ABOUT
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to inspire and educate aspiring and beginning filmmakers in the Chicago area who wish to learn from our diverse experiences as film and video producers, directors, and distributors. As the programmers of Z Film Festival and the 72HFP, we had the opportunity to bring new and unusual movies to an eager audience for more than five years. As filmmkaers and instructors at the Z School of Cinema, we want to pass on our passion for dynamic types of guerilla filmmaking to emerging talent. We know you can do it. Let us show you how to make it happen.
In order to make a movie, all it takes is a camera, some inspiration, and a little education. We can’t put a camera in your hand, but we can educate you in your chosen form, and show you examples that are sure to inspire you and make you think. Our classes offer all the nuts and bolts practical advice and instruction, peppered with history, aesthetics, theory, and real anecdotal evidence that you can make something amazing out of almost nothing.
Our classes are far from typical film school fare. Our subjects are unconventional (just take a peek at our course offerings). But beyond that, we try to teach you the things that can only be learned by diving in head first and creating. Experiential teaching is our method. Every student is expected to emerge with something to show to an audience (whether it be on-line, at film festivals, or on DVD). We will act as the tour guide on the path to realizing your own unique vision. There is no one way to make movies, and we’ll help you find a way that works for you.
CLASS SIZE
Minimum 4 students, maximum 12 students
DURATION
Every session is 8 weeks in length, with an additional meeting to present final projects if needed. Classes meet once per week for three hours (or four hours if a feature-length movie is screened). Students are encouraged to communicate with instructor and classmates outside of class as needed.
FORMAT
Most classes will consist of discussion, critique, screenings, one reading assignment, and one writing, research, or production assignment each week. Classes are tailored toward the main interests of the students, so if there's something in particular you want to learn, we'll teach it. There may be optional movie screenings outside of class, and students are encouraged, but not required, to attend.
TUITION & FEES
The tuition for each 8-week class is $425. This covers instruction, meeting space, movie rentals (where applicable), and a packet of course readings. Instructors may require a materials fee for certain classes. This will be indicated in the class description and will not exceed $25. Apply with a friend, and both students get a $50 discount!
LOCATION
Classes will be held at Artvamp Studio, in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood (near Halsted and Randolph). The exact address will be provided at time of enrollment.
PREREQUISITES
Instructors do NOT provide production or lighting equipment, computers, or editing software to students. Make certain that you will have access to some kind of video camera and desktop editing software (or a professional editing suite). You may elect to rent or borrow this equipment when ready to produce your final project. We can recommend good economical options, and show you how to get some equipment and services for no cost at all.
GRADES
We do not give letter grades, however we do offer a full and detailed written and/or verbal critique of all assignments. Students are given a certificate of completion if they successfully finish all assignments the final project.
REFUNDS
A partial refund can be obtained before the day of the first class (a $125 processing fee will be charged). There will be no refunds issued on or after 12:01 a.m. on the day of the first class, even if the student does not or can not attend classes.