Classes and workshops home - Seattle acting classes ~ Seattle art classes ~ Seattle film classes
Seattle writing classes ~ Seattle photoshop classes ~ Contact ~ FAQ ~ Register online now

Seattle film and video classes
Spring quarter 2012
Nils Osmar, instructor 


CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 310: Filmmaking 101: Boot camp for filmmakers
CLASS 320: Documentary Filmmaking
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay!

A note from the instructor: People often ask what the differences are between my film classes. Some of them have similar titles, but they are very different classes. In a nutshell: Let's Make a Movie is a HANDS_ON class in which the students make a movie as a group. They write or choose a script, learn how to set up lights, operate the slate, record audio, and operate the camcorder, and can also act in the movie if they want to. Because we're rushing to complete a movie by the deadline, we don't have time in Let's Make a Movie to cover a lot of technical information, such as, all of different types of camcorders... the different kinds of microphones and how they work... the theory of lighting... and detailed, in-depth information about storyboarding and shot lists, etc. For that reason, we added the Filmmaking 101 class, which covers all of these things in great detail. Let's Make a Movie is an experiential class in which students learn by doing; Filmmaking 101 is where we cover all of the THEORY behind what we're doing. Documentary Filmmaking is specifically geared toward people who want to make their own documentaries. And Start writing your screenplay is a very solid introduction to screenwriting. Students who complete all four classes will receive a certificate of completion.
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
When: Thursdays 7-9:30 p.m., April 26-May 24 (five meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $150
UW Students with current ID: $140
Sign up now

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this class we'll create and film a short independent movie from scratch. Students are free to act in the movie, help write or choose a script, and help out on crew. (You can choose how you want to participate.) You'll learn how movies are made, how to operate a camcorder, set up lights, mark scenes with a slate, record audio, and more.  Everyone is welcome; no previous experience is necessary. The instructor has directed over thirty short films and three feature length movies. His films have played at international film festivals. There is a $9 materials fee payable to the instructor, due in the first class.

To visit the instructor's IMDB (professional film credits) page, click here
About the instructor ~ More info about this class This class is listed under FILM CLASSES, on the registration page

CLASS 310: Filmmaking 101: Boot camp for filmmakers
This class meets on Saturday afternoons, so it has free parking
When: Saturdays, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m., April 21-May 12 (four meetings)
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $150
UW Students with current ID: $145
Sign up now

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Want to learn the basics of filmmaking, but not ready to spend $30,000 for film school? This class will teach you what you need to know, at a tuition you can afford. You'll learn how movies are made (the three stages of production, and what needs to be done during each stage); the differences between standard and high def camcorders, consumer, prosumer and pro models, and how to find a camcorder that has the features you need, at a price you can afford; all about camera angles, including closeups, medium shots, and how to use them to tell your stories; how to record high quality audio, and avoid common audio problems; how to get your movies into film festivals; and more.

To visit the instructor's IMDB (professional film credits) page, click here
About the instructor ~ More info about this class

CLASS 320: Documentary Filmmaking
This class meets on a Sunday, so it has free parking
When: Sunday Feb. 19th only, 10 am-5 pm (one meeting)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $125
UW Students with current ID: $120
Sign up now

COURSE DESCRIPTION: You don't need a fancy camera or a lot of money to make a documentary. You just need a camcorder, a microphone, a computer for editing, and knowledge of how to go about it. In this class you'll learn how to plan and organize your documentary; how to set up and film interviews; how to get good audio and lighting under field conditions.  Students will get experience thinking up interview questions and filming an actual interview in class. Plus, tips about film festivals and distribution.

To visit the instructor's IMDB (professional film credits) page, click here
About the instructor ~ More info about this class

CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay!
When: Wednesdays, 7 pm-9 pm, April 25th-May 23rd (five meetings)
Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle
Course fee (tuition): General Public: $125
UW Students with current ID: $115
Sign up now

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this class, open to all levels, you'll learn how screenplays are written, and have opportunities to write some short scenes and "mini-scripts," hear them read aloud, and get feedback on your writings. We'll focus on plot and structure, script formatting, dialogue and action, and what goes into writing a tightly written, effective and marketable script. Plus: tips for getting an agent and pitching your screenplay. The instructor, a Seattle filmmaker, has written over 30 screenplays. His films have played at major international festivals.

To visit the instructor's IMDB (professional film credits) page, click here
About the instructor ~ More info about this class This class is listed under Writing classes on the registration page


Hi Nils, I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to the other students and to thank you. I just want to thank you for the fim making 101 classes. I never learned so much over a short period of time and remembered it. You wasted no time on the non-essentials. I greatly appreciate the fact that you were very receptive to everyone's questions. Your experience, dedication, and passion for film making made this a fantastic learning experience for me. I want you to know that taking this class has truly made a difference for me. I lost the fear to shoot and produce films. It has given me the knowledge and skills I was seeking and the confidence I need to step into film making.  I have to tell you -- you are an incredible teacher! I cannot thank you ENOUGH!    I'll definitely recommend this class to all my friends. Thanks so much for the highly engaging and inspiring class.- Justine Vega

UPCOMING CLASSES AT A GLANCE

ACTING CLASSES
CLASS 110: Beginning Acting
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 120: Actors workshop: Auditioning

ART CLASSES
CLASS 210: Drawing for Absolute Beginners
CLASS 220: Figure Drawing
CLASS 225: Drawing clothing and drapery
CLASS 230: Drawing Faces and Portraits
CLASS 240: Perspective drawing for artists
CLASS 250: Acrylic Painting for Beginners
CLASS 270: Cartooning for fun and profit
CLASS 285: Exploring Color
CLASS 290: Drawing in pen, brush & ink
CLASS 295: Fun with charcoal

FILM AND VIDEO CLASSES
CLASS 300: Let's Make a Movie
CLASS 310: Filmmaking 101
CLASS 320: Documentary Filmmaking
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay

SOFTWARE CLASSES: PHOTOSHOP
CLASS 400: Photoshop for Beginners

WRITING CLASSES
CLASS 510: Writing fiction & short stories
CLASS 550: Start writing your screenplay