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What is the Northwest Film Center School of Film? |
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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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| Q: |
What makes the School of Film unique? |
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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 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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| Q: |
Do I have to be admitted to the School to take classes? |
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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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| Q: |
Who attends the School of Film? |
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Emerging artists and 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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| Q: |
Are students from Portland, or do they come from all over? |
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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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| Q: |
Who are School of Film faculty? |
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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. 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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| Q: |
Where is the school located? |
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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 Ave., Portland, OR 97205.
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| Q: |
How often do you offer classes? |
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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 10-week Spring Term begins the first week of April 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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| Q: |
When are specific course listings available? |
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Generally 3 months or more before a term begins. Registration opens 2 months before a term begins. |
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| Q: |
How many classes do students take at one time? |
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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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| Q: |
How much outside time is required? |
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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 in addition to class meeting time. |
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| Q: |
What is the cost of tuition? |
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Tuition is set on an individual course basis. Semester core classes range from $725-$950. Workshops and shorter classes range from $35-$300. There is an additional charge for optional academic credit. |
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| Q: |
Is the School of Film accredited? |
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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 include academic credit and college degree options. |
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| Q: |
Can I take a tour? |
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Yes, by appointment. Contact the Registrar. |
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| Q: |
Are there student screenings? |
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Absolutely! Seeing student work is a great way to learn about classes and faculty members, as well as what other students are up to. Student screenings generally take place in free public programs held at 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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| Q: |
What about the Certificate Program in Film? How does that fit in? |
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Working toward a Certificate of Completion is encouraged but not required. Students may select from one of three graduated levels at which to study. All three levels require the same four introductory courses: ART OF FILMMAKING, SHOOTING DIGITAL VIDEO, DIGITAL VIDEO EDITING, and SOUND RECORDING & POST. Any student considering the possibility of pursuing one of the Certificates of Completion should begin their studies with one of these four courses. |
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| Q: |
So the place to start is by taking a class or two? |
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Exactly.
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