PF Spring 2018

Visual arts classes for adults, youth, and families 

Filmmaking Animatics Directing Producing Photography 

Screenwriting Editing Film Studies Photoshop After Effects 

Film Processing Cyanotypes Drones Lighting TV Writing 

Winter/Spring 

JAN - MAY 2018 

pfpca.org/classes

Table of Contents 

Welcome to Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

Letter from John Cantine, Director, Pittsburgh Filmmakers School 

04 

Table of Contents 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers School of 

Filmmaking & Photography 

About Us, Locations, Dates to Remember 

05 

Film, Digital, and Video Courses 07 - 09 

Visit us online at 

pfm.edu 

Photography Courses 10 - 11 

Student Opportunities 

Independent Study and Internships 

12 

Workshops/Short Courses 13 

Certificate Program 14 

Registration Information 15 - 16 

© 2018 PF/PCA. All rights reserved. 

3

Welcome to the 2018 Spring semester at the 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers School! 

We’re excited to bring you a new slate of hands-on courses in filmmaking 

and photography. If you’re looking for semester-long accredited courses, 

check out pages 6 - 11. 

Welcome! 

If you want to start making movies but have no experience, we have 6 

different sections of Motion Picture Fundamentals (pg 7). If you think 

writing might be your thing, try Introduction to Screenwriting (pg 8). 

If you want to begin studying photography you can try Basic Digital 

Photography or Black and White Photography 1 (pg 10). 

If you’re a more advanced student, we have some exciting new (or newish) 

courses this semester. Richard Kelly is teaching Business of Photography 

and Multimedia (pg 11). Jeff Monahan is teaching Write-Act-Produce- 

Direct and Seminar in Screenwriting (pg 9). Jayla Patton offers a brandnew 

course, Storyboarding and Animatics (pg 8). T.R. Garman brings back 

the popular Drones for Photo and Video (pg 8) course. Jeffrey Krsul is 

teaching Non-silver Printing (pg 11) , and I’m teaching our new capstone 

filmmaking course, Writing and Producing the Short Script (pg 7). 

About PF 

Who we are 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers/Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (PF/PCA) is a community-based institution that 

offers accredited and non-accredited visual arts courses, access to equipment and studio space, fellowship 

and exhibition programs, a robust screening program that includes the annual Three Rivers Film Festival, a 

Youth Media program featuring media arts classes for children ages 5-17, and sales of work by our artist 

members in our on-site shop. Annually PF/PCA serves 100,000 individuals of all ages. 

The Pittsburgh Filmmakers School offers courses in filmmaking, photography, video production, digital 

media, and the history and theory of all of those forms. Whether you’re a traditional college student or 

looking for an alternative education, The Filmmakers School has a program for you. Our goal is to help 

you develop a strong aesthetic, analytical, and technical foundation on which you can build as you become 

working artists and professionals. College students and independent students can enroll in our collegelevel 

classes. The Pittsburgh Filmmakers School is an accredited institutional member of the National 

Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and is licensed by the State Board of Private License 

Schools. 

Dates to Remember 

Discount Deadline: December 28, 

2017 (see details on page 15) 

Semester begins: January 5, 2018 

Semester ends: April 23, 2018 

No Class: 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 15, 2018 

Spring Break: March 5 - 10, 2018 

Easter Weekend: March 30 - 31, 2018 

About Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

On page 13 you’ll see some shorter, less formal workshops that can help 

you to use your DSLR camera, make a Wordpress website, or learn what it 

takes to produce a reality TV show. 

Open Houses: 

(details on page 16) 

Filmmakers and photographers are the storytellers for our time, making 

images that allow viewers to see the world in a new way. The Pittsburgh 

Filmmakers School allows you to join in, to 

create your own work under the guidance of 

experienced professionals. I hope you can join us 

this semester. 

