Cinematography is known as the art of motion-picture photography. Cinematographers use controllable elements such as movement, visual composition and the nature of lighting to create the visual tone of a scene. This course will give students an introduction into lighting for film and television. They will first learn standard three point setups and then, using Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras, explore more creative lighting and framing based on story motivation.  Students will also spend time in the classroom analyzing and discussing various examples of proficient cinematography from history while learning how to plan for their own lighting schemes. 

Technical Requirements: Students are welcome to bring their own cameras and equipment but are not required to do so.

Course Length: 8 weeks

Times: Wednesdays, September 30 - November 18, 2026; 6:30pm-9:30pm

Location: In-person; Chicago Filmmakers

Instructor: Jonathan Moeller

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All great films start with a blank page. Through screenings, readings, discussion, and critiques you will learn the principles of formatting, character development, dialogue, structure, narrative progression, and even what to do with your finished screenplay!

Course Length: 8 weeks

Times: Tuesdays, October 6 - November 24, 2026; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Central.

Location: Online

Instructor: Paul Peditto

Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!

Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.

Our basic production course is designed to cover key concepts and practices for making a digital film project. Topics include a thorough introduction to the professional DV camera, important aspects of lighting, sound, shot composition, camera movement, visual storytelling devices, working as a filmmaking crew, and editing. In-class demonstrations and exercises will allow students to work collaboratively on group projects as a digital cinema team.

Course Length: 10 weeks

Times: Thursdays, October 8 - December 17; 6:30 - 9:30PM. There will be NO CLASS on Thursday, November 26.

Location: In-person; Chicago Filmmakers

Instructor: Will Schneider

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This course is designed to help anyone translate their film, TV, or Web series idea into a visually driven and content driven Package, be it a short or feature length film treatment or a TV/web series Bible. In short, packaging your idea so you can pitch it. Any program that can be used to manipulate images and text is recommended for this course including Powerpoint, Keynote, Google Slides, or MS Word.

Course Length: 5 weeks

Times: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM CST

Location: Virtual

Instructor: Charles Borg

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It's time to roll up your sleeves. This screenwriting clinic will provide the individual attention, mentorship, and support needed to complete your feature narrative or documentary film script. Students will present their writing to the class for peer feedback and critique, guided by the instructor, and will be expected to revise their script regularly outside of class. Discussions will revolve around character development, plot line and structure, and effective utilization of story models. Students should already have a basic knowledge of screenwriting format; the elements of structure, plot, action, and character; and must have a current screenplay underway in order to take the class.

Course Length: 6 weeks

Times: Wednesdays, May 27 - July 1, 2026; 6:30 - 9:30 PM CST

Location: Online

Instructor: Paul Peditto

Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!

Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.

IMPORTANT NOTE:THIS IS AN ADVANCED-LEVEL COURSE. BEST FOR STUDENTS WHO ALREADY HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE WRITING IN BASIC SCREENPLAY FORM. COME PREPARED WITH YOUR ROUGH DRAFTS AND IDEAS.

This course introduces students to the foundations of producing and grounds that knowledge in a realistic approach to short filmmaking in Chicago. Students will gain a broader understanding of film financing and budgeting, the foundations of pre-production, the roles and responsibilities on a film set, and the possibilities for shorts in distribution. By the end of the class students will have gone through the process of evaluating a script for production, will be able to identify logistical roadblocks in the creative, will be able to break down a script into elements, and will be able to budget for them appropriately.

Course Length: 8 weeks

Times: Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM CST

Location: Online; Zoom

Instructor: Amy. E Powell

Become a Chicago Filmmakers member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!

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Learn how to edit using the industry-standard Adobe Premiere Pro! Topics covered include trimming, transitions, titling, sound, color correction and an introduction to visual effects. Adobe's digital editing software has long been used by professional editors around the world. This course offers a series of in-depth video tutorials for students to learn the complete process of editing on Premiere Pro, from organizing footage to uploading to the web, and weekly meetings with the instructor on Zoom to provide additional guidance. Topics covered include basic editing, trimming, transitions, titling, sound, color correction, and an intro to special effects. No previous film/video editing experience is necessary.

Course Length: 5 weeks

Times: Wednesdays, September 30 - October 28, 2026; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Central

Location: Online

Instructor: Mike Bohacz

Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!

Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.