When San Francisco-based MasterClass got underway in 2014, it had a hard time finding big names to teach its $90 online education courses. But the days of co-founder/CEO David Rogier cold-calling author James Patterson to convince him to sign on as an instructor are over. A-listers such as Hans Zimmer, Aaron Sorkin and now Shonda Rhimes are signing lucrative deals to teach, as MasterClass plans to expand into new subjects.
MasterClass aims to bring the quality of Netflix to the $100 billion e-learning industry. That means getting “the best in the world to teach and share and make it a price point that is affordable,” says Rogier. Each course offers several hours of instruction directed by the likes of Jay Roach and Davis Guggenheim, workbooks full of additional material and virtual “office hours.” But its true cachet comes from its instructors. Rather than have any old PE teacher offer tennis lessons, MasterClass has Serena Williams; Oscar winner Kevin Spacey is the one instructing students on how to recite a captivating monologue.
Sources familiar with the company’s deals say instructors make about $100,000 up front when they begin working with MasterClass and receive 30 percent of the revenue their classes generate. But money isn’t the sole draw for instructors, says Rogier, who declines to comment on the contracts. “They see this as a way to give back,” he says, explaining that it was Sorkin’s idea to re-create a West Wing writers room to show his students how to plot an alternate premiere for the series’ fifth season (he had left after season four). “If it was for the money, there are tons of other options.”
In the intro video for her new seven-week course on television writing, uber-producer Rhimes explains that she has never been this open about her process. “It’s the stuff that I wish someone had told me a long time ago,” she tells students, who, during their free time, can study an early draft of the Scandal pilot.
MasterClass sold courses to more than 30,000 people in its first four months, with only a handful of instructors, including Dustin Hoffman. Nearly two years later, it has more than a dozen courses and is adding new programs from Steve Martin, Annie Leibovitz and Frank Gehry. A new $35 million round of funding led by Silicon Valley’s IVP (the same firm that has invested in Snap and The Honest Co.) will help it expand into new categories, including business and education. “I would love a class from Elon Musk,” says Rogier.
That’s quite a shift from the early days when a personal connection helped Rogier land Hoffman as MasterClass‘ first instructor. “The biggest challenge for them was finding talent as a prelaunch education company,” says Molly Schmidt, who led WME’s investment in the firm before its launch and has helped it connect with agency clients. “Now we have a ton of inbound ideas from agents. Those conversations are becoming much easier for them.”
This story first appeared in the April 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
FAQs
The Takeaway. While Iger's fee couldn't be learned, MasterClass typically paid its star instructors a flat amount, ranging from $100,000 to millions of dollars, according to a person familiar with the contracts.
Do MasterClass instructors get paid? ›
How much do MasterClass instructors get paid? In 2017, the Hollywood Reporter said that most MasterClass instructors are paid at least $100,000 upfront and receive a share of at least 30% of the revenue; it seems likely that those numbers have increased over the last five years.
Is skillshare or MasterClass better? ›
If you're looking for a more affordable option with a broader range of courses, Skillshare may be the better choice. However, if you're interested in learning from celebrity instructors and want a more immersive learning experience, Masterclass may be the way to go.
How to get MasterClass courses for free? ›
Can you get MasterClass for free? The closest way to get MasterClass for free is by utilizing the 30-day money-back guarantee. This will get you access to the MasterClass library, with the ability to cancel your subscription for a full refund within the first 30 days of starting a MasterClass subscription.
Is MasterClass losing money? ›
Since inception, Masterclass has raised $460 million in venture capital. Not yet profitable, the revenue backslide likely made investors antsy. Subscriptions provide all of Masterclass's revenue. In May 2022 the company laid off 120 of their 600 workers.
What is the most viewed MasterClass? ›
Top 25 MasterClasses Based on Online Engagement
| Rank | MasterClass Name | Number of Views |
|---|
| 1 | Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation | 22,008,386 |
| 2 | Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication | 16,208,218 |
| 3 | Dr. Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation | 8,687,115 |
| 4 | Chris Hadfield Teaches Space Exploration | 7,542,004 |
21 more rowsFeb 17, 2022
Access Limitations: Users need an internet connection to access the classes, which may be a limitation for those in areas with poor connectivity. Subjective Value: The value of MasterClass depends on individual preferences and how much users engage with the content, so it may not be worth the cost for everyone.
Does MasterClass actually teach you anything? ›
We report on many education platforms, and MasterClass is one of our favorites (as well as one of our go-to gifts). The videos have high-quality production value, the courses are engaging and fast-moving, and you get a mix of practical tools as well as nuggets of insights into the lives of the celebrities you love.
Are online masterclasses worth it? ›
Taking all factors into consideration, I'd say MasterClass is worth the cost. You can cancel at any time, though I feel like $10 a month is a small price to pay for the production quality, educational insight and digestible pointers and tips you receive throughout each course.
What is better than MasterClass? ›
If you are looking for a platform that offers engaging courses—courses that are usually taught live—by instructors who will engage and challenge you until you meet your personal and professional goals, Maven is the #1 alternative to Masterclass.
Skillshare and Masterclass do not offer certifications upon course completion. Udemy, however, does provide certificates for some courses, which can be beneficial for those looking to demonstrate their learning for professional purposes.
Who are the top teachers on Skillshare? ›
To get started, here are our top picks.
- Anne Ditmeyer, InDesign. Anne is an American designer and editor living in Paris, France, and one of the first online Skillshare teachers. ...
- Tiago Forte, Workflow Design. ...
- Grace Bello, Editorial Writing. ...
- Brad Woodard, Illustration. ...
- Dominic Flask, Color Theory.
MasterClass was founded in 2015 by David Rogier (CEO) and Aaron Rasmussen (ex-CTO), who had previously met during a "friend date" years earlier.
Do you have to pay for each MasterClass? ›
Are sessions included in my MasterClass subscription? Yes, purchasing a MasterClass subscription provides you with unlimited access to all current sessions and classes, as well the new sessions and classes launched each month.
What is the 30 day satisfaction guarantee MasterClass? ›
If you are not satisfied with your MasterClass membership we will honor a full refund within the first 30-days of your initial subscription purchase. This guarantee does not apply to renewals. For more details on how to request a refund please visit this page.
Who is MasterClass owned by? ›
David Rogier is the founder and CEO of MasterClass, the streaming platform he launched in 2015 to give anyone, anywhere, the opportunity to learn from the world's top experts.
How much does an A list celebrity make for a commercial? ›
The truth is the Hollywood giants can make anywhere between $10 to $15 million for a spot in a commercial. It's an eye-popping salary for only a few days of work.
Is MasterClass a unicorn? ›
In short: MasterClass is one of the few emerging unicorns in EdTech.
What is MasterClass valued at? ›
In May 2020, MasterClass raised $100 million in a Series E funding round led by Fidelity Investments, bringing total funding to approximately $240 million. In May 2021, the company received $225 million in a Series F round, giving it a $2.75 billion valuation according to CNBC reporting.
