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GENERAL
INFORMATION
What is the Northwest Film Center School of Film?
The School of Film, an education program of the Northwest Film
Center, is one of the largest community-based film programs in the
country. The School's year-round curriculum in narrative,
documentary and experimental mediamaking offers afternoon, evening
and weekend classes and workshops taught by leading independent
filmmakers in a facility utilizing the 16mm film, Super 8mm film,
and digital video formats. Its mission is to help individuals
of all backgrounds and abilities to develop their personal vision
as film artists, and to enrich the greater community with cinematic
voices that are fueled by personal experience, aesthetic exploration,
and the desire for social change.
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What makes the School of Film unique?
Since its founding in 1972, the School has been known for its faculty of
working filmmakers, emphasis on hands-on learning, low faculty-student ratios,
and flexible open curriculum. The School operates within the Film Center's
media arts center environment-- a unique and stimulating setting in which to
learn. Visiting artists from around the world, and the NW region, screen
their work in the Film Center's year-round film exhibition program. Film
festivals such as the Portland
International Film Festival and
Northwest Film & Video Festival of regional work provide a window on
the world of what's current in independent filmmaking. There are related
opportunities for equipment access, and connecting with other emerging and practicing
media artists.
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Do I have to be admitted to the School to take classes?
No, the School of Film is open to all on a first-come, personal interest basis.
The majority of our offerings are for first-time and beginning students.
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Who attends the School of Film?
Emerging artists, professionals in business, education the arts and other fields
who want to integrate media into their work, career changers, K-12 educators,
students enrolled in area colleges and universities, mature high school students,
and community members with an avocational interest in film.
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Are students from Portland, or do they come from all over?
Most of our students are from the Portland metro area, greater Northwestern
Oregon and Southwest Washington. Some have recently relocated to Portland,
attracted by the opportunities provided by the School of Film and growing local
independent film community.
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Who are School of Film faculty?
Leading independent filmmakers who devote a portion of their professional lives
to teaching. Their documentary, experimental and narrative films appear on public
television and other broadcast venues, and in film festivals worldwide. To their
teaching they bring a combination of vision and craft, professional practices in
independent film and a commitment to inspiring others through media literacy.
Our two lead faculty have been teaching at the School of Film for more than two
decades combined. Visiting artists from around the world also present seminars
and workshops, and screen their work to the public as part of our year-round
film exhibition program.
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Where is the school located?
Our location is: 934 SW Salmon Avenue, along the Portland Streetcar
line, near the tree-lined South Park Blocks in downtown Portland.
The immediate neighborhood includes the Portland Art Museum, Portland
State University, Portland Center for the Performing Arts and other
Cultural District destinations. The MAX light rail line and TriMet
bus mall are just 4 blocks away.
Please note that our mailing address is shared with the Portland Art Museum:
1219 SW Park Avenue, Portland, OR 97205.
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How often do you offer classes?
Four times per year: A 14-week Fall Term begins the third week of September
and ends just before the holidays. A 14-week Winter Term begins the second week of
January and ends at the end of April. A 6-week May Mini Term begins the first
week of May and concludes in mid-June. Classes for the 10-week Summer Term begin
the last week of June and end in late August. We also offer one and two day
workshops throughout the
year.
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When are specific course listings available?
Generally 3 months or more before a term begins. Registration opens 2 months
before a term begins.
How many classes do students take at one time?
Most students take only one course at a time, and combine their studies with
employment or schooling elsewhere. Some take two at a time. For those who are employed
or have other obligations, we do not recommend a load larger than two courses, as the
outside time required for film production can be substantial.
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How much outside time is required?
Media production is time intensive. The outside time needed to fulfill class
assignments varies depending on an individual's motivation level. It is not
unusual for students to spend an average of 6-8 hours each week separate from class
meeting time.
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What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition is set on an individual course basis. Semester core classes range from
$650-$850. Workshops and shorter classes range from $35-$300. There is an
additional charge for optional academic credit.
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Is the School of Film accredited?
The School is an arts education program of the Northwest Film Center, a 501
(c) 3 nonprofit organization which is recognized widely for its 35 years of
service to the Northwest community. Many of our courses are accredited
by area colleges and universities through cooperative cross-registration
agreements which have academic credit and
college degree options.
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Can I take a tour?
Yes, by appointment. Contact the
Registrar.