February 22, 2018, 6:00 - 7:30pm 

April 21, 2018, 10:30am - 12:00pm 

Where we are 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts 

Center for the Arts School 

John Cantine 

Director, Pittsburgh Filmmakers School 

School, Administration, Equipment 

Office, Melwood Screening Room 

477 Melwood Avenue 

Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

(412) 681-5449 

Galleries, Special Events, PCA Shop 

6300 Fifth Avenue 


(412) 361-0873 

1047 Shady Avenue 


(412) 361-0455 

4 Visit us online at pfm.edu 

Visit us online at pfm.edu 

5

Film, Digital, and Video 


Motion Picture 

Fundamentals 

Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours 

FLM 101 A Mon 6:00 - 9:00 Smith 

FLM 101 B Mon 2:00 - 5:00 Bonev 

FLM 101 C Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Abrams 

FLM 101 D Thu 2:00 - 5:00 Zavala 

FLM 101 E Fri 10:00 - 1:00 Bugaj 

FLM 101 F Sat 10:00 - 1:00 Zavala 

Full 

Semester 

Courses 

This is your introduction to big screen (and 

small screen) production! You’ll shoot digital 

video, photographs, and motion picture 

film to learn everything you ever wanted to 

know about moviemaking. Together, we’ll 

cover all the key concepts of photographic 

expression, including lighting, composition, 

camerawork, editing, and storytelling. 

All equipment is provided, including HD 

camcorders, 16mm film cameras, and 

digital editing stations. Grading is based on 

student projects and written exams. 

Motion Picture Fundamentals 

Video Production 1 

Prerequisite: Motion Picture Fundamentals / 42 classroom hours 

VID 115 A Thu 6:00 - 9:00 Koleck 

VID 115 B Wed 2:00 - 5:00 Wormsley 

Want to learn production, from start 

to finish? This course will help you 

understand how to design, shoot, and 

edit high-definition video, from digital 

camera operation, lighting, audio recording, 

scripting, non-linear editing, special effects, 

and audio mixing. We’ll give you several 

shooting and editing assignments that help 

you understand how to work better behind 

the camera and in the editing suite, and then 

you’ll make a short film of your own design. 

Grading is based on the quality of work 

produced and on written exams. 


Prerequisite: Video Production 1 / 42 classroom hours 

VID 212 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Cantine 

This advanced-level class will help you 

develop your style, while creating more 

ambitious work and improving your 

technical skills, including digital postproduction. 

You’ll learn non-linear editing, 

color correction, and final output, as well as 

advanced camera work and how to integrate 

advanced lighting and audio recording. This 

knowledge will be used to make a single 

polished, high-quality short film. Grading is 

based on the quality of work produced and 

performance on written exams. 

Writing and 

Producing the 

Short Script 


FLM 308 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Cantine 

This is a capstone class where you use 

everything you’ve learned so far to create a 

short film good enough to send to festivals 

or show online. Through script workshops, 

pre-production reviews, and critique of 

rough cuts, the instructor will mentor you 

through the filmmaking process. Grading 

is based on the quality of work produced, 

the quality and timeliness of intermediate 

stages, and a written production journal. 



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Filmmaking Intensive cohort 

Introduction to 

Digital Editing 

Technical Directing 


Drones for Photo & 

Video 

Storyboarding and 

Animatics 

Prerequisite: Motion Picture Fundamentals or Introduction to 

Digital Editing / 42 classroom hours 

DIG 219 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Patton 

Animatics are a way for filmmakers and 

animators to try out an idea without 

having to shoot it. In this course, you’ll 

create animatics for film, videogames 

or animation. Utilizing stock imagery, 

3D models, and drawings, students will 

create moving storyboards, and learn how 

to use Adobe Creative Cloud software 

to compile those boards into animatics. 

Drawing skills are not required in order to 

succeed. Students may collaborate or work 

individually. Considerable outside work is 

necessary. All equipment is provided but 

students pay for their own art supplies and 

media expenses. 

