Filmmaking Fundamentals: Narrative | Production (Winter 2023) w/ Vee Hua
Filmmaking Fundamentals has a suggested registration fee of $800, however we offer a sliding scale, pay-what-you-can model starting from $400 for those who need that option. We do offer a limited amount of scholarships for this program for communities which have historically been underrepresented in media. For more information, please email derek@nwfilmforum.org or APPLY HERE.
⚠️ Public safety notice ⚠️
NWFF patrons will be required to wear masks that cover both nose and mouth while in the building. Disposable masks are available at the door for those who need them. We are not currently checking vaccination cards. Recent variants of COVID-19 readily infect and spread between individuals regardless of vaccination status.
NWFF is adapting to evolving recommendations to protect the public from COVID-19. Read more about their policies regarding cleaning, masks, and capacity limitations here.
About
This 10-session, entry-level workshop will introduce students to the basic nuts and bolts of narrative filmmaking. Those with little to no experience are encouraged to join. This is not a sit-down, lecture style class; students will collaborate with other classmates and learn by doing. View the course syllabus here.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- A class-generated script will be walked through the pre-production, production, and post-production process collaboratively.
- Pre-production strategies, such as how to breakdown a script and screenwriting, will kick off the sessions and identify practical needs to help make your film a reality.
- It will then continue with camera, lighting and sound instruction that emphasizes the practical through in-class workshops.
- Students will eventually shoot a short in-class scene with actors. On-set responsibilities will be rotated so each student gets a chance to perform different roles as director, cinematographer, gaffer, grip, sound mixer, and boom operator.
Watch sample projects created by previous cohorts here and here.
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SCHEDULE
There are two sessions of the workshop with the same curriculum: session A on Mondays and session B on Tuesdays. With the exception of Filming Day (9am – 2pm), each session takes place from 6:30–9:30pm. Please select the specific session upon registration. (Class session order may be subject to change based on instructor availability.)
COHORT A (MONDAYS)
- Jan. 16 – Introductions and Script Analysis
- Jan. 23 – Intro to Camera (Part 1)
- Jan. 30 – Intro to Camera (Part 2)
- Feb. 6 – Intro to Lighting
- Feb. 13 – Intro to Sound
- No class the week of President’s Day
- Feb. 27 – Pre-Production
- Mar. 6 – Auditions
- Mar. 13 – Rehearsing with Actors
- No class on March 20
- Mar. 25 – Filming (On-Location)
- Mar. 27 – Wrap-Up and Reflections
COHORT B (TUESDAYS)
- Jan. 17 – Introductions and Script Analysis
- Jan. 24 – Intro to Camera (Part 1)
- Jan. 31 – Intro to Camera (Part 2)
- Feb. 7 – Intro to Lighting
- Feb. 14 – Intro to Sound
- No class the week of President’s Day
- Feb. 28 – Pre-Production
- Mar. 7 – Auditions
- Mar. 14 – Rehearsing with Actors
- No class on March 21
- Mar. 26 – Filming (On-Location)
- Mar. 28 – Wrap-Up and Reflections
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NOTE: The curriculum for this program has been changed and no longer includes Post-Production or Editing. A Filmmaking Fundamentals track in Post-Production will follow this Narrative workshop series, dependent on student interest.
Where applicable, equipment, and software are provided by NWFF.
Vee Hua 華婷婷
Vee Hua 華婷婷 (they/she) is a writer, filmmaker, and organizer with semi-nomadic tendencies. Much of their work unifies their metaphysical interests with their belief that art can positively transform the self and society. They are the Editor-in-Chief of REDEFINE, Interim Managing Editor of South Seattle Emerald, and Co-Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission. They also previously served as the Executive Director of the interdisciplinary community hub, Northwest Film Forum, where they played a key role in making the space more welcoming and accessible for diverse audiences.
In 2017, Vee released the narrative short film, Searching Skies — which touches on Syrian refugee resettlement in the United States — and co-organized The Seventh Art Stand, a national film and civil rights discussion series against Islamophobia. 2022 sees the release of their next short film, Reckless Spirits, which is a metaphysical, multi-lingual POC buddy comedy for a bleak new era, in anticipation of a feature film.
Vee is passionate about cultural space, the environment, and finding ways to covertly and overtly disrupt oppressive structures. They also regularly share observational human stories through their storytelling newsletter, RAMBLIN’ WITH VEE!, and are pursuing a Master’s in Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship under the Native American Studies Department at the University of Minnesota.