Learn to tell stories with camera angles and camera moves! This class combines the art of traditional puppet-making with the basics of digital video production. Working with a professional puppeteer, you will create original puppet characters, sets, and scenes. Then, working with a filmmaker, use the language of the camera to record an original story. The focus is on student imagination and the basic language of cinematic storytelling. The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the films on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14. Select one of two sections.

Learn how filmmakers use camera angles, lighting, sound, and editing to tell stories, and who does what on a movie crew. You will have a turn at being a videographer, grip (lights and microphone), art director, director, and editor on a short dramatic film, which you will receive on DVD. By the end of the week, you'll be able to watch television and movies with new eyes! The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the films on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14. Select one of four sections.

Bring your drawings, artwork, three-dimensional objects, cut-outs, and graphic images to life. Learn how animators create movement using traditional stop motion animation (which uses a video camera to shoot sets) and computer animation (which uses Flash computer software to animate graphics). Record your action frame by frame to make up your own animation sequences. The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the films on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14. Select one of two sections.

Make a dramatic movie in 5 days! The pace will be fast, but you'll learn the basics of working together as a movie crew, operating a digital video camera, directing actors, sound recording, and digitial editing with Apple Final Cut Pro. At the end of the week, a short drama will be "in the can." The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn.

Enrollment limit: 14. Select one of three sections.

Bring two-dimensional graphic artwork to life using Adobe Flash software and Apple digital workstations. Learn how animators create motion using techniques such as squash and stretch, keyframes, and metamorphosis. Animate video stills and/or scan in and manipulate your own artwork. Record the action frame by frame as you create your own animated sequences. The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the sequences on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14. Select one of three sections.

Is it real life, or is it just pretending to be to make us laugh? Welcome to the world of Mockumentary. You will work together on a movie crew to use a professional level digital video camera to shoot "real" events and conduct mock interviews with "real" people using a script designed to stretch your imagination. Then edit these into a single mock-u-movie using Apple Final Cut Pro. The week will culminate in a family screening, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the film on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14. Select one of three sections.

If you're thinking about applying to film school or want to experience the excitement (and challenges) of a real film shoot, you don't have to go to New York or Los Angeles. Now in its 10th year, the MEDIA ARTS ACADEMY FOR TEENS is the Young Filmmakers Program's premiere opportunity to learn with award-winning film professionals, work in a small group, and use professional level digital video equipment and Apple Final Cut Pro software. Bring several script ideas to the first day of class. Working as a group, you'll determine produceability and what attributes make a story great, and select one concept to develop into a screenplay. You will be involved in all aspects of production planning, casting, shooting, lighting, sound recording, and editing to a polished level. Come prepared to work hard and learn an amazing amount! Expect at least one long shooting day during the class. The week will culminate in a screening for family and friends in the Film Center's state-of-the-art Whitsell Auditorium. Tuition includes catered lunches. No previous experience is required. Everyone will receive the completed work on DVD.

Enrollment limit: 14. Select from two identical sections.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT: The Academy may qualify for high school Arts or Elective credit through your school district. Inquire with your local guidance counselor. COLLEGE CREDIT: The Academy is available for 4 undergraduate credits through the Portland State University Department of English at an additional charge of $240 (depending on enrollment status, additional PSU fees may apply). A letter grade will be issued on a PSU transcript. Admission to PSU is not required. College credit must be selected by the first day of the Academy and cannot be awarded retroactively. For information, contact classes@nwfilm.org or 503-221-1156.

STUDENT HOUSING: Reasonably priced dormitory housing with kitchen and internet access (and optional meal plan) is operated by the Portland State University Housing Office, and is available in the Ondine Residence Hall, a short walk from the Film Center. Arrangements must be made directly with PSU (www.pdx.edu/housing or 503-725-4336). Please note that PSU housing does not provide on-site supervision of students and is not directly affiliated with the Film Center. For more information, contact Education Outreach Coordinator Kristin Konsterlie at 503-221-1156 x16 or kristin@nwfilm.org.

Portland is one of the greenest cities on the planet. Help spread the word and encourage others to adopt sustainable practices. Create a short documentary about individuals, organizations, and businesses who are making a difference. Learn interviewing skills and how to organize a convincing message. Shoot interviews and "B roll" (background footage) on location using professional level video cameras. Edit it together using Apple Final Cut Pro. We'll try to keep the class itself as green as possible by using public transportation and recycling videotapes. The week will culminate in a screening for family and friends, complete with organic popcorn. Everyone will receive the documentary on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14

This is your chance to experience black and white 16mm celluloid film, which is still favored over video by some filmmakers because of its unique photographic qualities. Learn about f-stops, light meters, and film stocks and then practice threading and loading basic 16mm cameras. Then it's time to take to the streets to shoot outdoor scenes on a theme or mood selected by the class. Back at the Film Center, hand process the film using our simple darkroom setup. String everyone's footage together using film splicers, and shoot it "off the wall" with a video camera so it can be burned to DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14

Fee includes film stock.

Bring two-dimensional graphic artwork to life using Adobe Flash software and Apple digital workstations. Learn how animators create motion using techniques such as squash and stretch, keyframes, and metamorphosis. Animate video stills and/or scan in and manipulate your own artwork. Record the action frame by frame as you create your own animated sequences. The week will culminate in a screening for family and friends, complete with popcorn. Everyone will receive the sequences on DVD.

Enrollment Limit: 14