."
Patrick Gines, Director/Producer
"Doc Film School gave me the tools to break out of my usual filmmaking style and take on longer, more impactful documentaries. TC’s approach is easy to follow for any skill level, making it the perfect resource for filmmakers who want to make a real difference in their community. If you're looking to start and finish meaningful films, this is everything you need."
Ashley Maddox, Documentary Filmmaker
"Doc Film School helped inspire, inform, and support me towards make my first film! I highly recommend this course... T.C. shares a breadth of knowledge in this school, equipping you with understanding and confidence to make your first film. I highly recommend this course! "
Kersten Parella Red Roads Films, Director/Producer
"T.C.’s training provides an abundance of strategy, budgets, and templates that cover every aspect of documentary production, all presented in a clear and practical system. Beyond the wealth of resources, the sense of community makes this experience truly unique. Well worth both the time and financial investment."
David Mahanes, Documentary Producer
"Doc Film School has been an invaluable resource for developing meaningful, impactful films while also providing a strong foundation and system to build a lasting career."
Jack Zakrajsek, Documentary Director/Producer
"Doc Film School transformed what I thought was a complex undertaking into a straightforward, digestible process. A MasterClass-level resources with a step-by-step methodology. This approach allowed me to focus on telling an important story and bringing my vision to life."
Barrett Peters, Executive Producer
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Who we are: Over the past 25 years Gratis 7 Films has produced multiple award-winning impact documentary films that have been released on all the major platforms, reached hundreds of thousands of people, ignited thousands of volunteers to get involved, and has raised millions of dollars for our non-profit partners. Now, our goal is to invest what we've learned in the next generation.
Meet your Instructor
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T.C. Johnstone is a multi-award-winning documentary film director/producer. He has produced and directed multiple features and short documentaries including “Rising From Ashes,” executive produced by Oscar winning actor Forest Whitaker.
The film won awards at 19 film festivals, received US and international distribution and was a catalyst for the creation of the Rising From Ashes Foundation which continues to support the work of peace and reconciliation in Rwanda and around the world.
Additional film projects include numerous successful short documentary films. “Red Horizon”, narrated by eight time grammy winner Usher, the story of a group of young pilots carrying on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen while changing the racial imbalance in the world of aviation.
“Teen Press”, winner of numerous festival audience awards, follows an innovative teacher and a group of aspiring teens participating in a unique immersive journalism program at Santa Barbara Middle School.
T.C,’s newest film, “In the Dirt,” has successfully screened in over 85 communities since its release in September, 2023. This film follows a group of passionate Native American cyclists, school social workers, and community elders attempting to bring the sport of mountain biking to the Navajo Nation, where no bike shops exist.
T.C. is also the founder of the Gratis 7 Media Group Foundation which produces films designed to create measurable change in 5 specific areas: reconciliation, equipping servant leaders, assisting the poor, caring for the sick, and educating the next generation. T.C. and his wife, Kristen, are partners in their company Gratis 7 Productions. They live in Boulder, CO. T.C. continues to produce and direct films as well as consult non-profits on media strategy.
