Fundamentals of Filmmaking

An Introduction to Film and Digital Video Production

CFOF-A: Thursdays, May 7 - June 25, 2009
CFOF-B: Wednesdays, Oct 14 - Dec. 9, 2009 (no class 11/25)

Instructor: Brad Hoover
8 Sessions: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuition: $545

Fundamentals of Filmmaking provides a practical and comprehensive grounding in film production including lighting, camera, composition and editing. Students have the remarkable opportunity to work in both film and digital video which provides the crucial foundation for an understanding of the entire production process. Students also receive a hands-on overview of editing with Final Cut Pro.

Students complete projects in both digital video and Super-8 Film. These projects give students experience in the whole production process including scripts and storyboards, shooting, and editing. Class time is devoted to technical knowledge, film analysis, and screening and critiques of student work. This class provides the foundation for the entire spectrum of filmmaking including narrative, documentaries, music videos, business videos, personal and experimental work and projects for the web.

Fundamentals of Filmmaking is a prerequisite for all other production classes at the Carolina Film Institute. Tuition includes the text and use of cameras and editing equipment. Additional film costs and a refundable equipment deposit are the responsibility of the student.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Tools of Production

 Lighting and Camera for Film and Digital Video

CTOP-A: Thursdays, July 9 - Aug. 27, 2009 (and a 3 hr. day session TBA)

Instructor: Brad Hoover
8 Sessions: 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuition: $545; Lab Fee $50

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Filmmaking

Tools of Production covers lighting and camera and provides the fundamental groundwork for both the practical and creative sides of film and digital video production. During class, students will set up and shoot scenes paying particular attention to the expressive aspects of lighting and camera technique as well as the proper use of equipment and the standardized protocol of crew filmmaking.

Students become familiar with both camera operation and professional lighting and audio equipment. Weekly class sessions cover camera operation for film and digital video cameras, the use of light meters, detailed lighting instruction, and an overview of audio. The lab fee covers all film, equipment use and processing costs. 

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

16mm Film & Digital Production

Making the 16mm Film or Digital Project

16mm Film Crew On Set

Students in the Film Production Process class shoot their own non-sync* 16mm film. The class is divided into groups of 5-7 people. Each group takes full responsibility for their projects as they write the scripts, prepare storyboards, cast actors, scout and secure locations, and finally shoot their project. Weekly class sessions cover scripting, shot lists and storyboards, budgeting, location scouting, permit procedures, casting, art direction, and advanced production skills. All footage is carefully analyzed and critiqued in class. Access to the camera and lighting package and film and processing costs are included in the lab fee. Other costs associated with production and the refundable equipment deposit are the student's responsibility.
*"Non-sync" means that though there is no dialogue lip-synced with the picture, the film still has full music, sound effects and narration.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Editing with Final Cut Pro

 The Art and Technique of Editing

CEFC-C: Sat, May 9 and Thursdays, May 14 thru June 25, 2009
CEFC-A: Sat, Nov. 7 and Thursdays Nov. 12 thru Jan. 14, 2010
                 (no class 11/26, 12/24, 12/31)
Instructor: Jeter Rhodes
8 Sessions: A Saturday, 8am-5pm, and Thursdays, 7pm-10pm
Tuition: $625 (addl. lab fees may apply to certain projects)

Editing with Final Cut Pro provides an intensive grounding in operating Final Cut Pro as well as providing a comprehensive framework in editing theory. During the class, students take a project from raw footage through to the final locked-down edit. Students either edit projects completed in “16mm Film Production” or other CFI classes, edit their own projects, or they may use material provided by the Carolina Film Institute.

In addition to picture editing, students work with the basics of audio editing and sound design. By the end of the class, projects will be completely edited with a full sound track. Students will be provided with a DVD of all work completed during the class. Lab fee covers film/video transfers and access to equipment outside of class hours.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Introduction to Final Cut Pro

FCP-A: Saturday, May 9, 2009, 8am-5pm (one day)
FCP-B: Tuesdays, July 14-28, 2009, 7-10pm (3 sessions)
FCP-D: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, 8am-5pm (one day)
Instructor: Jeter Rhodes
Tuition: $225

Final Cut Pro is among the most popular, effective, and accessible of the nonlinear editing programs currently available for those working in digital video. This class covers the specific workings of the editing program.