Are there student screenings?
Absolutely! Seeing student work is a great way to learn about classes
and faculty members, and what other students are up to. Student screenings
generally take place in free public programs held either the Film Center's
Whitsell Auditorium, inside the Portland Art Museum.
You are welcome to attend whether you are a current, past, or prospective
student.
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What about the Certificate Program in Film? How does that fit in?
The Certificate Program in Film is a rigorous,
structured course sequence for highly motivated and self-directed students who
want the benefit of intense faculty advising, and who are willing to make a long
term commitment to the School and their personal goals in film.
Admission is competitive. Individuals must have already taken at least two core
courses from the open curriculum at the time of application, and they must be
able to clearly state how the program can foster their aspirations.
Enrollment is optional. About 80% of our students simply take the classes they are
nterested in, and proceed along at their own pace.
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So the place to start is by simply taking a class or two?
Exactly.
SELECTING A CLASS
Do I have to be admitted to the School of Film to take a class?
No, formal admission to the School of Film is required, as the School operates
on an open enrollment system. Courses are offered on a first-come, interest basis,
until filled.
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What are you currently offering?
Click here
for our current offerings.
What should I take if I'm just getting started?
Enroll according to your special interest (e.g. screenwriting, videography,
editing) in a course with a 100 level course number (which is listed with each
individual class description). These include:
Intro to Digital Video
Art of Filmmaking
Digital Video Editing
Shooting Digital Video
Screenwriting
Doumentary Video Production
If you're not sure what your interest is, this is the core introductory course which provides the broadest overview of film production and aesthetics:
Art of Filmmaking
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How many students are in a class?
Between 10 and 16.
Is equipment included?
Generally, yes. Each individual class description indicates
what is provided through the Equipment/Lab Fee for that particular
class. You will check out needed equipment and purchase expendibles
from the Equipment Room, and/or sign up for editing lab time during
facility hours, according to your personal
schedule. Some courses require that you provide your own video
camera. These can be rented from the Equipment Room at a reasonable
rate. For rental information, contact the Equipment Manager.
Items such as film stock, film processing, videotape stock, other
expendibles, and sometimes a textbook, are a student responsibility.
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Will I actually make a film?
All of our core courses
are hands-on, or have a hands-on component, with the exception of Narrative
Traditions. In most classes, students complete at least one short film.
Will I be working on my own or with a group?
It depends on the class. Students in Digital Video Editing and
Screenwriting work solo. Students in Art of Filmmaking and Shooting
Digital Video do both group and solo work. Students in Documentary
Production work in groups. Most students find working in a small group
and the experience of collaborating with class members to be very beneficial,
as classmates can crew and grow their creative ideas together.
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I don't have time to take a full semester class. What else can I do?
Consider a
Hands-on Basics workshop, which teaches basic hands-on skills in a few hours,
or the 6-week
Intro to Digital Video. Also check out our one and
two day workshops
in specialty areas such as documentary or animation, and the
opportunity to hear from noteabale visiting artists about their artistic process
and career.
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I'm not sure if I meet a pre-requisite. What do I do?
Contact the Registrar. She will
inquire directly with the instructor about your qualifications, if necessary.
I'm a high school student. Can I take a class?
Absolutely! We welcome mature high school students who are comfortable
in an adult-oriented setting, and have a high level of motivation. You
might also want to consider the classes and camps offered by the
Young Filmmakers
Program for Kids + Teens.
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PAYMENT
Do I have to pay in full at the time of registration?
Yes. Our classes are small and fill quickly. We cannot hold slots
without payment.
Are there outside costs in addition to tuition and equipment/lab fees?
Individual course descriptions indicate which costs are a student
responsibility. Some courses require a textbook, or that students provide
their own videotape. The Art of Filmmaking requires that students pay for
their own film stock and processing, which is estimated to be between $125-$200,
depending on the project undertaken.
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Do I have to pay Equipment/Lab fees if I am using my own equipment?
Yes. Equipment/Lab fees directly contribute to the overall cost of managing,
maintaining, securing and upgrading the School's equipment pool and classroom
facilities. They are charged to all students at the rate listed with
individual class descriptions.
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Do you offer federal financial aid?
No, as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, we cannot participate in these programs. However,
the area colleges and universities with whom we offer
Cooperative Degree
Options offer financial aid to those who qualify.
Do you offer scholarships?
