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LET'S MAKE A MOVIE!
Next class starts on Tuesday, April 27th
Sponsored by: ASUW Experimental College

Taught by Nils Osmar  QUESTIONS? Call 206-420-1309 or email
Tuition: $200 for general public ($180 for UW students)
Dates and times:
Tuesday 7-9:30 pm, 4/27-6/1

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.

See also: Beginning acting
See also: Documentary Filmmaking
See also: Lighting for film and video
See also: It's time to write your Screenplay
See also: Improv for beginners: Acting without scripts
See also: Boot camp for filmmakers: Basic training
More info about our FILM CLASSES
More info about our ACTING CLASSES
For a full list of upcoming classes, visit: Classesandworkshops.com

To sign up now for LET'S MAKE A MOVIE, call 206-420-1309 or click the link below. If you don't see a link, go to the Let's Make a Movie class page.

Please indicate general public or UW student


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.
(Note: This class is not a subsitute for a full screenwriting course. if you're looking for a class that focuses solely on screenwriting, you should also take It's time to write your Screenplay)

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 a good script 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, and professional lighting and audio equipment. The movie will be edited using professional editing software.

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. You'll learn how movies are made, get instruction in some basic crew positions, then we'll actually make a short film. If you're looking for in depth training in camera acting technique, take
Acting for the camera first, or instead.

What if I don't have any experience acting?
If you're brand new to acting you may want to take
Beginning Acting and/or Acting for the camera first, or along with this class.

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.

Will this class teach me everything I need to know about acting and filmmaking?
No; no one class can do that. What it will do is give you practical, hands-on experience on the actual set of a movie being filmed. If you're an aspiring filmmaker wanting to learn how to make your own movies, you should also take (at a minimum)
Lighting for film and video, It's time to write your Screenplay and Boot camp for filmmakers: Basic training. If you're an aspiring actor you should also take Beginning acting, Acting for the camera and Improv for beginners: Acting without scripts.

Remember that expecting to take one film class, then know all you need to to do out and make movies professionally, is like spending one shift as a scrub nurse in a hospital, then thinking you're ready to go perform your own surgeries. Filmmaking is skilled work. Each class is important, and taken together, the same quarter or different quarters, they will help you build a full set of skills.

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.  The only limitation is that we 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 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, to cover the cost of making and mailing the DVDs.  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)

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Are these online courses? Or do they meet in a classroom?
They are in-person classes that meet in a classroom in Seattle, Washington.

Are your classes sponsored by a school?
They are sponsored by two schools: the ASUW Experimental College,
a non-credit program run by the Associated Students University of Washington (
ASUW),
and the
Wonder School of the Arts, an independent school established in 1996.

Are they accredited?
No, they're non-credit courses for personal enrichment.

Where are the classes held?
Most of them are held on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
The exact building and driving directions will be sent by email when you sign up.

Are they only for U.W. students? Or can anyone sign up?
They're open to everyone. You don't have to be a UW student.

How do I sign up?
To sign up by phone, call 206-420-1309. To sign up online,

use the Add to Cart button near the top of the page.
You'll have a choice of paying by Visa or MasterCard, Discover Card or American Exress, or Paypal.
If you'd rather pay by check,
download this form, print it, and mail it
If you have trouble downloading it, call 206-420-1309 or
email us and we'll send you a copy.

How can I make sure that a class still has openings?
If the payment links are active the class still has openings.

Can I pay using a credit card or debit card?
Yes.
We can take Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express.
To sign up online using a credit or debit card:

1) scroll up to the top of this page
2) click the Add to Cart button
3) click "proceed to checkout"
4) click at the bottom where it says,
"Use your Credit Card or Bank account"
and enter your credit card information.

Or just call 206-420-1309, and we can take your credit card over the phone.

Can I pay using Paypal?
Yes.
Just click the Add to Cart links then choose Paypal as your form of payment.

Can I pay by check?
Yes.
If you'd like to pay by check, just download this form, print it,
and mail it to the address on the form along with your check or money order.
If you have trouble downloading or printing it, call us at
206-420-1309 or
email us and we'll send you a copy.
Download registration form as .pdf - Download registration form as .html

Can I pay using cash?
Yes,
if you don't mind making a trip over to pay in person.
Call 206-420-1309 for information about how to do so.

When will I receive a confirmation?
You should receive a confirming email within 24 hours of registering.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

If you sign up for a class, then it is cancelled, you will receive
your choice of either a full cash refund or a tuition credit
good toward any of the other classes listed on this page.

If you sign up for a class, then change your mind or can't attend,
and notify us before the first meeting, you will receive your choice of either
1) a refund of the entire fee you paid for the class, minus the $10 registration fee,
or
2) a tuition voucher for the full amount paid.

If you notify us after the first class meeting, but before the second meeting,
you'll receive a tuition credit for 50 percent of the class fee.

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.

OTHER CLASSES OF INTEREST:

Acting Classes
Beginning acting
Improv for beginners
Let's make a movie
Questions and answers about our acting classes

Writing Classes
Writing fiction & short stories
It's time to write your screenplay
Questions and answers about our writing classes

Film and Video Classes
Let's make a movie
Documentary filmmaking
Lighting for film and video
It's time to write your screenplay
Video editing in Final Cut Pro
Boot camp for filmmakers: Basic training
Questions and answers about our film classes

Art Classes
Drawing for absolute beginners
Intermediate Drawing

Acrylic Painting for beginners
Figure Drawing for beginners
Cartooning
Learn to Draw Faces
How to draw clothing
Drawing in pen, brush & ink

How to make money as an artist
Questions and answers about our art classes

Computer Classes
Adobe photoshop for Beginners

Video editing in Final Cut Pro

You can pay using Visa, Mastercard, Paypal, check or cash.
To sign up, click the course title to be taken to the class page,
then click the Add to Cart link on that page.
Or call 206-420-1309 to register by phone.

MORE INFO: Classesandworkshops.com


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