This course covers everything from theory to actor preparation to performance, and it is designed for students with no experience as well as those with some acting background. The class will introduce students to techniques utilized by some of the world’s greatest actors.
No online registration for library classes, call 412-681-5449 x 202 for information or to register.
This course has been CANCELED.Designed to give an awareness and understanding of the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography as a fine art, this is a practical and theoretical course. Through a series of lectures and labs, students learn the process of seeing (making an exposure) and craftsmanship (making a photographic print). Some shooting assignments include using depth of field, light as subject, the self portrait and portraiture. 35mm cameras for this class are available for checkout at the equipment office. Students are expected to purchase their own film and photographic paper. Grading is based on assignments, written exams and a final portfolio. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
This course is an introduction to the critical viewing and understanding of film as an art form. Students learn the vocabulary necessary to analyze film. The function of various film elements is discussed and examples are shown in class from narrative feature films, animation, documentaries and experimental films. Students develop the skills necessary to view, appreciate, understand and discuss film as a complex art, capable of multiple modes of expression and meaning. Grading is based on written exams, homework and attendance. Outside viewing may be required. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
This course deals with a variety of techniques using the camera as a tool for visual information outside of its normal function. The course considers the history of cameras and accessory devices including the camera obscura, antique cameras and lenses. Students make their own pinhole cameras, create camera-less imagery in the darkroom or digital lab and use their traditional cameras in non-traditional ways. Digital or film cameras may be used for all class assignments. Extensive outside work is necessary. Grading is based on participation in class, assignments and on a final portfolio. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee will be charged. 42 classroom hours.
Mondays 6:00 - 9:30 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1 O’Sullivan
The story of who controls the scissors in the film industry is a fascinating one. Discussions will cover
early fears of immorality in the movies and local censorship boards, the formation of the iron-clad
Production Code, the evolution of the MPAA ratings system, as well as current controversies. Students
will watch examples of films that caused the censors to have conniptions, from 1930 to 1970,
including Midnight Cowboy. Grading is based on class participation and one short paper.
Mondays 6:00 - 9:30 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29 O’Sullivan
Citizen Kane was not initially a box-office hit yet it’s now widely-regarded as the best American film
ever made. Students will watch and analyze groundbreaking movies that forever changed the way
narrative films were made, considering the contributions of directors who were ahead of their time.
Grading is based on class participation and one short paper.
Mondays 6:00 - 9:30 11/5, 11/12, 11/26, 12/3 O’Sullivan
In the 1950s, when televisions first made an appearance in the living rooms of America, the film industry feared it was a death sentence. In fact, it sparked a creative period, as movies attempted to give audiences what they couldn’t get at home. Whole new genres were born (such as the Teen Picture). Technical innovations include: widescreen, color, 3D, and stereo sound. Students will watch and discuss Rebel Without a Cause and more. Grading is based on class participation and one short paper.
In this advanced 16mm filmmaking class groups of students work together to make a 16mm film with the instructor’s close supervision. At the beginning of the term students may submit scripts for consideration, and the class will choose the projects that will be produced. Each production team will prepare a detailed budget and do all necessary pre-production for their movie, and they will work together as a crew to shoot, edit and finish the film. Each chosen project will be supported by Pittsburgh Filmmakers with an allotment of 16mm film stock, significantly limiting the expenses for individual students. All participating students will receive screen credit and a copy of the finished film. Issues of sync sound and digital post-production are covered in this course. A fully edited film with edited soundtracks (voice, music, sound effects, etc.) must be completed by the end of the term. All projects are shot on film, but students edit digitally. Students who want to propose a script to the class should bring a written film treatment to the first class. Extensive outside work is necessary. All equipment is provided, but students pay for lab expenses and any supplies required for their group project. Grading is based on the quality of the student’s work, completing various stages of the process on a schedule and one written exam. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
This class has been CANCELED.Advanced students may elect to study film or video production, photography or digital media on an independent basis by: 1) securing the permission of the instructor with whom you wish to study; 2) writing a preliminary proposal for your independent study; 3) discussing your proposal with your instructor and finalizing it by completing an Independent Study Contract. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. By Appointment. Equivalent to 42 classroom hours.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the possibilities that digital technology offers for the manipulation of still images, sound, and motion pictures. After introducing beginners to the Macintosh Operating System, the course allows students to use Final Cut to edit video and sound and Photoshop to manipulate still images and text. Access to Macintosh computers with the necessary software is provided. Grading is based on assignments, a written exam and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
Motion Picture Fundamentals is a hands-on introduction to key photographic concepts and the core concepts of self-expression with moving images. Students shoot photographs, digital video and motion picture film to learn the basic principles and techniques of light, composition, camerawork, editing and storytelling. All equipment is provided, including 35mm still cameras, mini-DV video cameras, super-8 film cameras and digital workstations with Apple’s Final Cut editing program. Those unfamiliar with Mac OS should consider taking “Introduction to Digital Editing” prior to or concurrent with this course.
Students pay for film, videotape and lab costs. Grading is based on student projects and written exams. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. Please note that there are three variations on this course, each with a slightly different emphasis. Motion Picture Fundamentals: Film and Digital Video gives equal weight to filmmaking and to digital video. In the Filmmaking Emphasis section students work more with film than with digital video and in the Digital Video Emphasis section students work more with digital video than with film. However, students are exposed to all media in all sections. 42 classroom hours.
This class explores the emotional and visual process of collaboration between subject and photographer that creates a photographic portrait. Students use a variety of cameras and formats in both the studio and on location. Available light and the use of artificial light are explored to complete each student’s vision, along with a wide range of processing strategies to support and add richness to the final work. Through film and video the class is introduced to some of the masters of this form like Diane Arbus, Arnold Newman, Richard Avedon and Irving Penn. Through field trips to exhibitions and photographer’s studios, students are introduced to original work and local photographers. Grading is based on assignments, class participation and the final portfolio. In addition to tuition, a $70 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
This course is CLOSED.Non-credit only. Tuition $150.
This class addresses the fundamentals of screenwriting with an emphasis on short format storytelling. Students will concentrate on screenplay structure, formatting, character development and dialogue while creating a script for a short film or a scene from a longer film. Students will also view and discuss scenes from current films and learn about screenplay marketing.
No online registration for library classes, call 412-681-5449 x 202 for information or to register.
This class has been CANCELED.Basics of designing and directing scenes for motion pictures are addressed in this course. Some of the problems discussed include the relationship of film to reality, the meaning of cinematic techniques, continuity, shot selection, cut selection and visualization techniques. The format is a combination of lecture, screening and interactive group exercises. Students participate in analyzing and reworking scenes from well-known films. Extensive outside work is necessary, including attending current films to discuss directorial issues. Grading is based on written exams, practical exercises, homework and class participation. In addition to tuition, a $35 course fee is charged. 42 classroom hours.
Pittsburgh
Center for the Arts
1047 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412.361.0873
{ View directions and hours }
Pittsburgh Filmmakers /
Melwood Screening Room
477 Melwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412.681.5449
{ View directions and hours }
Harris Theater
809 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412.682.4111
(showtimes hotline)
{ View directions here }
Regent Square Theater
1035 S. Braddock Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
412.682.4111
(showtimes hotline)
{ View directions here }
