8 sessions: Tuesdays, April 14–June 2, 7–10pm

This class will expand upon students’ skills and experiences from Cinema Production 1 (previously Introduction to Filmmaking) or equivalent experience by delving deeper into script development, visual concepts, storyboards and shot lists, working with actors, lighting techniques, and editing for short films. The class will produce short film projects during the course, the quantity depending on the size of the class and students’ goals in terms of number of scripts/story ideas proposed. Students are encouraged to bring a four-page script to the first class. Tuition includes two camera package rentals (camera, mic, audio recorder, and light kit) for student projects.

Tuition: $320 regular/$240 member/$180 low-income

Barbara Wiener believes we are hardwired as a species to respond to stories and images in emotional ways. The way we experience stories and images provides our modern media with significant power to shape how we see ourselves, others, and the possibilities of the world. That’s where making films comes in and what has inspired her for the last 27 years.

Barbara began her career as a senior and executive producer for 14 years at Twin Cities Public Television. Her arts and cultural documentary, performance work, and independent features have received many awards including 6 Midwest Emmys and a CINE Golden Eagle for her documentary film, Ida’s Story. Her work been seen in broadcast and screenings around the world including, the Walker Art Center’s Women of Vision, the New York International Film Festival, The Chicago Silver Screen Film Festival, Women in the Directors Chair, the Denver Film Festival, and the Sundance Film Festival.

In 2000, Barbara founded TVbyGIRLS, a non-profit that collaborates and mentors teen girls to use the tools of filmmaking to develop critical thinking, leadership, and social change film work. Films made by collaborations with girls have been seen by audiences around the world and been awarded with three Telly Awards and a nomination for a student Emmy award. TVbyGIRLS is currently working on a broadcast documentary and arts series of specials. We hope to go to Africa and work with a group of girls in a village to teach and make a film about growing up female in the two worlds.

Besides teaching producing and directing at two small arts colleges, Barbara always has lots of projects in process. That currently includes a short fiction narrative based on Pandora’s Box, an experimental piece about her recently stolen car, and a documentary with Kevin Kling.