Northwest Film Forum

Northwest Film Forum classes and workshops are designed to instruct filmmakers on both the mechanical skills required in current filmmaking technology and the artistic application of tools to explore the critical and emotional range of the cinematic experience. Classes and workshops are taught by working artists: filmmakers, writers, producers and editors.

Explore filmmaking by doing it. We do not want you to make a commitment you are uncomfortable with; we offer a wide range of classes and workshops that can be taken at whatever pace you prefer. Whether you are new to the art and plan to plunge into filmmaking as a career or you have purchased your own equipment and wish to drop in on a few certifications to learn more, our classes are for you. NWFF's curriculum offers a complete education in nearly all aspects of filmmaking. Multi-session classes meet weekly and offer in-depth, hands-on experience with filmmaking tools, while one-day workshops offer both insightful lectures and practical techniques on current filmmaking topics.

This schedule is updated regularly.  Please check back for new classes, or email dave @ nwfilmforum.org to ask about our annual class offerings.

Intermediate Final Cut: Editing
Three Thursdays, June 3, 10 & 17, 6–9pm
Instructor: Chris Julian
Tuition: $250/WigglyWorld members, $280/general
Max Attendance: 5
Prerequisite: basic familiarity with Final Cut Pro. 

Participants will study clips and then go into the final cut room and walk through the many steps of making a scene or situation come alive.  You’ll cover pacing, crosscutting, defining the atmosphere, continuity, etc. and discuss how all these affect the emotional foundation of the work. Time will also be devoted to the role of sound and how it’s the first thing neglected in beginning picture editing: how to make dialogue flow, how to incorporate music, and how sound can save an edit.  We will also discuss the different approaches for documentary vs. feature vs. music video.

Register for Intermediate FCP: Editing for June

Cinematography—Scene Building and Montage
Saturday & Sunday, May 8 & 9, 10am–4pm
Instructor: Erik Vilinskas
Tuition: $250/WigglyWorld members, $280/general
Max Attendance: 8

Learn how to tell your story visually through creative camera placement. Explore the art of the montage and the science of forcing perspective. Learn the vocabulary used to describe lens selection, camera placement and motion. In this class, we will begin with the preproduction tools and vocabulary necessary for effective visualization. Analysis of scenes from notable films will give students a background in existing conventions, with subsequent hands-on exercises to practice the concepts learned in class. A culminating project will take us through a complete blocking and shooting of a short scripted scene. Prior experience in editing or camera operation, or prior attendance in a NWFF Video Production Basics class is recommended.

Register for Cinematography-Scene Building and Montage

16mm Camera Basics
Three Wednesdays, Apr 7, 14 & 21, 6:30–9:30pm 
Instructor: David Hanagan 
Tuition: $150/WigglyWorld members, $180/general 
Max Attendance: 8

This class focuses on the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary to successfully begin working in the 16mm format. Students will work hands on with NWFF's cameras, learning how to confidently operate them, inspect them, clean them, and how to load and download magazines. Students will use an Éclair NPR, ACL II, and Bolex to shoot a short, group practice film, putting into action the principles of shot composition and strategies for lens and filter choices, exposure, focus, depth of field, film stock selection, and laboratory process.

Register for 16mm Camera Basics
 

Basic Videography
Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2, 10am–4pm
Instructor: Erik Vilinskas
Tuition: $250 WigglyWorld Members / $280 General Public
Max Attendance: 8

Learn how composition, lighting, and depth of field interact to create memorable images. This class will cover basic videography skills and provide the opportunity to operate the Northwest Film Forum's Canon GL1, Panasonic AG-DVX100, and HVX200. We will discuss the differences between video and film and the benefits and pitfalls of some of the more popular video formats currently in use. We will also address the basics of lighting for video, as well as how to record good field audio using a shotgun microphone and boom. Hands-on sessions will demystify the buttons and menu functions common to most consumer and professional video cameras. This class will give you a solid foundation for your video projects, whether you plan to use the Film Forum's cameras or your own.

Register for Basic Videography for May 

Writing is Rewriting
Eight Tuesdays, April 13–June 1, 7–9pm 
Instructor: Walter Dalton 
Tuition: $230/WigglyWorld members, $260/general 
Max Attendance: 10

Learn how to take the first draft of your screenplay to the final draft. With his decades of experience writing (as well as acting) for television and films, Walter will provide discussions and advice on how to revise, polish and sell your script. This workshop-style class requires active participation in providing feedback and constructive criticism to fellow classmates. Come to class with a finished, feature-length first draft.

Register for Writing is Rewriting

Beginning Editing with Final Cut Pro
Three Sections to Choose From:
Three Mondays, Mar 1, 8 & 15, 6:30–9:30pm
Three Thursdays, Apr 8, 15 & 22, 6–9pm
Three Mondays, May 3, 10 & 17, 6–9pm
Instructor: Chris Julian or Catherine Wadley
Tuition: $250/WigglyWorld members, $280/general 
Max Attendance: 5

Learn the basics of non-linear editing with Final Cut Pro. Covers settings, basic principles, effects, titles, sound and printing to video with hands-on experience for each student. This class is for students who intend to work in digital video productions who want to know some of the basic skills of editing in a non-linear environment. Prior experience in non-linear editing is not required, but basic computer skills are necessary. Time is available in NWFF’s edit suite for students to work between classes.
Register for Beginning Editing with FCP for April
Register for Beginning Editing with FCP for May