SCREENWRITING I
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.
Summer 2008
8 weeks: June 23 - August 11
Mondays, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 10 students
Fall 2008
8 weeks: September 1 - October 20, 2008
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 10 students
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SCREENWRITING
II
This course is designed for students with a basic knowledge of the screenwriting
craft and the elements of structure, form, theme, plot, action, and character.
The class will allow the advanced student to move from story idea and character
backgrounds and profiles towards plotting and structuring issues. Students
will present writing to the class and instructor each week for feedback and
critique. Students should have a screenplay underway in order to take
the class.
Fall 2008
8 weeks: August 31 - October 19, 2008
Sundays, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 5 students
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and registration - class listing
DEVELOPING
THE DOCUMENTARY
Discover the
techniques and styles best suited for your
documentary idea, 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. Screenings and guest lecturers
will also be included. Students should come
to class with a specific documentary idea
they wish to develop.
Spring 2008
6 weeks: April 17 - May 22
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $325/$310 members
Limit: 14 students
Fall 2008
6 weeks: September 11 - October 23, 2008 (No class October 9)
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $325/$310 members
Limit: 14 students
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and registration - class
listing
PRODUCING
Pre-production
and proper planning are essential to
a successful feature length, narrative film project. This series of
four seminars will cover some of the
critical areas every filmmaker should
have covered before beginning a production, from the research stage through to completion and distribution.
Lectures and seminars cover scripting, budgeting, scheduling,
funding, casting, hiring crew, obtaining releases and permits, securing locations, the producer's role in editing and sound, festivals and distribution, among other topics.
Spring 2008
4 weeks, May 29 - June 19
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $180/$170 members
Fall 2008
4 weeks, October 7 - October 28, 2008
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $180/$170 members
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listing
DIRECTING
This
course emphasizes working with actors
but also covers other basic elements of directing,
including text analysis, characterization, casting, rehearsal, and
performance. The approach
focuses on the relationship between
the director and the actor: building effective
communication with actors, developing a sense of trust,
recognizing unexpected strengths in an
actor, understanding what actors are looking for from a director,
etc. Students work in groups
to plan the execution of a film scene with shooting scripts,
floor plans, and storyboards; audition
and cast actors and work with them in rehearsals; and shoot their
scenes for evaluation.
*THIS COURSE WILL BE SCHEDULED AGAIN IN WINTER 2009
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NEW CLASS!
DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION I
When a filmmaker is ready to head out into the field with a camera to collect the visual and audio components of their fully developed documentary (with or without a crew) this course will be there to help them ensure they are getting everything they’ll need at the quality the project demands. Over 10 weeks, the student will begin to shoot and collect material on individual projects- whether feature or short-form documentary- in their own time throughout the duration of the course. Shooting schedules will be developed the first week and followed up on periodically. Technical and theoretical lectures and workshops will include using professional digital video and/or film cameras as relevant to the project, quality sound acquisition, cinematography, how to translate an idea into appropriate and interesting visual material, considering alternate modes of communication, obtaining coverage, shooting to edit, obtaining releases and rights, avoiding pitfalls, scheduling re-shoots, etc. Ideally, students will be ready to start production on a fully developed project, and each Sunday will bring in the acquired material for feedback and critique.
Summer 2008
10 weeks: June 29 - August 31
Sundays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuition: $605/$590 members
Limit: 10 students
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INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL CINEMA
This is an introductory course in narrative, digital video production. Digital video is rapidly becoming a tool of choice for many filmmakers and this class is designed to bring the beginning, aspiring filmmaker up to speed. This class will cover all of the basics you need to know, including 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 Macintosh computer literacy.
Summer 2008
10 weeks: June 25 - August 27
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $605/$590 members
Limit: 12 students
Fall 2008
10 weeks: September 10 - November 12, 2008
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $605/$590 members
Limit: 12 students
policies and registration - class listing
ADVANCED DIGITAL
CINEMA
In this class students will be challenged to take their digital cinema skills to a higher level. This course will build on the basics from the Introduction class, emphasizing pre-production planning, advanced videography, sound acquisition, editing skills, and finishing techniques. Students will write, shoot, and edit their own, short 2-6 minute final project throughout the duration of the course. Prerequisite: Introduction to Digital Cinema or consent of the organization.
