 
Take any 3 or more classes and receive $10 off the price of each!
*IFP Certification available.
Introduction to Video Production – Learning the Techniques*
Instructor: Jon Springer
7 sessions: Wednesdays, July 14–August 25, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: July 7
Tuition: $310/$265 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
This course is designed for all skill and interest levels - beginners, video enthusiasts, and more experienced students needing a refresher course. Students will gain hands-on production experience using digital video by participating in the scripting and shooting of a short in-class film project. The instruction will focus on the basics of good cinematography (including HD), lighting techniques, continuity, directing, and sound recording. The language of film will be explored through a combination of screenings, discussions, and the in-class project. There will be only a minimal amount of hands-on editing during the course. Tuition includes camera rental for use outside of class.
DSLR Filmmaking – An Overview
Instructor: Jesse Roesler
2 sessions: Mondays, August 23–30, 7–9pm
Reg. deadline: August 16
Tuition: $95/$70 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
Digital SLRs are revolutionizing the digital filmmaking world now that it is possible to capture 1080p footage through camera bodies that previously shot only still images. Moving images that cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II capture are breathtaking, and when captured and graded correctly, can rival that of cameras ten times the cost.
This workshop will look at the world of DSLR filmmaking through the lens of the Canon 5D Mark II and its DSLR video-capable companions. We’ll discuss and sample production techniques and accessories and discover the best ways to shoot video with a DSLR (lens choice, audio, monitors, and more). We’ll also take an in-depth look at the best post-production practices for DLSR footage with respect to intake, compression, editing, and color grading. Students who have video-capable DSLRs are encouraged to bring them to the workshop.
Visions of Sound: The Art of the Music Video 
Instructor: Justin Staggs
4 sessions: Saturdays–Sundays, September 11, 12, 18 & 19, 10am–5pm
Reg. deadline: September 3
Tuition: $315/$265 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
This immersive two-weekend course will cover just about anything and everything related to cutting edge music video production, including:
•The history and appreciation of the music video art form
• How to create a professional music video treatment
• How to script and storyboard a video concept
• Basic production design and art department
• Basic frame composition, 3-point lighting, and cinematography styles
• The hands-on production of a music video for a local recording artist
• How to use Final Cut Pro editing software and editing with style
• Basic keyframe animation, green screen processes, and video coloring
In addition to the hands-on creation of a music video, students will also develop their own music video concepts and create a professional presentation.
Introduction to Editing with Final Cut Pro 7*
Instructor: Eric Weidmann
Section 1: Saturday–Sunday, July 24–25, 10am–4pm
Section 2: Saturday–Sunday, September 11–12, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadlines: Sec. 1 – July 17; Sec. 2 – September 3
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students each section
This course covers basic non-linear editing techniques with Final Cut Pro 7 software through demonstrations and hands-on instruction and footage provided by the instructor. Topics include using the interface to cut and rearrange media, organizing your browser, applying transitions, achieving a competent audio mix, titling, capturing/importing video and other media, exporting/compressing your project, setting scratch discs, and taking charge of media management. Previous Macintosh experience is required. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Final Cut Pro Refresher
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
1 session: Saturday, July 31, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: July 24
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
Has it been a while since you've studied or used Final Cut Pro? This refresher course can help bring you back up to speed. This one-day, hands-on workshop will refresh your knowledge of the basics including: an orientation to the interface and basic functionality such as importing, organizing your material in the browser, cutting on the timeline versus marking in and out points in the viewer, common keyboard shortcuts for transitions, navigation, and cursor states, a quick review of creating a competent basic audio mix, and exporting for common viewing formats including YouTube.