Only to those who have completed two or more courses, or who are
enrolled in the Certificate Program
in Film. There are a few scholarship opportunities offered
by other community resources for Film Center students. One
of these is the Oregon
Media Production Association.
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Do you offer a tuition payment plan?
Only to those enrolled in the Certificate Program
in Film.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express
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REGISTRATION
How far in advance do I need to register?
Our classes are small and fill up quickly. Register as soon as you
possibly can. Registration generally opens 2 months before the beginning of
a term.
How do I know if a class is full?
You can only get this information by calling (503) 221-1156 x25
during regular business hours. However, be aware that in the
weeks before a term begins, our telephone lines are very busy.
We recommend that you go ahead and register even if you don't know availability.
Feel free to indicate a second class choice on the
registration form.
The Registrar will notify you if your first choice is full, and place you
in your second choice or on the waiting list, or both, depending on your
request.
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Is it worth getting on the waiting list?
Yes.
What is the fastest way to register?
The fastest way to register is in person (see below). We process faxes
and mail in the order received. Please be aware that in the weeks before
a term begins, our telephone lines are very busy. If you are prompted to
leave a message, please indicate that you are ready to register. Your call
will receive priority in being returned.
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How do I register in person?
Visit the Registrar's Office, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm. If
you also want to have questions answered, please phone ahead:
(503) 221-1156 x25 to make sure someone will be able to help you.
The School of Film is located at 934 SW Salmon in downtown Portland.
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How do I register by fax?
Fax the registration
form to: (503) 294-0874.
How do I register by mail?
Mail your payment and our
registration form to:
Northwest Film Center
Attn: Registration
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
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How do I register by phone?
(503) 221-1156 x25 Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm. If you are prompted
to leave a message, please state that you are ready to register.
Your call will receive priority in being returned. Please
be aware that in the weeks before a term begins, our telephone lines
are very busy.
How do I register online?
We are hoping to have an online registration system operating soon.
If a class is full, what are my options?
You may receive a full refund, be placed on the waiting list, or be placed in a
second choice indicated on the registration form.
If a class is cancelled, what are my options?
You may receive a full refund, be placed in a second choice, or apply your
payment to another class in the future.
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How can I contact the Registrar for more information?
Pamela Minty
(503) 221-1156 x25
classes@nwfilm.org
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REFUNDS & WITHDRAWALS
How do I withdraw from a class?
Notices of withdrawal must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt by
the Registrar. Written notice may be made by fax (503) 294-0874, e-mail
(classes@nwfilm.org), or in person at the School of Film (934 SW Salmon) during
regular business hours. Telephone withdrawals are not accepted. Class instructors
may not be notified in place of the Registrar. Withdrawal by US mail is not
recommended due to possible delivery delays. Faxes or email received after 5 pm,
or on weekends, will be considered to have arrived the next business day. Absence
at the first class meeting does not extend the withdrawal deadline, alter the
refund amount or entitle the student to a tuition credit.
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When can I get a refund, and how much of one can I receive?
| CLASS LENGTH |
# OF BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE 1ST CLASS |
# OF BUSINESS DAYS AFTER 1ST CLASS |
| CLASS LENGTH |
5 |
2-4 |
1 |
1-2 |
2+ |
| 6+ SESSIONS |
85% |
70% |
50% |
50% |
0% |
| 1-5 SESSIONS |
85% |
50% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
PLEASE NOTE: the Rufund and Withdrawal policy for our Young Filmmakers Summer Camp
for Kids + Teens is different than our School of Film policy. Please click
here for more info.
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ACADEMIC CREDIT
How can I get college credit?
Transferable college credit is available through Portland State University and
the Pacific Northwest College of Art for an additional fee. Admission to
their degree programs is not required. Sign up for credit either
at the time of registration or by the third class meeting. Credit is also
available to degree-seeking students who are attending Marylhurst
University.
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What are the advantages of enrolling for credit?
You will be eligible to transfer School of Film coursework to other colleges and
universities at a later time, as the receiving institution's transfer policies
allow. College credit is often required for employer-paid tuition
reimbursement.
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How much does college credit cost?
$45 per credit hour. Most
core classes are 4 credits, making the credit fee $180.
Can I get a grade even if I don't enroll for credit?
No. You will receive Instructor feedback but an actual grade will not be recorded.
Can I enroll for credit after the class has started?
