 
Take any 3 or more classes and receive $10 off the price of each!
*IFP Certification available.
Introduction to Video Production – Learning the Techniques*
Instructor: Alex Brown
7 sessions: Wednesdays, January 20–March 3, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: January 13
Tuition: $280/$235 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
This course is designed for all skill and interest levels - beginners, video enthusiasts, and more experienced students needing a refresher course. Students will gain hands-on production experience using digital video. We’ll focus on directing the camera, lighting for video, and sound recording. We’ll also examine video production techniques of various film forms and genres through a mixture of screenings, discussions, and hands-on exercises. There will be only a minimal amount of hands-on editing during the course. Tuition includes camera rental for use outside of class.
Principles of Editing
Instructor: Christopher Mick
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, March 6–7, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: February 27
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 15 students
Why does 2001: A Space Odyssey have the greatest jump cut of all time? Why are “L” cuts a better option for your film than a straight cut? What is “fractured time” anyway? And can someone please explain “montage” to me? Many believe that editing is the singular aspect that makes film an art form distinct from any other.
This two-day immersion into the world of editing will provide an invaluable resource for both beginning and continuing filmmakers. We’ll examine editing strategies from pre-production through post. The use of sound design, camera blocking, and actor placement will be just a few of the elements that will be analyzed and broken down. The class will explore editing approaches based on subject matter, psychological conditions, thematic elements, and mood. We'll analyze specific films and directors for an understanding of a consistency of visual language and presentation.
Students are encouraged to bring in their current or future project ideas to help them develop a successful editing strategy. There will be a lunch break each session.
Introduction to Editing with Final Cut Pro 6*
Instructor: Eric Weidmann
Section 1: Saturday–Sunday, January 30–31, 10am–4pm
Section 2: Saturday–Sunday, March 20–21, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadlines: Sec. 1 – January 23; Sec. 2 – March 13
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students each section
This course covers basic non-linear editing techniques with Final Cut Pro 6 software through demonstrations and hands-on instruction and footage provided by the instructor. Topics include using the interface to cut and rearrange media, organizing your browser, applying transitions, achieving a competent audio mix, titling, capturing/importing video and other media, exporting/compressing your project, setting scratch discs, and taking charge of media management. Previous Macintosh experience is required. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Intermediate Editing with Final Cut Pro 6
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, February 27–28, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: February 20
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
In this two-day workshop you'll continue to explore digital editing and learn some of the more advanced features of Final Cut Pro 6. Topics include animating stills by setting keyframes and creating motion paths, troubleshooting your audio mix, and color-correcting footage. Basic Final Cut Pro experience is required to attend this workshop. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Advanced Editing with Final Cut Pro 6
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, March 13–14, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: March 6
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
In this workshop you'll learn advanced features of digital editing with Final Cut Pro 6. Topics include editing dialogue, working effectively with b-roll and managing your workflow. IFP’s Intermediate Editing with Final Cut Pro class or equivalent experience is required to attend this workshop. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Basics of HDV Cinematography
Instructor: Jon Springer
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, January 30–31, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: January 23
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 12 students
Good cinematography begins with knowing the capabilities of your equipment. This workshop covers the basic principles of HDV cinematography and provides an overview of the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2, Canon XH-A1, and JVC GY-HD110 camcorders. You'll learn how to utilize cameras, light, space, sound, and subject in order to maximize the quality of your movie. Learn what gear to use (and what not to use) and how to avoid editing jams by shooting with purpose and forethought. Some basics of HD and DV post-production workflow will be covered. There will be a lunch break each session.
Documentary Nuts & Bolts
Instructor: Dawn Mikkelson
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, February 27–28, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: February 20
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 15 students
How do you make a documentary film, let alone one that people will line up to see (besides your family)? Documentary Nuts & Bolts covers all the basics, plus you’ll receive insider tips for creating a compelling documentary. This workshop will cover:
• Getting started even if you don’t have funding
• Storytelling techniques
• Identifying documentary styles and developing your own
• Shot lists, b-roll, and "flat art" options
• Strategies for getting a compelling interview
• Hands-on experience with camera and lighting equipment, including a lighting demonstration by cinematographer Jon Springer
• Final Cut Pro editing demonstration
• Research (content, stock music and footage)
• Overcoming the biggest hurdle every project faces (hint: it’s not funding!)
• Connecting with the local documentary filmmaking community
Producing a Documentary Film
Instructor: Dawn Mikkelson
6 sessions: Tuesdays, January 26–March 9 (no class February 23), 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: January 19
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
So you have a story idea, the technical and creative skills to make a documentary film, and perhaps have even done some shooting. What now? This intensive and individualized course focuses on the first steps to launch your specific project into production by creating the tools you need for fundraising, with an eye on distribution. You’ll have the unique opportunity to work with award-winning documentary producer/filmmaker Dawn Mikkelson to create these tools, which include a solid trailer and fundraising grant (based on the ITVS grant). The course goals and objectives are:
• To understand the process of working as an independent documentary producer in the critical early stages of a feature documentary project
• To think outside-the-box in overcoming fundraising challenges
• To acquire real-life experience in story development, fundraising, scheduling, and problem solving – all with an eye on distribution from the start
Expect hands-on learning combined with intensive focus on navigating the independent documentary film industry. Basic video production and Final Cut Pro experience is required. Bring footage to the first class session if you have it. This class is taught in lab form, so you’ll be working on your individual project relentlessly.
