Want to learn how to hone your cinematography craft? Want to cut your teeth on some honest to goodness film? Have Spielberg dreams on a dimestore budget? Northwest Film Center is the answer.
I came across the Northwest Film Center several weeks ago while researching film archives across the country. I was truly amazed by their dedication to education in moving image arts (their beautiful prose). Their film school allows local artists, filmmakers, students and hobbyists access to full professional gear at amazing rental prices. Even film editing equipment (real film flatbed editing stations). Want to rent a 16mm film camera or a lighting kit? No problem.
What’s that? You have no idea how to use any of this fancy equipment? That’s where their school of film comes in. Their core class The Art of Filmmaking walks you through cinematic storytelling through the lens of a super-8 camera. How cool is that??? As they say, they use “the Super-8mm format to examine the aesthetic properties of light, movement, and time as they relate to the art of filmmaking.”
Students then edit their film on Final Cut Pro editing stations. There are classes in screenwriting, sound editing, claymation, etc. You name it, they’ve got it – even classes for getting your film into the distribution market.
Additionally, they offer workshops taught by knowledgeable teachers who are successful in the film industry. The legendary George Kuchar was there last week offering critiques of the students’ work. Want to learn stop-motion animation from the Oscar-winning inventor of Claymation? Will Vinton teaches at NW Film Center.
The best part is that anyone can attend classes there. They frequently have special programming for kids and seniors.
Many people don’t realize how much it costs to attend film school; especially classes taught by Gus van Sant, Will Vinton, and George Cuchar. Trust me, Portland has a real gem in this school of film.
On top of all this, they also host five film festivals per year. Their largest event, the Portland International Film Festival, begins runs February 11th through the 27th. Northwest Film Center really is your one stop shop for love of film.