Introduction to 

Screenwriting 


FLM 228 A Tue 2:00 - 5:00 Heidekat 

FLM 228 B Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Heidekat 

This course will give you the skills you need 

to help you kick off that screenplay you’ve 

been dreaming of. In it, you’ll cover all the 

screenwriting basics, including: story, 

structure, scene, character, dialogue, and 

action. We cover both documentary and 

fiction storytelling. Considerable outside 

work is necessary. Grading is based on 

the quality of the writing assignments, 

homework, and class participation. 

Write-Act-Produce- 

Direct 


FLM 120 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Monahan 

Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. 

Understanding inter-related disciplines is 

crucial to making a successful film. Writers 

need to know what it takes to produce a 

particular sequence; directors need to 

know how to talk to actors; producers 

need to be able to stay true to a script 

while maintaining their budget; actors 

must be able to read scripts for action, and 

they need to understand the psychology 

of directors. Students will experience a 

little bit of every discipline in this course, 

spending three weeks dedicated to each 

area and the final two weeks of the term 

pulling it all together. Grading is based on 

assignments and class participation. 



DIG 112 A Mon 6:00 - 9:00 Hosking 

This is your chance to get familiar with all 

of the opportunities technology gives us 

for manipulating still images, sound, and 

motion pictures. You’ll be introduced to 

the Macintosh Operating System, Adobe 

Premiere, and Adobe Photoshop. Grading is 

based on assignments, a written exam and 

class participation. 

Documentary 

Production 


VID 320 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Zavala 

This course guides you through the planning, 

shooting, and editing of a documentary. You 

will build onto your existing production skills 

by learning techniques unique to non-fiction 

film, such as vérité (observational) shooting, 

interviewing, and using archival material. The 

class will consider the ethics of presenting real 

people on screen. In addition to production, 

you will analyze recent documentaries, in order 

to understand how reality can be presented in 

cinematically potent ways. Grading is based on 

practical exercises, writing, a final project, and 

class participation. 

FLM 225 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Watt 

You want to learn how to design and 

direct motion pictures—and we want to 

teach you. We’ll cover the relationship 

between film and reality, the meaning of 

cinematic techniques, continuity, shot 

selection, cut selection, and visualization. 

Extensive outside work is necessary, 

including attending current films to discuss 

directorial issues. 

Digital Effects and 

Compositing 


DIG 345 A Thu 6:00 - 9:00 Mougianis 

In this course, you’ll manipulate and combine 

video, photographs, graphics, text, and more 

to tell a story. Most work will be done using 

Adobe After Effects CC, Adobe Photoshop 

CC and Illustrator CC. You’ll learn how to make 

effective moving title sequences, and use 

transparency, masking, and chroma keying to 

do simple visual effects shots. Grading is based 

on assignments, exams and class participation. 


VID 125 A Thu 6:00 - 9:00 Garman 

Using a UAV (“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle” or 

“drone”), a filmmaker or photographer can get 

amazing shots, but safe operation is a must. 

In this course, you will learn how to assemble 

and fly a UAV and practice shooting effective 

moving and still images. The course will cover 

specific components of the UAV, cameras and 

camera stabilization systems, safe handling, 

legal requirements and protocol, and flying to 

get the best shot possible. It is recommended 

but not required that students be prepared 

to purchase a ready-to-fly UAV early in the 

semester; the instructor will suggest specific 

models in the first class session. 

Electronic 

Cinematography 


VID 317 A Thu 6:00 - 9:00 Caloiero 

This course will cover advanced video 

technology and professional techniques 

of videography, featuring professionalquality 

video cameras. Emphasis will 

be placed on image quality, meeting 

broadcast specifications for video and 

audio, and double-system audio recording. 

Grading will be based on written exams, 

in-class production exercises, and an oral 

presentation. Though students will be 

asked to shoot video in class, this is not a 

production course. 

