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
Let's Make a Movie Sponsored by: ASUW (Associated Students University of Washington) Experimental College Spring quarter dates: Tuesdays 7 pm-9 pm ~ 7/14-8/18 (6 meetings) Where: University of Washington campus in Seattle Nils Osmar, instructor Course fee: $150
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.) See also: Beginning Acting
To sign up now, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below. If you don't see a link, go to http://www.classesandworkshops.com
Just a note to say that I loved the class. My parents and my sister came over to watch the show on T.V. It was a hoot! Thanks Nils! - V.M. (Seattle) I was really impressed with the professionalism of the movie we ended up with. Everything about it was great. The musician did a wonderful job. The class was far more than I expected. - Joe G. (Kent) The instructor was patient, flexible and informative. - M.G., Seattle Thanks for all your work on (the movie), in and out of class. It turned out great. The special effects you put in were fantastic.- George J. (Kent) Thanks for sharing your expertise, and for your encouraging attitude. - J.V. (Bellevue) The instructor was very patient and supportive. We are completing the course project, making a film, as promised. Nils has, and will continue to devote many additional hours working on the editing. I'll probably take this class again. - M.F., Seattle I couldn't believe it when I found this class. There is nothing like this in (Los Angeles). I guess because Seattle has a smaller film scene and people are still helping each other out instead of trying to rip everybody off. I am totally satisfied with the class. I learned some things and got something good for my reel. - Del M. (Seattle) Okay, I'll tell you the truth. I was scared to death. But I really enjoyed the class, and liked the show. It's fun to have done it. I'll always be able to tell people I was on T.V. - Mary L. (Bellevue) Thanks so much for the class. I had a great time, and learned what I was hoping to. - Mike G., Seattle I took your (Filmmaking Basics) class a couple of quarters ago, then (Let's Make a Movie) this quarter. Both classes were great. The Filmmaking 101 class was a ton of good information, much more than I expected to be able to cover in a few meetings. The (moviemaking) class was total fun, with the bonus that I got some experience on the set. I would highly recommend both classes to anyone interested in filmmaking. - Debbie L., Seattle
Questions and answers
What will we be doing in the class? Let's Make a Movie is a fun course in which we dive in from day one and actually make a film. Students are welcome to act in it, or help out on crew, or both. The idea is that people will learn about making a movie, and acting in one, by actually participating in making one. Can all of the students act in the movie? Absolutely. Every student who wants to be in the movie, will be in it. Who writes the script? Anyone in the class is welcome to writing the script. (We'll talk about tips for writing one in the first meeting.) Then anyone who does write a script, will be asked to bring some copies to the second class meeting, where we'll read them over and vote on which one to produce. What if no one comes up with a script? Hasn't happened yet! But if it does, we'll film one of the instructor's scripts. So whatever happens, we'll have one to film. What kind of equipment will we use? We'll use the same high-quality equipment filmmakers use when making movies for film festivals: an top of the line prosumer camcorder, professional-quality tripod, pro lighting and audio equipment. The movie will be edited using professional editing software. Is this a film class or an acting class? It's both, actually. Its a hands-on PRODUCTION class, which means most of our time is spent actually making a movie, not talking about how movies are made. If you're looking for a more technical class, which goes into detailed information about types of camcorders, lights, audio, etc., and other aspects of filmmaking, you should also take our "sister" class, Filmmaking Basics. What if I don't have any experience acting? Not a problem. Whatever your level of experience (brand new, or experienced actor), you'll get some coaching and make a film we can all be proud of. (If you're looking for a basic acting class, check out Beginning Acting What sorts of movies do you usually film in the class? In the past, we've done everything from film noire detective movies, to mockumentaries, to horror flicks, to zombie movies, to science fiction and fantasy, to humor, to romance. (Of course, we'll need to choose one that can be filmed with our existing resources.) (i.e., one that can be filmed during course hours, at the locations we have available) What will happen to the movie when it's finished? We'll upload it to YouTube, so you can all send links to your friends to see it, and it'll also play locally on Comcast cable access televiaion. Can students get copies of the finished movie? Yes, you can get as many copies as you'd like. There is a $5 charge for each copy, to cover the cost of making and mailing the DVDs. You can also watch it and share it with friends for free on UTube. Can you tell us more about your background? I started out as an actor back in the 1980s, then moved on to writing and directing stage plays in the Seattle Fringe Festival and other venues. Then in 2001, I created a weekly television series, The Edge (winner of the Best of the Northwest Award of Excellence from the Alliance for Community Media). After that, I went on to produce two full length feature films. In all, I've written and produced over thirty films, and have taught dozens of film classes and acting classes.
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, 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 Let's Make a Movie and your other class, Filmmaking Basics? 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, there's not a lot of time to sit around chatting about types of camcorders, lighting, audio, camera angles, editing, film festivals, etc.
The other class, 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 Filmmaking Basics).
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 when 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 (six meetings) Filmmaking Basics _________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