GENERAL
INFORMATION
The Northwest Film Center School of Film, one of the largest community-based film arts programs
in the country, is the Northwest region's most comprehensive curriculum in media production and
appreciation. Since if founding in 1972, the School has been known for its faculty of working
filmmakers, emphasis on hands-on learning, flexible open curriculum, and media arts center learning
environment.
The School's classes and workshops, visiting artist programs and exhibitions are open to all
with an interest in media self expression, and the power of cinema to advance cultural
understanding, reflect the human experience, and fuel social change. Among the School's students
are fine artists, writers and other creatives; professionals in education, business and related
areas seeking self improvement; those contemplating or pursuing a college degree program; and
community members with an avocational interest in film.
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CURRICULUM
The School offers instruction in the genres of narrative, documentary and experimental
mediamaking, as well as film appreciation and professional practices in the independent field.
Courses are offered year-round, through two 14-week semesters, and a 10-week summer term.
Short-term and weekend workshops are on-going. There are several enrollment options.
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OPEN ENROLLMENT - NON CREDIT
Individuals may enroll in any course or workshop on a first-come, personal interest basis.
Advancement and repeat enrollment is determined by the personal goals of the student. Admission
to the School is not required. Classes taken for non-credit (as an enrichment experience) are not
graded or transcripted. Students pay the tuition and lab/equipment fees listed with individual
class descriptions.
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OPEN ENROLLMENT - COLLEGE CREDIT
Individuals enroll on a first-come, personal interest basis, but also elect to earn transferable
college credit through Portland State University. Admission to the PSU degree program or School
of Film is not required. A letter grade and transcript will be issued by PSU. Students pay Film
Center tuition, lab/equipment fees and PSU credit fees listed with individual class descriptions.
College credit must be elected by the second class meeting, and cannot be awarded retroactively.
Please note that employer reimbursement often requires that college credit be elected.
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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Mature high school students are welcome in School of Film course offerings. These may qualify for
high school Arts or Elective credit through the local school district. Inquire with a guidance
counselor. Courses may also be taken for transferable Portland State University credit (see above).
YOUNG FILMMAKERS PROGRAM
listings for other classes, screenings and events oriented to teens.
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CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN
FILM
This non-degree option is for highly motivated and self-directed
individuals who wish 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. Individuals must have already taken
at least two core courses from the open curriculum at the time of
application. Applications are accepted November 1 and April 1. Admission
is competitive. Participants have up to 5 years to complete
a set
of 12 required core courses drawn from the School of Film curriculum,
plus three electives. In addition to developing a portfolio (reel)
of work and making contacts within the independent film community,
Certificate students also receive such benefits as extended equipment
access, pre-registration privileges and eligibility for internships
and work opportunities.
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COOPERATIVE DEGREE OPTIONS
With Portland State University's English, Theatre and Communications Departments, the School
jointly offers a Minor in Film Studies. Students receive a BA degree which incorporates courses
from within the School open curriculum. Admission to PSU is required. Individuals pay PSU tuition
plus Film Center tuition and lab/equipment fees. For more information, call 503 725-5360.
Students attending the Pacific Northwest College of Art may transfer coursework from the School
into the BFA Program. For more information, call 503 821-8974. Students admitted to Marylhurst
University may cross-register with the School for selected courses. Participating Departments
include Art (call 503 699-6242), Communications (call 503 699-6296) and Interdisciplinary Studes,
which offers a Concentration in Media and Film Studies (call 503 699-6273).
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CONTACT
ADDRESS
934 SW Salmon Avenue
MAILING ADDRESS
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97205
EQUIPMENT ROOM
& FACILITY HOURS
Monday-Thursday, 9 am-9 pm
Friday-Saturday-Sunday, 9 am-5 pm
(while term is in session)
REGISTRATION HOURS
Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
ONLINE LISTINGS & UPDATES
www.nwfilm.org
FAX
503 294-0874
REGISTRATION & GENERAL INQUIRIES
503 221-1156 x25
classes@nwfilm.org
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
503 221-1156 x30
equipment@nwfilm.org
YOUNG FILMMAKERS PROGRAM
FOR KIDS + TEENS
503 221-1156 x16
kristin@nwfilm.org
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FACULTY
School of Film faculty are among the region’s finest documentary,
narrative, and experimental film and video makers whose award-winning
work appears on public and community television and in non-theatrical
venues, including film festivals, microcinemas and exhibition programs
regionally and world wide. As teaching artists who devote a portion
of their professional lives to education, these individuals combine
craft, vision and significant life experience in their approach.
A low faculty-student ratio makes interaction a central part of
the learning process, with hands-on classes averaging 8-15 students.
Please see our faculty and visiting artist biographies.
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FACILITY
The School of Film is located in a 6,000 square foot facility of classrooms and editing suites
near the Portland Art Museum campus in downtown Portland. On a class enrollment basis, students
have access to an array of camera, lighting, sound and editing equipment in the 16mm, Super-8mm
and Digital Video formats. Cooperating facilities in the community host classes for tours and/or
discounted post-production services.
Those completing production classes and artists in the community with technical proficiency
may have access to the facility on a subsidized rental basis in conjunction with the Film Center’s
Equipment Access program. Rates are posted online at www.nwfilm.org.
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2008
GET YOUR FILM INTO FESTIVALS JUN 12
DIRECTING INTENSIVE JUN 13-15
SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS + TEENS BEGINS JUN 16
RACC GRANT OPPORTUNITIES JUN 17
SISTERS IN CINEMA GATHERING JUN 17
SUMMER TERM BEGINS JUN 23
NO CLASSES JUL 4
PUT YOUR REEL ON DVD JUL 12
FINAL CUT PRO WORKSHOP JUL 13
FALL REGISTRATION OPENS JUL 16
BOLEX FILM CAMERA WORKSHOP JUL 19
HAND PROCESSING WORKSHOP JUL 20
SOUND RECORDING WORKSHOP JUL 26
DAVID KING SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE AUG 15
SUMMER TERM ENDS AUG 28
FACILITY CLOSED SEP 6-8
FALL TERM BEGINS SEP 22
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE NOV 1
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SUPPORTERS
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF FILM CENTER EDUCATION PROGRAMS:
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
OREGON ARTS COMMISSION
JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
HENRY LEE HILLMAN, JR. FOUNDATION, INC.
COMCAST
MOUNT HOOD CABLE REGULATORY COMMISSION
KING FAMILY FOUNDATION
ADAMS FOUNDATION
REX RECORDING AND POST.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IS ALSO MADE TO:
ROSE E. TUCKER CHARITABLE TRUST
STARBUCKS FOUNDATION
REGIONAL ARTS & CULTURE COUNCIL
FRANK HOOD FUND OF THE OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
DIGITAL DOWNSTREAM
KOERNER CAMERA SYSTEMS
EASTMAN KODAK
WILLAMETTE WEEK LONGBAUGH FILM FESTIVAL
SATURDAY ACADEMY
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
COMCAST
PORTLAND COMMUNITY MEDIA
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