TAIWAN FILM DAYS
Opening Night
Friday, November 6, 9:00–11:00 pm
Friday, November 6, 9:00–11:00 pm
SF INTL ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Kickoff Celebration
Wednesday, November 11, 8:00 pm
Wednesday, November 11, 8:00 pm
SF INTL ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Opening Night Party
Thursday, November 12, 8:00 pm
Thursday, November 12, 8:00 pm
NEW ITALIAN CINEMA
Opening Night Party
Sunday, November 15, 8:00–9:30 pm
Sunday, November 15, 8:00–9:30 pm
KINOTEK
Catherine Galasso: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
December 12–13, 8:00 pm
December 12–13, 8:00 pm
SF360 FILM+CLUB
Steven Severin: Music for Silents
Tuesday, January 12, doors 7:00 pm, show 8:00 pm
Tuesday, January 12, doors 7:00 pm, show 8:00 pm
Schedule
Most classes are held at the San Francisco Film Centre (39 Mesa Street in the San Francisco Presidio) or the Ninth Street Independent Film Center (145 Ninth Street).
Please read the Classes & Workshops FAQs before enrolling.
Download Fall 2009 class schedule (pdf)
Please read the Classes & Workshops FAQs before enrolling.
Download Fall 2009 class schedule (pdf)
Screenwriting
Find Your Story
Instructor:
Lisa Rosenberg
SOLD OUT A well-crafted film tells a memorable story in pictures, words and movement. This workshop will help you shape a raw idea into a fleshed-out story to develop in screenplay form.
Friday, September 11, 6:00–10:00 pm; Saturday, September 12, 1:00–5:00 pm; Sunday, September 13, 1:00–5:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$175 SFFS member
$200 general
$175 SFFS member
$200 general
Level II – Complete the Journey
Instructor:
Lisa Rosenberg
This class focuses on creating a dynamic structure, developing characters and theme and making thoughtful, innovative dramatic choices. Students will complete a first draft of a screenplay.
Thursdays, September 17–December 17, 7:00–10:00 pm. Note: no class on October 15 and November 26.
San Francisco Film Centre
$425 SFFS member
$455 general
$425 SFFS member
$455 general
Level I – Launch Your Screenplay
Instructor:
Lisa Rosenberg
SOLD OUT This class introduces students to the art of storytelling for the screen through lectures, discussions, writing exercises, film clips, workshopping and peer critique. Students will draft a first act of a three-act screenplay.
Tuesdays, September 22–November 10, 7:00–10:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$345 SFFS member
$375 general
$345 SFFS member
$375 general
Level III – From Rough to Polished
Instructor:
Matthew Tabak
Building on a complete finished draft of your screenplay, this class guides participants through the rewrite process. Finish a complete rewrite of the screenplay.
Saturdays, September 26, October 10, 24, November 7, 21, December 5, 19, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$500 SFFS member
$550 general
$500 SFFS member
$550 general
The Art of the Treatment
Instructor:
Matthew Tabak
A great screenplay invariably begins with a good treatment. This class features discussion, the analysis of samples, tips for treatment writing, and critique.
Thursday, October 15; Tuesday, November 17; 7:00–10:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$100 SFFS member
$115 general
$100 SFFS member
$115 general
Level IV – Fine Tuning Your Screenplay Master Class
This master class provides private counseling for advanced screenwriters. Monthly one-on-one meetings with a high-level script mentor will result in a production-ready script.
Enrollment begins Spring 2010. Location and dates to be announced.
SFFS member
$800 (plus $50 script evaluation fee) general
SFFS member
$800 (plus $50 script evaluation fee) general
Professional Development
The Producer Track
Instructor:
Various instructors
This track consisting of 12 classes gives participants many of the skills needed to produce an indie narrative or documentary film. Learn from pros who are actively working and setting trends in the Bay Area independent film community.
See individual class descriptions for dates and locations.
$450 SFFS member
$570 general
$450 SFFS member
$570 general
The Big Book of Publicity
Instructor:
Karen Larsen
Learn nuts-and-bolts techniques for crafting effective press releases, press kits, film stills and collateral—and strategies for how to use them. Find your potential audience and connect with your existing one.
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Promoting and Selling Films Online
Instructor:
Danae Ringelmann
Want to sell and promote your film online? This class will provide an overview of the emerging platform of online distribution and help you decide if it’s an appropriate model for your film.
Wednesday, October 7, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
SFFS Fiscal Sponsorship Orientation
Instructor:
Michele Turnure-Salleo
Fiscal sponsorship can help you access funds from foundations and donors. This free seminar is essential for filmmakers seeking fiscal sponsorship from SFFS. RSVP to filmmakeredu@sffs.org.
Thursday, October 8, 7:00–9:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
Free SFFS member
general
Free SFFS member
general
Business Challenges and Forming a Nonprofit
Instructor:
Peter Franck, Richard Lee
This class will unravel business considerations filmmakers should be aware of when starting their project. Learn about choosing a legal entity, insurance, accounting, payroll, contracts and more.
