The introductory workshop in our Production Intensives series familiarizes students with documents, skills, and workflow required to transform a basic idea to an an achievable production proposal. Learn how to read a Request for Proposal (RFP), create a budget, and design an artful proposal, then collaborate with a small group of peers to design a pitch for a potential client. A round of feedback will follow, where participants can gain tips and best practices on how to land a gig.

Recommended Equipment: A computer or tablet which can access spreadsheets and word processing softwares, and shared Google Drive files.

Basic understanding of camera setups, operation, and DSLR functions is vital for any successful film project. Gain an understanding of the artistic advantages of using a DSLR, and what types of projects might require a more advanced camera. Students will learn how to choose a lens and control manual exposures; they will gain an understanding of framing and composition, standard tripod use, and techniques for handheld filming.

Recommended Materials: NWFF will provide Canon 5D MKII and Canon 60D camera bodies and lenses for use in the workshop. Students with their own camera equipment  are encouraged to bring their own for hands-on practice.

Quality sound is crucial to the success of any film production. Gain a basic understanding of production sound on-set, the priorities of sound mixers, and how to record high-quality sound with modest means. RG Pro instructors will offer hands-on demonstrations of all the gear in a sound mixer’s kit, including microphones, timecode equipment, and boom poles.

Recommended Materials: NWFF will provide all sound equipment and microphones for use in the workshop. Students with their own audio equipment are encouraged to bring their own for hands-on practice.

Through an introductory survey which covers lighting techniques for interviews, portraits, and scenery, students will learn how to maximize their lighting resources to get the best out of their locations. Use natural light to get a professional and clean look for your interview, utilize basic lighting techniques, or discover how to adapt when you do not have access to the perfect lighting kit.

The second day of this workshop will be a mock film set, where participants can experience how all the departments work together.  We will be bringing together all of the collective learning that we have done to film a short scene and work through all of the elements that we have demonstrated thus far.

Recommended Materials: NWFF will provide all equipment for use in the workshop.

Learn the essentials of editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, which has become an industry standard for editing in film and video. Gain an understanding of a professional workflow and basic tools, then practice with sample projects and footage, with guidance from RG Pro mentors.

Recommended Materials: A computer or tablet which can access shared Google Drive files, and has Adobe Creative Cloud membership. NWFF will also have its Edit Lab available with community stations that have Adobe Premiere available for use.

Moving beyond editing, students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of motion graphics, through Adobe After Effects. Learn to create and modify existing templates, create custom animated graphics, and dabble in basic special effects. Create and share small projects throughout the workshop with guidance from an RG Pro mentor.

Recommended Materials: A computer or tablet which can access Zoom, shared Google Drive files, and has Adobe Creative Cloud membership.  NWFF will also have its Edit Lab available with community stations that have Adobe After Effects available for use.

Livestreaming and virtual video productions have now become essential tools for communicating with the public and will continue to be vital services for clients in the foreseeable future. Receive an overview of available software and technologies, best practices for livestreams and virtual productions, and receive hands-on demonstrations with various software and technologies.

Recommended Materials: A computer or tablet which can access Zoom, shared Google Drive files, and has access to Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).  NWFF will also have its Edit Lab available with community stations that have OBS available for use.