Finding Funding for Your Documentary 
Instructor: Erika Johnson
1 session: Saturday, February 6, 10am–5pm
Reg. deadline: January 30
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 30 students
This one-day seminar is designed for those needing practical tips and pointers on how to find and raise money for their non-fiction documentaries and video productions. Students will gain skills and knowledge on creating a budget and proposal packet, researching and finding different funding sources, crafting their “ask,” creating a team, having confidence, and using good body language and listening skills when approaching potential funders, as well as working up the ladder to the big dogs and going for it.
This course will also provide tips on managing expenses throughout production and editing to avoid the pitfalls that can eat up a budget. Ms. Johnson will share her experience in working with crews on location and maintaining good relations with clients throughout completion of the project. She will also share what has worked—and hasn’t—in finding funding, finding distribution, networking, locking in investors, and making money. There will be a lunch break.
Producing the Short Film
Instructor: Dain Ingebretson
4 sessions: Saturdays, February 6–27, 10am–1pm
Reg. deadline: January 30
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
You want to produce a short. You've got your script. You've got your budget (more or less). Now what? Employing the skills and techniques of production managers and assistant directors, you'll organize your project into a smooth operating machine so you can focus on directing once the camera rolls or use the knowledge gained to firm up grant proposals.
In session one we cover the technical basics of directing, including scope assessment and full breakdowns, with overheads, stripboards, and scheduling. Session two is about the producing tasks of coordinating money and people using the breakdowns of session one and covers the basics of building a production book. Sessions three and four are for review and practicum where we prepare your own projects for production.
Getting it Right with Actors
Instructor: Patricia McKee
6 sessions: Mondays, February 1–March 8, 7–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: January 25
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
Actors speak a different language—one that good directors must know in order to get the performance they’re after. This course will teach directors how to translate ideas, concepts, and emotional impact into actable moments and scenes. Directors will learn how to help actors pinpoint what to do rather than how to be. The end result will be a specific and compelling performance that supports the writing and your intentions as a filmmaker.
Directors are encouraged to workshop their own current or future film work. Workshop scenes will be cast with fellow classmates. Students will cast actors for final scene work to be presented during the last class meeting.
AUDIO
Introduction to Pro Tools LE 7*
Instructor: Dawn Schot Klotzbach
5 sessions: Tuesdays, January 26–February 23, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: January 19
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max. enrollment: 4 students
Fix your weakest link! Oftentimes, beginning filmmakers, animators, and motion media artists overlook the importance of quality sound, causing their work to suffer from distracting glitches and a lack of a professional feel. Oscar-winning sound designers know that to create seamless sound you need to put in 15 hours (or more) of work for every minute of finished sound. What is it that they do to create realistic, intimate-sounding tracks that add life, impact, and emotion to their work?
You’ll learn how to use Pro Tools LE (for Macintosh) and the Mbox system to clean up dialogue tracks, create sound effects and ambience tracks, and edit, mix, and massage your audio to enhance its realism and make it sparkle. We’ll cover importing/recording audio to Pro Tools, managing file structure, edit modes and tools, creating a mix, burning CD-Rs, and using effects to improve and enhance your audio. We’ll also briefly discuss MIDI and other advanced features in Pro Tools as well. Students will be entitled to lab time outside of class using the system to complete small assignments. Space is limited – register early!
Film and Video Scoring Techniques: Make the Scene!*
Instructor: Greg Stevens
4 Sessions: Saturday–Sunday, February 20–21 & March 6–7, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: February 13
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max enrollment: 5 students
Audio can make or break a movie scene. In this hands-on course you’ll learn practical yet effective ways to elevate and enhance a scene using Final Cut Pro by tying in the best use of music, foley, and sound effects.
The first two sessions we’ll analyze both good and bad examples of scene scoring, working with unscored scenes and audio/music cues provided by the instructor. Students are also encouraged (but not required) to bring to the first session scenes with location audio only, as well as some original music. The instructor will address the importance of planning your music in pre-production to avoid pitfalls later on in post and will provide resources for music cues, soundscapes, and foley sounds. Linear editing with Final Cut Pro and techniques for streamlining scoring options will be covered, laying the groundwork for an assignment for the second weekend.
The third and fourth sessions we’ll review rough cut scenes and further experiment with foley and the music sequence, as well as adding sound effects. We’ll discuss the mixdown and timing of the foley and music combined with the field recording/voice track. Students will then practice alternative approaches to scoring the existing scenes for group review and critique. Both the beginner and advanced filmmaker with a basic knowledge of Final Cut Pro 6 or higher are welcome in this course.
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