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00–8:30 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
Filmmaking and the Law
Instructor:
Peter Franck, Richard Lee
Learn how to secure usage rights for subjects, interviewees, events and archival materials. Special attention will be paid to copyright formalities, fair use and distribution agreements.
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00–8:30 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
Using Interactive Web Tools for Indie Film Fundraising
Instructor:
Holly Million
Filmmakers are embracing blogs, tweets and social networking to help cast, market, distribute and raise money for films. Find out how Web 2.0 tools can enhance your donor cultivation and communication.
October 21, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Obtaining and Clearing Music Rights for Film
Instructor:
Peter Franck, Maryam Soleiman
Music can complete the scene, but putting the song you want in the picture can be notoriously difficult. This seminar reveals the secrets to content acquisition and the intricacies of music rights and fair use.
Tuesday, October 27, 7:00–8:30 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
Distribution Dilemmas
Instructor:
Lawrence Daressa
This workshop offers an evidence-based analysis of the current strengths and weaknesses of today’s distribution options, from traditional educational, television and theatrical release to affiliate relationships, direct-to-digital and “free” models.
Wednesday, November 11, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Grant Writing Essentials
Instructor:
Michele Turnure-Salleo
Creating a successful grant proposal is a challenging process. Learn how to craft a successful blueprint proposal for your project that can be adapted for multiple applications.
Thursday, November 12, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Grant Writing Essentials
Instructor:
Michele Turnure-Salleo
Creating a successful grant proposal is a challenging process. Learn how to craft a successful blueprint proposal for your project that can be adapted for multiple applications.
Tuesday, December 1, 7:00–10:00 pm
KTOP Oakland
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
How to Ask People for Money
Instructor:
Holly Million
New filmmakers emerge daily and all of them are seeking support from the same sources. In contrast, raising funds from individual donors allows for more control and access while solidifying relationships that will pay off for years to come.
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
KTOP Oakland
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
Documentary
The Documentary Track
Instructor:
Various instructors
Creating an effective documentary that stands out and gets noticed is challenging. This track consisting of seven classes is designed to help filmmakers create a documentary from the inside out.
See individual class descriptions for dates and locations.
$650 SFFS member
$750 general
$650 SFFS member
$750 general
Ethics in Documentary Film
Instructor:
Bill Nichols
Are there foundational ethical principles in documentary filmmaking? What is the filmmaker’s responsibility to his or her subjects? Join documentary theoretician Bill Nichols as he investigates these questions.
Monday, September 21, 6:00–9:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
Structuring the Character-Driven Documentary
Instructor:
Karen Everett
Acquisition executives from HBO and PBS want story-driven docs that deliver an engaging narrative. This information-packed seminar will reveal the essential narrative building blocks of documentary filmmaking.
Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
Producing and Directing Documentaries
Instructor:
David Brown
The world is full of interesting subjects, but how do you turn a captivating idea into a viable documentary film? This intensive workshop covers crucial issues of producing and directing a documentary.
Saturday–Sunday, November 14–15, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
$180 SFFS member
$200 general
Production
The Production Track
Instructor:
Various instructors
Your first steps toward making a film are the most important. This foundation-building track consisting of six classes offers an ideal mix for participants who are beginning the process.
See individual class descriptions for dates and locations.
$700 SFFS member
$800 general
$700 SFFS member
$800 general
Real World Location Production
Instructor:
Chris Million
The use of real locations can greatly enhance a film or video project, but also presents a unique set of challenges. Join Emmy-winning director of photography Chris Million as he demystifies location production.
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
The Craft of Producing
Instructor:
Debbie Brubaker
A successful film production starts with a comprehensive and realistic plan. Veteran producer Debbie Brubaker guides you through the craft of producing, from conception to execution.
Wednesday, September 23, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Panasonic HVX200 HD Camera Orientation
Instructor:
Chris Million
Take an in-depth look at the Panasonic HVX200 HD camera. Topics covered include basic operation, recording media, shooting techniques, scene files, importing media and much more.
Monday–Tuesday, October 5–6, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
The Aesthetics of Editing
Instructor:
Richard Levien
Resources on the technical aspects of editing are plentiful; harder to find is insightful information about editing aesthetics. This class investigates the many competing issues that editors must keep in mind when cutting a film.
Monday, October 19, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Color Correction Within the Postproduction Workflow
Instructor:
Carey Burens, Chris Martin
Given the various acquisition formats available today, filmmakers are faced with an increasing number of options for when and how to color-correct. This class will cover workflow decisions and their impact on color correction.
October 28, 7:00–10:00 pm
Spy Post, 577 Second Street, Suite 103
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Shooting Digital Video
Instructor:
Jason Wolos
Don’t just capture footage—create memorable high-quality digital video no matter which camera you use. Ideal for first-time shooters and intermediate students who want to improve their shooting skills.
