Learn the art of Super 8 Filmmaking at SCATV! No video format can truly replicate the unique “look” of film and this course will cover the basics of working with this special format. Using a Super 8 camera, students will have the opportunity to shoot their own rolls of film and edit their movies using either traditional splicing or digital techniques. We will also cover some “direct animation” styles, such as hand-painting, tinting, and scratching the film. At the end of the course, we will hold a screening in SCATV’s studio.

Have you ever wondered: “How can I shoot a better interview?” This production workshop offers tips, techniques, and hands-on learning for great video interviews. In the first session, we’ll explore how to choose your interviewees, interview preparation, types of questions that work; plus shooting, sound, lighting, and editing considerations. In the second session we’ll shoot and light an interview, and then review our footage to see what works and how to do it better next time.
Two Tuesday Sessions
Tuition: $35 members; $50 non-members 

Have you been hoping someone would create a quick and easy way for your business to make a website? Wordpress has done just that. It’s not just for blogging anymore, but has branched into a full content management system that’s is as easy to learn how to use as Microsoft Word. Students who want to take this course must feel comfortable using a computer and the Internet.

This working group will be exploring and practicing all forms of animated imagery, from stop-motion clay and paper cutout techniques to 2D and 3D digital approaches. Want to try mixing paper cutouts and digital explosions? Why not?

Many film and television special effects sequences incorporate “green screen” technology to create movie magic. Explore an imaginative world of fantastic possibilities using this popular production technique. The related concepts of keyframing and compositing in Final Cut Express will also be covered. Working as a crew, participants will direct, perform and edit an original production. Just don’t wear green to class!
Four Monday night sessions.
Fee: $75 members; $125 non-members 

Interested in creating a fictional film?  Join Gordon Nelson and Jessica Barnthouse for their project-based workshop.  As a group the class will practice all areas of film production: script-writing, storyboarding, creative filming techniques, audio and lighting in the field, music selection, and editing.  By the end of the eight weeks, the class will have completed a short fictional film and will have the skills to continue with more film projects.  

Have you ever wondered: “How can I shoot a better interview?” This production workshop offers tips, techniques, and hands-on learning for improved video interviews. In the first session, we’ll explore how to choose your interviewees, interview preparation, types of questions that work; plus shooting, sound, lighting, and editing considerations. In the second session we will shoot and light an interview, and then review our footage to see what works and how to do it better next time.
Two Tuesday Sessions, 7:00 - 9:30pm

Television as a form of unlimited creative expression will be emphasized in this production course designed for anyone seeking to explore new frontiers in the medium of video. Projects made in this class will combine unusual traditional techniques with current digital video and sound processes to allow students to make their own distinctive video art. Green screen, optical effects, video feedback and editing will be covered along with personal, non-technical approaches to video production.

Tuition: $100 for SCATV members; $175 for non-members

Join SCATV for a day of hands-on fun. Bring your personal video camera or (limited to the first five requestees) use one of our portable kits. Learn situational shooting from our own pro Bill Barrell. We will be shooting the architecture in Union Square, the monument on Prospect Hill, and along the Mystic River.

This production workshop is for new filmmakers seeking a direct, hands-on learning experience leading to basic understanding of documentary filmmaking techniques. As a class we’ll produce a short web video centering on activities and people around Union Square, Somerville. Students will explore the fundamentals of conceptualizing, planning, shooting and editing, and will be ready to undertake further work based on the workshop experience.