Intermediate Editing with Final Cut Pro 7
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, August 21–22, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: August 14
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
In this two-day workshop you'll continue to explore digital editing and learn some of the more advanced features of Final Cut Pro 7. Topics include animating stills by setting keyframes and creating motion paths, troubleshooting your audio mix, and color-correcting footage. Basic Final Cut Pro experience is required to attend this workshop. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Basics of HDV Cinematography
Instructor: Jon Springer
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, August 14–15, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: August 7
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 12 students
Good cinematography is much more than just getting access to the right equipment. The camera is a tool, and learning how to use this tool is an essential part of creating effective, professional looking shots. This workshop will cover the basic principles of achieving excellent HDV cinematography through an in-depth examination of composition, lighting, depth-of-field, and continuity. Each class session will be divided into discussion and hands-on camera/lighting exercises. The workshop will also provide a technical overview of the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2, Canon XH-A1, and JVC GY-HD110 camcorders. There will be a lunch break each session.
Beginning Adobe After Effects CS5*
Instructor: Nicholas Bochek
4 sessions: Wednesdays, September 1–22, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: August 25
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
In this introductory course, you’ll learn through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice all the basic tools and skills necessary for creating fantastic, realistic digital effects for your creative endeavor. The course focus will be on creating specific practical effects in Adobe After Effects, a powerful compositing and animation program in the filmmaker’s toolbox. Any level of filmmaker who has basic Photoshop and Final Cut Pro experience will be able to complete the course assignments.
So the next time you want an action scene in your movie where 12 mobsters are having a shoot-out in a dark alley in the middle of the night in an urban city, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to make that happen safely and without the need for insurance or a certified 1st AD! Adobe After Effects will help you reduce your budget while increasing your project’s vision. Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro is required. Space is limited - register early!
Documentary Nuts & Bolts
Instructor: Dawn Mikkelson
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, July 31–August 1, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: July 24
Tuition: $150/$115 members/$100 MHS 1968 Project registrants
Max. enrollment: 15 students
How do you make a documentary film, let alone one that people will line up to see (besides your family)? Documentary Nuts & Bolts covers all the basics, plus you’ll receive insider tips for creating a compelling documentary. This workshop will cover:
• Getting started even if you don’t have funding
• Storytelling techniques
• Identifying documentary styles and developing your own
• Shot lists, b-roll, and "flat art" options
• Strategies for getting a compelling interview
• Hands-on experience with camera and lighting equipment, including a lighting demonstration by cinematographer Jon Springer
• Final Cut Pro editing demonstration
• Research (content, stock music and footage)
• Overcoming the biggest hurdle every project faces (hint: it’s not funding!)
• Connecting with the local documentary filmmaking community
If you are new to documentary filmmaking, this is the workshop for you, especially if you plan on submitting a film to the Minnesota Historical Society’s 1968 Project documentary film competition (www.1968project.com).
AUDIO
Principles of Film Sound Design
Instructor: Dawn Schot Klotzbach
1 session: Saturday, July 24, 10am–5pm
Reg. deadline: July 17
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 20 students
How did they create that laser sound for Star Wars? How can you mix sound for a battle scene without it becoming a mess? How can music and sound effects work together at the same time without masking each other? And what is the “Wilhelm Scream” anyway? Starting with Walter Murch, the first credited sound designer, you’ll learn how sound designers have long been creating the magic that tricks our minds into believing what we see on the screen is real.
The first half of the day will focus on history and practice of sound for film. We’ll study sound design in movies such as George Lucas’ THX 1138, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now, and Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. After a lunch break we’ll cover the facilities and equipment used for sound, and sound sources. We’ll watch documentaries on some of the great sound designers, such as Randy Thom, Ben Burtt, and Skip Lievsay, and learn about their strategies and tips. You'll leave with insights and inspiration for creating your own sound for film.
The Voice and Film
Instructors: Sarah Jones-Larson & Paul Bernhardt
1 session: Sunday, August 8, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: July 30
Tuition: $175/$140 members
Max. enrollment: 15 students
This hands-on workshop will consider the narrator's role and explore the use of voice in film. We will begin by examining the mode of address employed in a selection of films and television productions. Students will narrate real copy under the direction of experienced voice talent, then hear and see it as part of a sample film project. The instructors will also demonstrate how to get good sound with basic gear in home recording environments.
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