Spring 2008
10 weeks: April 14 - June 16
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $595/$580 members
Limit: 12 students
Fall 2008
10 weeks: September 15 - November 17, 2008
Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $605/$590 members
Limit: 8 students
policies
and registration - class
listing
NEW CLASS!
FIELD AUDIO RECORDING & EDITING TECHNIQUES
This 5-week course will cover audio recording and micing techniques using state of the art flash memory audio recorders and professional microphones. Learn how to obtain high-quality audio for a multitude of audio and visual uses, such as recording solo and group musical performances, interviews, sound effects and background room-tone, as well as sync and non-sync dialog for film and video. Topics such as microphone choice, placement, level adjustment, external vs. internal recording and monitoring will be covered. Once field audio is obtained, students learn to import, edit, and output an audio mix using multi-track, timeline based editing software. This course is designed for beginners who want to bring professional production values to their audio/visual work and is perfect for film and video makers, musicians, journalists, and artists.
Summer 2008
5 weeks, July 24 – August 21
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tuition $395/$380 Members
Limit: 6 students
Fall 2008
5 weeks, October 4 – November 1, 2008
Saturdays, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuition $395/$380 Members
Limit: 6 students
policies and registration - class listing
LIGHTING
FOR FILM & VIDEO
This course addresses
the issues involved in lighting for film and digital
video. A number of approaches will be examined
and students will participate in lighting
and shooting a variety of situations in
class. Classic lighting styles and the
3-point lighting philosophy will be discussed.
Lessons will center on how to light with
a minimum of equipment and time. Students
will also learn basic care and safety issues
when working with lights.
Summer 2008
5 weeks: July 15 - August 12
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $375/$360 members
Limit: 12 students
*THIS COURSE WILL BE SCHEDULED AGAIN IN WINTER 2009
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listing
INTRODUCTION TO FINAL CUT PRO
This course introduces students to Apple's Final Cut Pro digital editing software for the Macintosh platform. The class will provide instruction on the complete process of digital editing from logging footage to mastering onto DV tape. 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.
Summer 2008 (Session I)
5 weeks: June 10 – July 8
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 6 students
Summer 2008 (Session II)
5 weeks: July 3 – July 31
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 6 students
Fall 2008 (Session I)
5 weeks: September 2 – September 30, 2008
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 6 students
Fall 2008 (Session II)
5 weeks: October 9 – November 6, 2008
Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 6 students
policies and registration - class listing
ADVANCED
FINAL CUT PRO
This course will focus on the special effects, compositing, sound, color correction, and titling features of Apple's Final Cut Pro digital editing software for the Macintosh. Many of the programs that ship with Final Cut Studio 2 will also be introduced such as Motion, Soundtrack, and Compressor. Instruction and exercises will be provided, however the student will also be encouraged to experiment creatively. The special effects topics covered include advanced transitions, keyframing for filters and motion animation, compositing with video layering, matting, and keying. FCP's powerful color correction tools will be covered along with the software's built-in video scopes for calibrating final output. Students may sign up for 10 hours of additional practice time outside of class during regular business hours. Prerequisite: Intro to Final Cut Pro or consent of the organization.
Fall 2008
5 weeks: October 7 – November 4, 2008
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Tuition: $395/$380 members
Limit: 6 students
policies
and registration - class
listing
NEW! ONE-NIGHT SEMINAR SERIES
DIY FILMMAKING SEMINARS
INSTRUCTOR BIO: Rusty Nails, founder of Movieside, Free Film! and the Music Box Massacre, has directed over 20 short films in the last eight years and is currently in post-production on two feature documentaries. Known for his D.I.Y. filmmaking and distribution methods, Rusty has shown his work in festivals and venues including SXSW, Slamdance, Coachella Music Festival, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Seattle), among others.