Yes, you may enroll and pay for credit up until the third class meeting. After that,
credit is no longer available.
Can I get credit retroactively after the class is over?
No, the accreditation requirements of our cooperative higher education partners
do not permit this.
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COLLEGE DEGREE OPTIONS
Can I get a college degree from the School?
No, but the School of Film has cooperative agreements with area colleges and
universities who allow School of Film coursework to be integrated into their
respective degree programs.
Portland State University, for example, allows School of Film coursework to be
transferred into their Minor in Film Studies, which is offered by the departments
of English, Communications and Theatre Arts. PSU is hoping to offer a
Major in Film Studies by 2008.
Students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art may transfer Film Center
coursework into the BFA Program.
Marylhurst University students may transfer Film Center coursework into its BA
degree in art, Communications or Interdisciplinary Studies.
Contact the Registrar for more
information about any of these options.
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EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES
What kind of facility does the School offer?
The School of Film occupies a 5,000 square foot facility at 934 SW Salmon. The facility consists of four classrooms, digital video editing lab,
a 16mm film editing lab, digital audio work station room with voice-over booth,
faculty offices, Registrar's office and student lounge.
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What kind of equipment does the School have?
The School of Film equipment pool includes up-to-date digital video cameras,
sound recording equipment, lights, microphones, Macintosh-based digital editing
work stations and a digital audio work station. It also includes 16mm
film cameras and flatbed editors, Super 8mm film cameras, and an optical printer
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How much access to equipment do students have?
Students are allocated sufficient access to fulfill the assignments of their
given class. Editing lab time may be reserved ahead in 3 hour blocks.
When is the equipment room open?
Monday-Thursday, 9 am-9 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm.
There are some closures between terms.
When are the editing rooms open?
The same operating hours as the equipment room, above.
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Can I take a tour?
Yes, by appointment. Contact the
Registrar.
What if I want to use my own equipment?
Those who wish to use their own editing equipment may do so. However,
students generally find that the benefits of working alongside fellow classmates
and being near the knowledgable Equipment Room staff generally outweigh the
convenience of working at home.
Please note: Equipment/Lab fees directly contribute to the overall cost of
managing, maintaining, securing and upgrading the School's equipment pool and
classroom facilities. They are charged to all students.
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Can I rent equipment for a non-class project?
Yes, the School of Film rents its equipment, on an availability basis, for
personal, non-commerical (e.g. not sponsored) projects. Our rates are
competitive.
What are equipment rental rates?
Click here for a
pdf of equipment and rates .
How can I get more information on equipment?
Contact the Equipment Manager.
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Is there student housing?
No. However, short term housing for workshops can be arranged directly
through College Housing Northwest (www.chnw.org), which operates a reasonably
priced dormitory (with optional meal plan) on the nearby Portland State
University campus.
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Do you offer health insurance?
No.
Can I get work experience while I'm a student?
The School regularly receives requests from area nonprofit organizations and
local production companies who are seeking paid or volunteer student help
on projects. These are posted on a bulliten board in the School of Film
lobby. Many of them are excellent opportunities to gain experience.
It is up to the individual student to seek them out.
We also sometimes hire intermediate and advanced students as class assistants
for classes and workshop offered to kids and teens through the
Young Filmmakers
Program.
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Do you offer internships?
We do not directly place students in internships or offer them for credit.
However, many local production companies who are looking for interns
post notices on our bulletin board, and we encourage interested students to
respond.
Are there student screenings?
Absolutely! Seeing student work is a great way to learn about classes
and faculty members, and what other students are up to. Student screenings
generally take place in free public programs held either the Film Center's
Whitsell Auditorium, inside the Portland Art Museum. You are welcome to attend
whether you are a current, past, or prospective student.
top
Can I go to the Film Center's screenings for free?
Yes, those registered in a core class receive free admission to any regular screening
during the term in which they are enrolled. They may also receive Stand-By
tickets to special events such as the Portland International Film Festival, held in
February, and Northwest Film & Video Festival, held in November.
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CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN FILM
What is the Certificate Program in Film?
The Certificate Program in Film is an optional 15 course sequence (12 required
courses and 3 electives) from within the open curriculum which students pursue
over a period of years, closely advised by a Certificate Program faculty advisor.
Click here
for more information about the Certificate Program.
Click here to see the course sequence.
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