Seattle Film Classes - Nils Osmar, instructor

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Hello. I'm Nils Osmar. This page has information about my film and video classes, which are held in Seattle, Washington.

The classes meet on the University of Washington campus, about five minutes by freeway from downtown Seattle, and are sponsored by the ASUW Experimental College, a school run by the student government at the University of Washington.

When I'm not teaching, I work as an artist, writer and filmmaker. I've produced and directed stageplays, television shows and independent films. I started making movies in 2002. Since that time, filmmaking has become a big part of my life. I've made three features and over thirty shorts, many of which have premiered at major international festivals. My films are available to watch on Youtube, Vimeo, the Wonderproductions web page, and IMDB. I've been teaching throught the Experimental College, the Wonder School and other programs for over two decades.

My upcoming classes related to film and video are listed below. For more information, click on the course title. For a quick list of dates, times and tuition, click here.

Documentary filmmaking
You don't need a fancy camera or a lot of money to make a documentary. You just need an idea, a good camcorder, a microphone and some lights, 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; how to buy or rent the equipment you need, at the best price; how to record video and audio in the field.  Plus, tips about film festivals and distribution.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

It's Time to Write Your Screenplay
In this class, you'll learn how to write a screenplay that is grounded in the traditional elements of storytelling, yet expresses something personal and unique without relying on simplistic formulas.  We'll focus on plot, genre and character development, identifying and writing for your target audience and more.  Plus, you'll learn how to find an agent and how to pitch your screenplay to buyers and producers.  We'll wrap up with a demonstration of script formatting using Final Draft.  The instructor has written and produced over thirty screenplays and teleplays, including three full-length feature films.  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

Let's Make a Movie!
In this class we'll create and film a short independent movie from scratch.  Students are free to act in it, help write or choose a script, help out on crew.  It's a fun way to find out what it feels like to be in front of the camera (or behind it), great for people thinking about producing movies of their own.  (No previous acting or filmmaking experience necessary.)  To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

Lighting for film and video
In this hands-on class, you'll learn about the types of lights that are used in filmmaking, and how to use them to make a dramatic difference in your movies. Whether you're making home movies for the fun of it, or making films to submit to film festivals... whether you're filming on actual film, or using a video camera... the information in this class can make a dramatic difference in the results. No experience necessary -- everyone is welcome. You'll learn some key lighting theory, and also get practical, hands-on experience setting up lights and using them to light different kinds of scenes. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

Beginning Acting
Acting is fun!  In this enjoyable class, held in Seattle (and open to everyone), you'll learn how to create characters, memorize dialogue, and use your voice, body and emotions as acting tools and perform short scenes onstage in front of other students.  Plus: warm-ups, theater games, improvisational acting, information about the Seattle theater scene, how to audition.  Great for beginners, and for those wanting to get back into acting after a break from it.  Instructor has participated in live theater for over twenty years as an actor, playwright, producer and director, and has taught acting classes in Seattle since 1996. He is the creator of an award-winning television series, The Edge.  His films have played at international film festivals. To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

Beginning Editing in Final Cut Pro
In this basic introductory class, aimed at beginners, you'll learn how to use the popular software program Final Cut Pro to scan in video footage from a camcorder and assemble it into professional-looking movies. Course covers basic principles, filters and effects, titles, audio, split-screen and other special effects, and exporting the finished video as a Quicktime movie. Important notes:1) Final Cut Pro runs only on Macintosh computers. If you own a P.C., I'd suggest looking for a class in Adobe Premiere instead. 2) This class is demonstration, not hands-on. That is, it's held in a regular classroom, not a computer lab. The instructor will demonstrate features of the program using a laptop hooked up to a projector. (Students with Macintosh laptops are welcome to bring them and work along with the exercises if they like) To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click on the course title to use the registration links on the class page.

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