 
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, April 7–May 19, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: March 31
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.
Advanced Video Production – Shooting the Short Film
Instructors: Jon Springer & Paul Bernhardt
6 sessions: Tuesdays, May 18-June 22, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: May 11
Tuition: $295/$255 members
Max. enrollment: 10 students
This intensive production course is designed for students who already have some film/video making experience and want to make a short film. Students should have already taken IFP’s Introduction to Video Production course or have experience with using an HDV camera, as well as sound and lighting equipment. Students should be prepared to come to class with a completed 3- to 5-page script or definite story idea. The story should involve no more than three characters and will be used for the duration of the course. The instructor will assist students with developing and finalizing their script. Each student will be responsible for completing one short film project and may also serve as crew on the other students’ projects.
Students will learn how to revise a script, prepare production materials (one-sheet shooting schedule, cast/crew contact sheet, shot list, etc.), cast actors, and other significant aspects of pre-production. The instructor will provide valuable feedback and direction in the areas of cinematography, blocking and directing actors, shot coverage, and using film language to communicate the director’s vision. Students will crew shoots, act as production teams for one another, and edit their own projects using Final Cut Pro. The final two class sessions will be taught by IFP editing instructor Paul Bernhardt.
Students are issued rental credits for our camera, lighting, and sound gear as well as 15 hours of independent editing time to be used in IFP’s edit suite outside of class to help ensure project completion by the end of the course. Once the individual short films are completed, students will vote on a “best of class” film to submit to IFP’s curated film series, Cinema Lounge, held monthly at the Bryant-Lake Bowl in Minneapolis.
Music Video Boot Camp
Instructor: Alex Brown
3 sessions: Saturdays, April 3–10, 10am–5pm; Sunday, April 11, 10am–5pm
Reg. deadline: March 27
Tuition: $280/$235 members
Max. enrollment: 6 students
In this workshop you’ll experience the entire pre- to post-production process to create a music video working with local musician Aaron Rice of Aaron & The Sea. You’ll harness creative energy you didn’t even know you had, then match it with stylized lighting and editing, all while working as part of a crew to produce an original, cutting-edge music video.
Session one will be spent discussing basic production workflow, watching and analyzing music videos, assigning crew positions, brainstorming ideas/music selection/locations, meeting the artist and pitching the concept, and storyboarding our project. Session two will be spent shooting and session three, editing.
Cooperation is essential with any kind of video making, and here you’ll become part of a collaborative crew where everyone’s input is recognized and valued. Students will leave the class with a DVD of the completed music video. Students should have basic video production experience and Final Cut Pro knowledge in order to take this course. Space is limited – register early!
DSLR Filmmaking – An Overview 
Instructor: Jesse Roesler
2 sessions: Wednesdays, June 2–9, 7–9pm
Reg. deadline: May 26
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.
Introduction to Editing with Final Cut Pro 6*
Instructor: Eric Weidmann
Section 1: Saturday–Sunday, April 24–25, 10am–4pm
Section 2: Saturday–Sunday, June 5–6, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadlines: Sec. 1 – April 17; Sec. 2 – June 1
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students each section
This course covers basic non-linear editing techniques with Final Cut Pro 6 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!
Intermediate Editing with Final Cut Pro 6
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, May 15–16, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: May 8
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 6. 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!
Advanced Editing with Final Cut Pro 6
Instructor: Paul Bernhardt
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, June 12–13, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: June 5
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
In this workshop you'll learn advanced features of digital editing with Final Cut Pro 6. Topics include editing dialogue, working effectively with b-roll, and managing your workflow. IFP’s Intermediate Editing with Final Cut Pro class or equivalent experience is required to attend this workshop. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Introduction to DVD Production
Instructor: Eric Weidmann
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, May 22–23, 10am–4:30pm
Reg. deadline: May 15
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
This course covers the basics of DVD encoding and authoring utilizing Compressor and DVD Studio Pro. Topics include compression techniques, DVD design, menu creation, button navigation, custom chapters, special features, and alternate audio tracks. Each student will produce a fully functional DVD through hands-on coursework. Previous Macintosh experience is required and Photoshop experience is recommended. There will be a lunch break each session. Space is limited – register early!