1. MAKING NO-BUDGET FILMS- WHEN YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY
So you want to make a film but you don't have a budget, a rich uncle or a credit card? Now you can make movies that cost less than the Blair Witch Project, Clerks, Night of the Living Dead and Primer. The seminar will go over the basics of making films for as little money as possible while getting the quality you want. Students will also learn about finding actors, a crew, props, food, music and locations for nothing, next to nothing or even less. Local filmmaker Rusty Nails hosts this 3-hour course.
Tuesday August 12, 2008
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tuition: $45/$35 members
2. GETTING YOUR FILM OUT THERE- HOW DO I GET PEOPLE TO SEE MY FILM?
Now that you ’ve finished your film... what's next? You've spent many hours, days and weeks making your film... You don't want to be famous, you don't care about wealth... You just want people to see your movie! This seminar offers some ideas on how to
get your film out into the world allowing audiences to see your labor of love! Festivals, distribution, internet, self- screening: what's a first time director or mini-multi-movie-auteur with a brand-new finished film to do? Local filmmaker Rusty Nails hosts this 3-hour course.
Thursday August 14, 2008
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tuition: $45/$35 members
CAMERA AND LIGHTING TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY SEMINARS
If you are a filmmaking novice who is ready to get your hands on camera or lighting equipment and are looking for a low-cost, one-time class to build technical proficiency, this workshop series is for you. These 4 sessions, designed to be taken both individually or in combination, will give the students full technical knowledge on the specific cameras and lighting kits taught each evening, and workshops will cover full operation procedures including setting up and using auto vs. manual camera and lens settings, loading and unloading tapes or film stock, setting up the equipment for a shoot and monitoring shots, and safety procedures involved with each piece of equipment, as applicable. Note: These workshops cover technical information only; therefore if theoretical and aesthetic instruction is your goal, we suggest enrolling in our longer, in-depth courses on each of these topics. Registering for one or all of these hands-on workshops in combination with a Chicago Filmmakers coop membership ($50/year) will qualify the student to rent our low-cost equipment for use on their own productions. Choose one, several or all of these opportunities.
1. PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 6, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuition: $45/$30 members
Limit: 10 students
*Cameras covered: Panasonic DVX-100A, Canon XL-1, Canon commercial mini-dv
2. 16MM BOLEX CAMERA WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 13, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuition: $45/$30 members
Limit: 10 students
*Reflex and non-reflex Bolex and accessories covered
3. 16MM MAGAZINE CAMERA WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 20, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuition: $45/$30 members
Limit: 10 students
*Cameras covered: CP-16 24fps sync and Arriflex-S non-sync, variable speed
4. LIGHTING AND GRIP WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 27, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Tuition: $45/$30 members
Limit: 10 students
*Lights, Kits and Accessories covered: Arri Fresnel, Lowell Omni and Tota, Spot Lights, Flags, Diffusion and C-stands
PROFESSIONAL SCREENPLAY SERVICES
Offered by Paul Peditto
SCREENPLAY DEVELOPMENT (LEVEL 1):
Comprehensive appraisal of the screenplay. This
is a line-by-line analysis of the full script. Included are suggestions for
plot, character, and general story. Rewrite notes, if necessary, will
always be with an eye toward getting your movie made. Also included, a
two-hour, one-on-one session to discuss the evaluation, script, marketing,
or just to brainstorm. Follow-up sessions are available, should a rewrite or
polish be necessary.
$400 ($25 discount for students who have taken Chicago
Filmmakers' Screenwriting II class since 2005)
SCREENPLAY DEVELOPMENT (LEVEL 2):
This comprehensive service provides line-by-line
analysis of the script, two-hour one-on-one meeting, script
evaluation and marketing as with Level 1. Also included, a second
line-by-line analysis, follow-up two-hour, one-on-one meeting and six-month
follow up period where evaluation will be given for rewrites or polishes.
$800($50 discount for students who have taken Chicago Filmmakers'
Screenwriting II class since 2002).
For additional information or to sign up contact Chicago Filmmakers.
policies
and registration - class listing
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