Script Analysis 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Screenwriting / 42 classroom hours 

FLM 328 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Monahan 

Study the narrative structures and plot 

devices used to create satisfying film 

stories. You’ll view and discuss films and 

complex screenplays in order to examine 

plot development, characterization, theme 

and sub-plots. Each week, you will analyze a 

number of scripts, focusing on the transition 

of a story from script to screen. The final 

project will be an in-depth written analysis 

of a script and film, highlighting all major 

areas of the narrative. Considerable outside 

work is necessary. Grading is based on 

written analysis and class participation. 

Seminar in 

Screenwriting 

Prerequisite: Advanced Screenplay Workshop or permission / 42 

classroom hours 

FLM 428 A Mon 6:00 - 9:00 Monahan 

This course is designed for students with 

extensive writing experience. It provides 

the opportunity for writers to rework 

a completed feature length script or 

create a new screenplay. Students who 

intend to rewrite an existing piece must 

bring their completed screenplay to the 

first class. Students intending to create 

a new screenplay must have the Story 

Pitch prepared for the first class session. 

Class time will include readings, critiques 

and discussions of all work in progress. 

Extensive outside writing is required. 

Grades are based on class participation and 

ongoing written assignments. 

Video Thesis 2 

Prerequisite: Video Thesis 1 / 42 classroom hours 

VID 404 A By Appointment Staff 

This course is a direct continuation of 

your project from Video Thesis 1. You will 

edit and complete all post-production for 

your video shot during Thesis 1. In order 

to complete this course, you must have an 

exhibition-quality digital video master, and 

show your video in an approved Pittsburgh 

Filmmakers Thesis Screening. Grading 

is based on the quality of the student’s 

finished work and the ability to meet 

deadlines. 



9

Photography 

Photo by Esther Wayne, student 

Photo by Jeremy Guttman, student 

Studio Lighting 

Prerequisite: Black and White Photography 2 or Intermediate 

Digital Photography or permission / 42 classroom hours 

PHT 251 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Kelly 

Non-silver Printing 

Prerequisite: Black and White Photography 2 / 42 classroom 

hours 

PHT 304 A Tue 6:00 - 9:00 Krsul 

Sequence and Series: 

The Photobook 

Prerequisite: Intermediate Digital Photography or Portrait Photography 

or permission / 42 classroom hours 

Photography 

Step into the studio with this advanced 

photography course. You will utilize artificial 

lighting techniques, including hot lights and 

electronic flash units. Both film and digital 

capture will be discussed in class along with 

topics such as painting with light, lighting 

ratios and character studies. Assignments 

include white background portraiture, 

environmental portraiture and a variety 

of still life set-ups. Considerable outside 

work is required to complete assignments. 

Grading is based on attendance, 

assignments and your final portfolio. 

19th-century photographers introduced 

methods of processing photos that 

created beautiful, evocative images. Many 

contemporary photographers still use these 

processes in their work, and you can too. You 

will learn to make enlarged digital negatives, 

mix chemicals from original formulas and 

hand-coat the light sensitive emulsions 

on watercolor paper. Processes examined 

include cyanotype, Gum Bichromate, Van 

Dyke brown printing and Palladium printing. 

After exploring all processes, students 

choose one technique for their final project. 

Grading is based on attendance, the quality 

of completed assignments and the final 

portfolio. 

PHT 313 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Staff 

Collect and bind your photographs into a 

unique work of art. Using both traditional 

bookbinding techniques and on-demand 

printing sources, you’ll sequence and 

organize photos for a finished photobook. 

You’ll create a minimum of two books, one 

that is unique and personal, and another 

that can be produced in greater numbers. 

Topics covered include layout, sequencing, 

storytelling, design, digital image 

workflow, and basic bookmaking skills. 

We’ll study contemporary photography 

books for concept, content, style, and 

structure. Grading is based on attendance, 

participation, and completed projects. 