Basics of HDV Cinematography
Instructor: Jon Springer
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, April 10–11, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: April 3
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.
Basic Lighting & Grip Workshop
Instructor: Dan Miller
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, May 22–23, 10am–4pm
Reg. deadline: May 15
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 15 students
Hosted by Lights On Minneapolis, this workshop is for anyone working with film or video that wants to use lighting to affect the mood of a shot.
Session one at IFP will cover the lighting basics, starting with an introduction to lighting techniques and the vocabulary used to describe lighting a shot. Participants will learn how to use lighting equipment in single and multiple point lighting set-ups. A demonstration of the lighting instruments and how to operate and manipulate them will take place. Participants should bring a DVD containing a scene that will be discussed in class. This scene can be from a movie they like or a scene from something that they did themselves.
Session two at Icehouse Studio (2540 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis) will cover some basic grip gear and how to use it along with the light to achieve a desired effect, including tricks and tips to get your shoot moving on to the next set-up. The day will conclude with the students lighting a set using the techniques discussed to achieve certain textures and moods.
There will be hands-on demonstrations for students to apply the techniques discussed in practical situations. Heavy leather, heat-resistant gloves are recommended. There will be a lunch break each day. Visit www.lightson.com for directions to Icehouse Studio.
Producing the Short Film
Instructor: Dain Ingebretson
4 sessions: Saturdays, April 24–May 15, 10am–1pm
Reg. deadline: April 17
Tuition: $215/$185 members
Max. enrollment: 8 students
You want to produce a short. You've got your script. You've got your budget (more or less). Now what? Employing the skills and techniques of production managers and assistant directors, you'll organize your project into a smooth operating machine so you can focus on directing once the camera rolls or use the knowledge gained to firm up grant proposals.
In session one we cover the technical basics of directing, including scope assessment and full breakdowns, with overheads, stripboards, and scheduling. Session two is about the producing tasks of coordinating money and people using the breakdowns of session one and covers the basics of building a production book. Sessions three and four are for review and practicum where we prepare your own projects for production.
Film Directing – Blocking Your Shots
Instructor: Beth Smith
1 session: Saturday, May 1, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: April 24
Tuition: $95/$70 members
Max. enrollment: 30 students
This workshop is a must for beginning and intermediate filmmakers! When you write a screenplay, you have a vision of how you want your movie to look. Now you need to translate your vision from paper to the screen. If you are tight on budget and short on time, you need to have a clear understanding of which shots are going to sell each scene.
Whether you only have four hours to shoot a one-page scene in the Minneapolis Library or have three night scenes to shoot before the sun comes up, good planning makes the difference between getting the coverage you need or coming up short and having to schedule a re-shoot. We’ll discuss real-life production issues and why it’s important to have a clear idea of camera movement before filming begins.
Topics covered include storyboards, blocking, coverage, continuity, and screen direction/shot progression.
Etiquette on the Set!
Instructor: Dan Miller
1 session: Saturday, May 8, 10am–2pm
Reg. deadline: May 1
Tuition: $95/$70 members
Max. enrollment: 30 students
Whether it’s a commercial or low-budget indie film shoot, the production set is active, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. Like any busy workplace, safety is key, but on a set it must be a top priority. Combining electricity, rigging, camera, and audio can spell trouble if people don’t communicate effectively and follow certain universal procedures. In this workshop you’ll learn about various crew positions and responsibilities, and important rules of set etiquette guaranteed to help any crew have a successful shoot.
Line Producing – The Facts
Instructor: Jasmine Reid
1 session: Saturday, May 15, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: May 8
Tuition: $90/$75 members
Max. enrollment: 30 students
What exactly does a line producer do? There are many misconceptions about the duties of this position in a film production. This workshop will explore a line producer’s responsibilities from the time he or she receives the script until "picture wrap" is called, as well as the wrap duties that are involved.
You’ll learn the process of breaking down a script, creating a schedule, budgeting, locking locations, and hiring your crew. We’ll also discuss the more detailed tasks of finding the right insurance policy, applying for Snowbate, union and state regulations that need to be followed, what to look for in various contracts, what a wrap book should contain, and necessary deliverables once distribution is secured.
