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Let's Make a Movie!

COURSE DESCRIPTION
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, and help out on crew. (It's also fine to just sit back and watch and take notes, if you like.) LET'S MAKE A MOVIE is a fun way to find out what it feels like to be in front of the camera (or behind it), and is helpful for people thinking about producing movies of their own. The instructor has produced over thirty shorts and four full length features, and has taught acting and filmmaking for over ten years. His films have played in major international film festivals. LET'S MAKE A MOVIE is: a FILM class where you'll learn how movies are made, step by step ...an ACTING class where students who want to be in the movie, can get some experience acting for the camera (you can choose whether to act in the movie, help out on crew, or just watch and take notes)... and a PRODUCTION class where you'll have fun while actually making a short independent movie with the rest of the class. More Seattle film classes

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Nils Osmar
has made his living in the arts for over twenty years. He began making movies in 2001. He has taught filmmaking classes in Seattle since 2003. His films have played at major international film festivals. Nils Osmar home page

WHEN: This class is offered every quarter. For dates, times and registration links, click the COURSE TITLE on the top of this page, to go to the CLASS PAGE.

WHERE: This class is sponsored by the Associated Students University of Washington Experimental College and is held on the University of Washington campus in Seattle (Note: The class is open to the general public. You don't have to be a U.W. student to sign up.)

HOW TO SIGN UP
To sign up by phone, call 206-420-1309 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

To sign up online, click on Add to Cart button at the top of this page. (If you don't see an Add to Cart button, click here to go to the Let's Make a Movie class page. It looks just like this page but has active links) If you use the Add to Cart button to sign up, you can choose to pay using credit card, debit card, or Paypal.

To pay using a credit or debit card: 1) Click the Add to Cart button. 2) Click "proceed to checkout." 3) Click at the bottom where it says, "Use your Credit Card or Bank account"and enter your credit card information. Or if you'd rather use Paypal, just click the Add to Cart button then choose Paypal as your payment option.

To pay by check, download the registration form, print it, and mail it to the address on the form along with your check or money order. Download registration form as .pdf - Download registration form as .html

Frequently asked questions
Policies and procedures

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 short independent movie.  The idea is that people will learn about making a movie, and acting in one, by actually participating in making one.

Can everyone act in the movie?
Absolutely.  Every student who wants to be in the movie, will be in it. (You don't have to, though. Some people sign up just to learn about filmmaking, and help out on the crew. You can do either, or both.)

Who writes the script?
Anyone in the class is welcome to writing the script. We'll talk about tips for writing a good script in the first meeting. Then anyone who does write one, will be asked to bring some copies to the second class meeting, where we'll read them aloud and vote on which one to produce.

What kind of equipment will we use?
We'll use the same high-quality equipment filmmakers use when making movies for film festivals: a top of the line prosumer camcorder, professional-quality tripod, and professional lighting and audio equipment.

Is Let's Make a Movie a film class or an acting class?
It's both. It's a hands-on production class, which covers information of interest to both the actors and filmmakers.

I notice it meets on the U.W. campus. Are most of the people who take the class, University of Washington students?
Our enrollment is usually about 1/3 U.W. students, and 2/3 members of the general public. The folks who sign up end to be of all different ages and backgrounds.

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, horror flicks, zombie movies, action movies, science fiction and fantasy, satire, humor, and romance. Sky's the limit!

What will happen to the movie when it's finished?
We'll upload it to online, so you can send links to your friends to see it. And if the students want, it can also play locally on Comcast cable T.V.

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.  You can also watch it and share it with friends for free online.

Student comments

I'd actually like to thank you. After taking your (Beginning Acting and Let's Make a Movie) classes last year, I now have had two acting gigs. One in a movie called Sideways Japan... it was a Fox production... and I was in a commercial in Hollywood, that was a Time Warner production. The reel we made was very useful helping me perform in front of camera and the fact the directors thought I was funny and comfortable in front of camera got me the gigs. So your class I did pick up some pointers and payed attention. Tell everyone to not give up and give it your all if you want to make it. It was a slow start, but now im living in la and loving it. Thanks again, your classes are good. -K. S., Hollywood

I saw a class similar to this at _____ but they wanted $8,000.00 for it! Thank you for a fun learning experience and for keeping it affordable! - Sharon B., Seattle

Thanks for teaching the class! The wrap party was a blast. It was fun seeing our class movie on a big screen...- S.G., Seattle

I was hoping to learn some basics about filmmaking and see how it was all done. That's exactly what I got. I will recommend the class to my friends. - J.G., Seattle

Just a note to say that I loved the class. Thanks Nils! - V.M. (Seattle)

I was impressed with the professionalism of the movie we ended up with. Everything about it was great. The class was far more than I expected. - Joe G. (Kent)

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

It was nice being able to choose, we could be in the film, or be on the crew, or just watch. I did crew this time around but I'll be taking it again and try acting. - Brad R., Bellevue

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. - 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 Beginning Acting in the summer then took Let's Make a Movie this quarter. I would highly recommend both classes to anyone interested in acting or filmmaking. - Debbie L., Seattle

Other classes of interest:
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Seattle acting classes
Seattle writing classes
Seattle software classes

Art classes
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Storyboarding
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Acting Classes
Beginning acting
Let's make a movie

Film Classes
Let's make a movie
Lighting for filmmakers
Documentary filmmaking
Boot camp for filmmakers: Basic training
Video editing in Final Cut Pro
It's time to write your screenplay
Audio training for filmmakers
Storyboarding

Writing Classes
It's time to write your screenplay
Writing fiction & short stories

Software classes
Photoshop for Beginners
Final Cut Pro for Beginners

Questions?
Email Nilsosmar@gmail.com or call 206-420-1309