You’ll learn how to deal with basic transitions (hard cuts, dissolves, and wipes), how to adjust and change your edits, how to work with audio (together and independent of the visuals), and how to work with titling and basic graphics. You'll receive a general grounding in nonlinear digital editing and in the specifics of Final Cut Pro.

Enroll online now for May 9 Single Session:

Or, for three evening class starting July 14th:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Fundamentals of Digital Video Production

Fundamentals of Digital Video Production gives you everything you need to know to get going in the world of digital video production in one weekend. Here's a chance to learn about all the individual aspects of the format.

This intensive workshop covers the fundamentals of digital video camera operation, location sound recording, lighting, shooting both interiors and exteriors, and post-production editing. We'll start you out shooting right away, then on Sunday we'll put all the components together as the class composes and edits a short video project.

If you already have a digital video camera, please bring it to the workshop (optional) and we can help you get the most out of it. Maximum class size: 12.

Nuts and Bolts of Screenwriting - 1

CSCN1: Mondays, May 4 - June 15, 2009 (no class 5/25)
Instructor: Ted Eachus
8 Sessions - 7:00 - 10:00pm
Tuition: $545

Nuts and Bolts of Screenwriting lays the groundwork for screenplay writing by providing students with a total immersion in script structure and the craft of writing for the screen. The class will read, view, and discuss four feature-length screenplays. As we examine scripts of vastly different styles, students will begin work on their own feature-length ideas, exploring an idea’s concept and creating the foundation for a story.

This class offers an in-depth study of creating characters for the screen and students will write short descriptive biographies of their own story’s characters. Tuition includes access to the scripts used in class.
Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Structure and Process of Screenwriting - 2

CSCN2: Mondays, June 22 - Aug. 17, 2009
Instructor: Ted Eachus
8 Sessions - 7:00 - 10:00pm
Tuition: $545

Prerequisite: Screenwriting 1: Nuts and Bolts

In Structure and Process of Screenwriting, students develop the basic storyline for their screenplay while receiving further in-depth instruction in screenwriting and story structure. Topics covered during this class include creating story, structuring the plot and subplots, plot points, ingredients to construct effective opening pages, and detailed instruction on how to build dramatic scenes. By the end of the 8-week session, students will have completed their story outline and will have finished writing the first act of their screenplay.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Creating the First Draft - Screenwriting 3

Completing the Feature-length Screenplay

CSCN3: Mondays, Aug 24  - Oct. 19, 2009 (no class 9/7)
Instructor: Ted Eachus
8 Sessions - 7:00 - 10:00pm
Tuition: $545
Prerequisite: Screenwriting 3: Structure & Process

In Creating the First Draft, students finish writing their screenplays. This session deals with the overall structure of screenplays from the individual scene to the rhythms of the complete piece. In addition, several classes will focus on effective dialogue, humor, and adding suspense and “twists” to the story.

Class time includes reading student work, viewing and analyzing scenes on video, lecture and plenty of discussion and analysis. Students are expected to complete an entire draft of their script by the end of the class.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.

Rewriting & Screenwriting Business - 4

CSCN4: Mondays, Nov. 2 - Dec 21, 2009
Instructor: Ted Eachus
8 Sessions - 7:00 - 10:00pm
Tuition: $545

Prerequisite: Screenwriting 3: Creating the First Draft

The act of Rewriting is a critical part of the overall writing process. Students engage in the rigorous process of creating a second draft as they reach a new plateau in terms of skill and ability. Class time is devoted to detailed analysis of student work and the issues involved in creating and sustaining professional caliber work.

This class also deals with the Business of Screenwriting. Students focus on developing an overall strategy for the sale of a screenplay from registering a script to finding an agent. Students also develop script treatments, beat sheets, proposal letters, and pitch story ideas.

Enroll online now:

or by phone: (800) 940-3546 or download the registration form for mailing in.