Finding Funding for Your Documentary
Instructor: Erika Johnson
1 session: Saturday, April 24, 10am–5pm
Reg. deadline: April 17
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 30 students
This workshop is designed for those needing practical tips and pointers on how to raise money for their non-fiction documentaries and video productions. Students will gain skills and knowledge on creating a budget and proposal packet, researching and finding different funding sources, crafting their “ask,” creating a team, having confidence, and using good body language and listening skills when approaching potential funders, as well as working up the ladder to the big dogs and going for it.
The workshop will also provide tips on managing expenses throughout production and editing to avoid the pitfalls that can eat up a budget. Ms. Johnson will share her experience in working with crews on location and maintaining good relations with clients throughout completion of the project. She’ll also discuss what has and hasn’t worked in finding funding and distribution, networking, locking in investors, and making money. There will be a lunch break.
Documentary Nuts & Bolts
Instructor: Dawn Mikkelson
2 sessions: Saturday–Sunday, June 12–13, 1–5pm
Reg. deadline: June 5
Tuition: $150/$115 members
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
Producing a Documentary Film
Instructor: Dawn Mikkelson
6 sessions: Wednesdays, May 5–June 16 (no class June 2), 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: April 28
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max. enrollment: 8 students
So you have a story idea, the technical and creative skills to make a documentary film, and perhaps have even done some shooting. What now? This intensive and individualized course focuses on the first steps to launch your specific project into production by creating the tools you need for fundraising, with an eye on distribution. You’ll have the unique opportunity to work with award-winning documentary producer/filmmaker Dawn Mikkelson to create these tools, which include a solid trailer and fundraising grant (based on the ITVS grant). The course goals and objectives are:
To understand the process of working as an independent documentary producer in the critical early stages of a feature documentary project
To think outside-the-box in overcoming fundraising challenges
To acquire real-life experience in story development, fundraising, scheduling, and problem solving – all with an eye on distribution from the start
Expect hands-on learning combined with intensive focus on navigating the independent documentary film industry. Basic video production and Final Cut Pro experience is required. Bring footage to the first class session if you have it. This class is taught in lab form, so plan to work on your individual project relentlessly.
Vlogging 101
Instructor: Matt Peiken
3 sessions: Wednesdays, June 9–23, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadine: June 2
Tuition: $150/$115 members
Max. enrollment: 12 students
Video blogs—better known as vlogs—can be invaluable outlets for artists, documentary videographers, and journalists. The potential rewards are unique and substantial, but so are the investments of time, education, and equipment. Cut to the chase in this course with Matt Peiken, who spent ten years as a staff writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and now produces 3-Minute Egg (3minuteegg.org), where he covers the Twin Cities arts scene through video online and public television.
In this course, Peiken will teach you how to conceive, launch, and market a unique video blog, shoot and edit short videos for high impact, and build a sustainable financial model for your vlog. Vlogging 101 is perfect for videographers looking to strengthen their documentary work and for print journalists expanding their skills to online video. Students must have access to and comfort with video editing software.
AUDIO
Film and Video Scoring Techniques – Make the Scene!*
Instructor: Greg Stevens
5 Sessions: Thursdays, May 20–June 17, 6:30–9:30pm
Reg. deadline: May 13
Tuition: $245/$205 members
Max. enrollment: 5 students
Audio can make or break a movie scene. In this hands-on course you’ll learn practical yet effective ways to elevate and enhance a scene using Final Cut Pro by tying in the best use of music, foley, and sound effects.
The first session we’ll analyze both good and bad examples of scene scoring, working with unscored scenes and audio/music cues provided by the instructor. Students are encouraged (but not required) to bring to the second session scenes with location audio only, as well as some original music. The instructor will address the importance of planning your music in pre-production to avoid pitfalls later on in post and will provide resources for music cues, soundscapes, and foley sounds. Linear editing with Final Cut Pro and techniques for streamlining scoring options will be covered, laying the groundwork for an assignment for the third and fourth sessions.
In sessions three and four students will score their own scenes, further experimenting with foley and the music sequence, as well as adding sound effects. We’ll discuss the mixdown and timing of the foley and music combined with the field recording/voice track. In session five students will practice alternative approaches to scoring the existing scenes for group review and critique. Both the beginner and advanced filmmaker with a basic knowledge of Final Cut Pro 6 or higher are welcome in this course.
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