Monday–Tuesday, November 2–3, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$150 SFFS member
$175 general
$150 SFFS member
$175 general
Advanced Editing Aesthetics
Instructor:
Richard Levien
What’s your story and how should you tell it? Which shot goes next? Where should the cut happen? This class offers illuminating examples and incisive discussion.
Monday–Tuesday, November 9–10, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$100 SFFS member
$115 general
$100 SFFS member
$115 general
Sound Essentials
Instructor:
Dan Olmsted
Sound can make or break your project. This hands-on class will assist beginning and intermediate filmmakers with recording soundtracks and related issues.
Wednesday–Thursday, November 18–19, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$150 SFFS member
$175 general
$150 SFFS member
$175 general
Lighting Essentials
Instructor:
Joseph Mendoza
Ideal for beginning cinematographers, lighting designers and directors, this illuminating class will provide students with hands-on understanding of basic lighting techniques and theory.
Saturday, December 5, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
Advanced Lighting: Green Screen
Instructor:
Joseph Mendoza
Understanding how to properly light a green screen is crucial for a variety of creative situations. Gain the knowledge you need to execute a flawless green screen shoot.
Sunday, December 6, 1:00–5:00 pm
Purebred Productions South San Francisco Studio
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
Film Studies
The Film Studies Track
Instructor:
Various instructors
Designed especially for film aficionados and cinephiles, this series of three classes will improve your understanding of cinematic language and deepen your appreciation of experimentation in cinema of all genres.
See individual class descriptions for dates and locations.
$35 SFFS member
$50 general
$35 SFFS member
$50 general
Errol Morris in Focus
Instructor:
Bill Nichols
SOLD OUT Few documentarians have staked their careers more solidly on stressing the complexity and richness of the historical world than Errol Morris. The class will examine his outlook and techniques.
Monday, September 28, 6:00–9:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
Film Criticism: Stephen Heath
Instructor:
Sean Uyehara
What criteria do film critics use when they develop their essays, reviews and recommendations? This class focuses on the criticism of Stephen Heath found in his collected essays in Questions of Cinema.
Monday, October 12, 6:00–9:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
Emergent Media: Nonfiction and Animation
Instructor:
Sean Uyehara
The use of animation in a nonfictional context demands special consideration. This class will agree on a working definition of “fiction” and “nonfiction” and look at the effect of animation as a mode of discourse.
Thursday, November 5, 6:00–9:00 pm
San Francisco Film Centre
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
$15 SFFS member
$20 general
Labs
Make a Music Video in 24 Hours
Instructor:
Shaka Jamal Redmond
This lab will immerse students in the challenging and exciting process of making a music video. Key concepts related to producing, budgeting, shooting and editing styles will be explored.
Dates and location TBA; visit sffs.org for updates
TBA
$345 SFFS member
$375 general
$345 SFFS member
$375 general
Master Class
Light and Life: Cinematographic Style as a Storytelling Element
Instructor:
Hiro Narita
This master class with renowned cinematographer Hiro Narita explores lighting as a creative tool for capturing emotions and mood and using light as an orchestral element.
Saturday, October 24, 10:00 am–6:00 pm
KTOP Oakland
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
$165 SFFS member
$185 general
Film Finance Demystified – Reality Check #1
Instructor:
George Rush
Join George Rush and guests Malcolm Pullinger (Winnebago Man) and Justin Barber (Medicine for Melancholy) as they separate truth from fiction in indie film finance.
Wednesday, December 9, 7:00–10:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
$50 SFFS member
$60 general
Online Classes
Crafting an Engaging Documentary Film Climax
Instructor:
Karen Everett
Featuring clips from award-winning docs, this seminar strategies for creating an emotional crescendo in a documentary film, positioning the central question of a film and enacting a strategy for providing catharsis.
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00–7:00 pm
$25 SFFS member
$35 general
$25 SFFS member
$35 general
How to Ask People for Money in an HD World
Instructor:
Holly Million
This webinar demonstrates how to develop relationships with individuals and ask them to make financial contributions to your film. Learn how to fundraise fearlessly and make a successful ask.
Saturday, November 7, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
$25 SFFS member
$35 general
$25 SFFS member
$35 general
Teacher Training
Mixing Media Into the Classroom
Instructor:
Joanne Parsont
This new professional development class is designed to provide K-12 educators with valuable tools for navigating today’s complicated media landscape and for using media in support of the standard classroom curriculum.
Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Ninth Street Independent Film Center
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
$10 SFFS member
$20 general
Youth Training
What's in a Movie?
Instructor:
Richard Levien
In this first class created for middle school and high school students, filmmaker Richard Levien will take you on a backstage tour of the filmmaking process. Students will learn how to be critical viewers.
Saturday, November 14, 10:00 am–1:00 pm
The Bay School of San Francisco;
35 Keyes Ave San Francisco, CA 94129
$20 SFFS member
$25 general
$20 SFFS member
$25 general
