Fun, affordable classes in the arts, offered through one of Seattle's most respected noncredit schools.
For a full list of Seattle acting classes, writing classes, art classes, film classes and more, visit http://www.classesandworkshops.com

Filmmaking basics

Sponsored by the ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College
Location: University of Washington campus in Seattle ~
Nils Osmar, instructor
Fridays, 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings)~ Course fee: $99
See also:
Let's Make a Movie

Filmmaking is fun! In this enjoyable, information-packed class, you'll learn about:
- HOW MOVIES ARE MADE, step by step
- CAMERAS AND CAMCORDERS (you'll learn the differences between standard def and high def camcorders; consumer, prosumer and pro cmodels; and how to find a camera that has the features you need, but fits your budget)
- MICROPHONES and audio (you'll learn how to record high quality sound for your film)
- how to set up LIGHTING, and use it to create fun visual effects;
- CAMERA ANGLES: when to use closeups, medium shots and other angles to tell your story;
- how to find and work with ACTORS and CREW;
- how to enter your movie in FILM FESTIVALS, and get it distributed;
- a demonstration of EDITING using Final Cut Pro;
- and more. 

Whether you're making a comedy or an action movie, or just making a home movie just for fun.... whether you have a high end camcorder, or an inexpensive one... whether you're making a movie as a hobby, or planning onb a career as a filmmaker... this class will answer your questions and get you off to a good start.

To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the Add to Cart button below. If you don't see a button, go to http://www.classesandworkshops.com


Student comments

I'm glad I took the class before buying a camcorder! I would have wasted a couple thousand dollars on the one I was planning to buy. - Ahmed C., Tacoma

The instructor is professional and well organized and had patience for questions from beginners. I will recommend the class to my friends. - R.W., Seattle

Okay I took your class and I finnnnnnnally know what a best boy is!! Plus a million other things I was wondering about. Thanks for all the fun and helpful info. - Megan R., Seattle

I took your advice about how to camcorder for "free" - it was a win-win situation - worked great! - Neil G.

I like how you have the Let's Make a Movie class for hands-on and the Filmmaking introduction for all of the tech stuff. - Shelley R., Everett

The demonstrations on audio, focusing, and depth of field were great. I learned exactly what I have been wanting (and needing) to. - Chris L., Seattle

Thanks for showing us how to make a low budget movie look great. - H.T., Seattle

... just to say thank you for the class Nils, it was really good. I feel like I'm on track now to make more professional movies and actually start getting them into film festivals. Thanks for all the work you put into the course. - Alan D., Bellevue

Questions and answers

Can you tell me more about the instructor?
Nils has made his living in the arts for over twenty years, working as a writer, illustrator, and filmmaker. He is the creator of an award-winning television series (The Edge), and has made over thirty shorts and three full length feature films. His films have played in both local and international festivals, and won numerous awards.

What's the difference between Filmmaking Basics and your other class, Let's Make a Movie?
Filmmaking Basics is a lecture/discussion course (with some hands-on) that covers all the information you need to know to make your own film-festival quality movies. (If you want to learn how to make good movies, there are a lot of things to learn, and we cover them in depth in this class).

The other course, Let's Make a Movie is a production class in which we dive in from day one and actually make a movie, with the students in the class as the cast and crew. Because we're racing the clock to complete a movie in six weeks in Let's Make a Movie, there's no time to sit around chatting about types of camcorders, lighting, audio, camera angles, editing, film festivals, etc.

The classes can be taken together or separately. We recommend taking them both to get the full experience of both learning about filmmaking and making a movie in class.

Another good class of interest to filmmakers is It's Time to Write Your Screenplay

How do I sign up?
To register, call 206-420-1309, or use the Add to Cart buttons above. Online registrations will be handled securely by Paypal Merchant Services.

Does that mean I need to have a Paypal account to sign up?
No. You can use Paypal if you want, or pay using any Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.

How do I pay using a credit card?
Start by clicking the Add to Cart button, then click "proceed to checkout." You'll be taken to a page where you can choose how to pay. If you want to use your credit card just click at the bottom where it says "Use your Credit Card or Bank account," then enter your credit card information.

Can I pay by check?
Yes. If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it, and mail it in with your check or money order. If you have trouble downloading or printing out the form, email Seattleworkshops@aol.com and we'll mail you a form.

How soon will I receive a confirmation email after I sign up?
You should receive a confirming email within a few hours of registering (usually sooner). If you don't get a confirming email, call or email
Nils Osmar, instructor at 206-420-1309 Seattleworkshops@aol.com or Nilsosmar@gmail.com

What is your refund policy?
1) If you sign up for a class, and then it is cancelled, or if the date or location are changed in a way that prevents you from attending, you will receive your choice of either a full refund, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 2) If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or are unable to attend, and notify the instructor before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either a refund of 2/3 of the course fee, or a tuition voucher for the full amount paid. 3) If you notify the instructor after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting, that you have decided not to attend you will receive your choice of either a refund of 1/3 of the course fee or a tuition voucher in the amount of 2/3 of the amount paid. 4) If you attend some meetings of a class but miss some meetings, you can make up the meetings you missed the following quarter at no charge.

Wonder School home page
Nils Osmar home page

Other summer quarter classes

Art classes in Seattle
Drawing for absolute beginners ___ SATURDAYS 9 am-10:45 am ___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Learn to Draw Faces ___________ SATURDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Figure Drawing __________________ SATURDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/11-8/1 (four meetings)
Cartooning 101 __________________SUNDAYS 11 am-12:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings)
Perspective Drawing for Beginners____SUNDAYS 1 pm-2:45 pm___7/19-8/9 (four meetings)
Acrylic Painting for Beginners ____________SUNDAYS 3 pm-5 pm__7/19-8/9 (four meetings)
Exploring Color _________________SUNDAY 10 am-5 pm___ 7/12 only (one-day workshop)

Writing classes in Seattle
Writing Fiction and Short Stories ______WEDNESDAYS 7/15-8/12, 7 pm-9 pm (five meetings)
It's Time to Write Your Screenplay_THURSDAYS, 7/16-8/13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (five meetings)

Photoshop classes in Seattle
Adobe Photoshop __________FRIDAYS 7/10-7/24___7 pm-9:15 pm___ (three meetings)

Acting & Filmmaking classes in Seattle
Let's Make a Movie ___________________ TUESDAYS 7/14-8/18 (five meetings)
Filmmaking for Beginners _________FRIDAYS 7/31-8/21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (four meetings)
Documentary Filmmaking___SUNDAY 8/16 only (one-day workshop)
Beginning Acting ____MONDAYS 7/13-8/10, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (five meetings) ***

*** all classes are held on or near the UW campus in Seattle, except for Beginning Acting, which is held at the Seattle Center/Center House. Exact locations and driving directions will be emailed out when you sign up

Questions? Call 206-420-1309 or email Seattleworkshops@aol.com