Classes
Chicago Filmmakers offers college-level classes in film and video production. For newcomers, we recommend starting with Digital Moviemaking for a broad overview of the production process, then taking classes in various disciplines that interest you. Persons with experience in filmmaking may further their training with specialized courses and workshops. In either case, you will find a quality education similar to those found at accredited schools and universities, but for a fraction of the time and cost. Plus, you can become part of a filmmaking community that can support and sustain you for many projects to come.
| Screenwriting 1 | Digital Moviemaking | Final Cut Pro | Documentary Clinic |
| Screenwriting 2 | Cinematography | After Effects | HD Camera Seminar |
| Developing the Documentary | Location Sound | Advanced Final Cut Pro | 16MM Camera Workshop |
| Producing | Independent Production | Low Budget Master Class with Jon Jost | |
| Directing 1 | Directing 2 |
This course covers the fundamentals of writing a feature-length screenplay and is designed for beginning students and writers. Through screenings, outside readings, discussion, and critiques, students will engage with such issues as character development, dialogue, structure, narrative progression, and what to do with a finished screenplay. Students should use this course as a springboard towards generating the first draft of a feature-length screenplay.
Winter 2012
8 weeks, March 5 - April 23
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $395/380 members
Limit: 10 students
Instructor: Paul Peditto
There seems to be no better time than the present to become a documentary filmmaker. Discover the techniques and styles best suited for your documentary idea and then shape that idea into a work that can be funded and completed. This course will give you an overview of documentary forms and teach you how to research your project, write a treatment and synopsis, target interested funders, write a proposal, make a budget and prepare a shooting schedule. Students are encouraged to come to class with a specific documentary idea they wish to develop.
Winter 2012
6 weeks, March 15 - April 19
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $325/310 members
Limit: 14 students
Instructor: Beth Sternheimer
It's time to roll up your sleeves: this class will provide the foundation and support needed to complete a feature film script. Students will present writing to the class for feedback and critique, and are expected to work on their script regularly outside of class. Discussions about developing character, plot and structure will help students effectively utilize story models for their own scripts. Students should already have a basic knowledge of the screenwriting format, the elements of structure, plot, action, and character, and have a screenplay underway in order to take the class.
Summer 2012
8 classes: May 1 & 15, June 5 & 19, July 3 & 17, August 7 & 21
First and Third Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $395/380 members
Limit: 5 students
Instructor: Paul Peditto
Take your filmmaking skills to the next level. In this class students will integrate their knowledge of the filmmaking process to make their own independent project. Instruction topics include pre-production planning, advanced videography, casting, location management, and advanced storytelling techniques. Students will receive equipment access for shooting outside of class, and discuss their progress weekly for evaluation and critique.
10 weeks, Feb. 21 - April 24
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Tuition: $595/580 members
Limit: 12 students
Instructor: Vincent Singleton
This is our basic production course designed to cover key concepts and practices for making a film or video project. Topics include a thorough introduction to the professional DV camera, important aspects of lighting, sound, shot composition, camera movement, visual storytelling devices, working as a filmmaking crew, and editing. In-class demonstrations and exercises will allow students to work collaboratively on group projects as a digital cinema team. Prerequisite: Basic computer literacy.
10 weeks, February 22 - April 25
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $595/580 members
Limit: 12 students
Instructor: Scott Foley
Creating great moving images is an art by itself. Learn how to use cameras and lights for a variety of applications. Digital camera operations will be examined in detail with an emphasis on imaging devices, lens options, shooting techniques, 16mm comparisons, and technical and aesthetic differences. Lighting fundamentals will incorporate camera strategies with the 3-point lighting philosophy and classic lighting styles. Students will gain proficiency on digital video cameras, complete several lighting exercises in class, and learn how to set up shots with a minimum of equipment and time. Prerequisite: None, but Digital Moviemaking, or HD Camera or 16MM Camera Workshops are highly recommended.
Spring 2012
6 weeks, April 5 - May 10
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $325/310 members
Limit: 12 students
Instructor: Patrick Charles
This course will explore Apple’s Final Cut Pro in greater depth and focus on advanced features. Topics include fine-cut tools, titling, sound mixing, color correction, and special effects. Editing workflow and program integration will be covered in order to help improve efficiency and accuracy. Special effects topics include transitions, filters, animation, and compositing. Students may sign up for 10 hours outside of class to practice during regular business hours. Prerequisite: Final Cut Pro or consent of the organization. Please note: the Final Cut Pro version covered in this class is version 6.
5 weeks, March 3 - 31
Saturdays, 12 - 3 PM
Tuition: $395/380 members
Limit: 6 students
Instructor: Mike Bohacz
Apple's digital nonlinear editing software has long been used by professional editors around the world. This course will provide students instruction on the complete process of digital editing on Final Cut Pro, from logging footage to mastering onto DVD. Topics covered include basic editing, transitions, titling, sound, motion control, filter usage, and an intro to editing aesthetics. Students may sign up for 10 hours of additional practice time outside of class during regular business hours to familiarize themselves with the system. No previous film/video editing experience is required. Prerequisite: Basic computer literacy. Please Note: the Final Cut Pro version covered in this class is version 6.
Spring 2012
5 weeks, March 19 - April 16
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tuition: $395/380 Members
Limit: 6 students
Instructor: Adam Salasek