Basic Digital 

Photography 


PHT 120 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Sambrick 

Want to begin exploring the world of 

photography, but not quite sure where to 

start? This class will help you find your unique 

photographic style, with practical exploration 

of camera controls, print quality, composition, 

and subject matter. You’ll learn how to talk 

about photography, with an examination 

of both contemporary and historical 

photographers. Over the semester, you’ll cover 

exposure, quality of light, Adobe Lightroom for 

digital file management, image manipulation, 

and digital printing. Students should have their 

own camera; a few digital SLRs will be available 

for use during the semester. Grading is based 

on assignments, written exams and a final 

portfolio. 

Black and White 

Photography 1 


PHT 111 A Wed 6:00 - 9:00 Tohara 

PHT 111 B Sat 10:00 - 1:00 Kelly 

If you’re curious about the timeless artistry 

of photography, get shooting with our fleet 

of 35mm cameras. During your 14 weeks 

in our darkrooms, you will learn how to 

make an exposure and how to craft it into a 

photographic print. You will experiment with 

depth of field, light as subject, the self portrait 

and portraiture. Students are expected to 

purchase their own film and photographic 

paper. Grading is based on assignments, 

written exams and a final portfolio. 

Advanced Digital 

Photography 

Prerequisite: Intermediate Digital Photography or permission / 42 

classroom hours 

PHT 320 A Thu 6:00 - 9:00 Vitone 

This course picks up where Intermediate 

Digital Photography lets off, and offers 

advanced photographic concepts needed to 

expand your process of building an exhibition 

quality portfolio. Through regular shooting 

assignments and group critiques, your personal 

vision will be fully developed and explored. 

Editing, sequencing work, and inkjet printing 

are a large part of classwork. Using Adobe 

Photoshop CC, you will learn to make complex 

selection and color corrections, advanced 

layering and masking principles. Considerable 

outside work is required to complete 

assignments. Grading is based on attendance, 

assignments and your final portfolio. 

Business of 

Photography and 

Multimedia 


PFM 123 A Mon 6:00 - 9:00 Kelly 

Learn the basics of professional business 

practices as they relate to photography and 

multimedia markets, including: Editorial, 

Advertising, Weddings, Portraits, and Fine 

Art Photography. You’ll learn to research 

and apply basic marketing principles so that 

you can successfully promote yourself as 

a professional photographer, and create 

a strategy for marketing and sales goals 

including: a website, promo materials, 

and business cards to use in day-to-day 

business. We’ll also cover branding, blogs, 

SEO-data analytics, artist statements, 

production proposals, copyright, licensing, 

and business practices and etiquette. 

Photo by Joan Heineman, student 



11

Independent 

Study 

Independent Study in 

Film, Photography or 

Digital Media 

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor / Classroom hours TBD classroom hours 

Workshops 

In addition to our full semester courses, PF/PCA offers non-accredited workshops in digital media. These 

short courses range from 1 day to weekly over the course of several weeks. Please note, some of these 

workshops take place on our Pittsburgh Center for the Arts campus. 

Independent Study & Internships / Workshops 

FLM 299 A 

VID 299 A 

PHT 299 A 

DIG 299 A 

By appointment 




Are you an advanced student looking to study film or 

video production, photography, or digital media? Think 

about an independent study! Secure the permission of 

your preferred instructor, write a preliminary proposal, 

discuss your proposal with your instructor, and finalize it 

by completing an Independent Study Contract. 

Internships 

Internships in Film, 

Photography or Digital 

Media 

Digital Editing with 

Adobe Premiere 

3 Wednesdays Jan 10 - 24 6:30pm - 9:30pm PCA 

3 Wednesdays Mar 14 - 28 6:30pm - 9:30pm PCA 

$125 members / $150 non-members 

Adobe Premiere is one of the world’s most 

powerful and versatile video editing tools. 

Want to learn how to use it better? We’ll 

teach you how to edit, plus manage your 

media and workflow. We’ll also view scenes 

from contemporary movies and talk about 

editing aesthetics, match-cutting, pacing, 

and creating structure for a scene. 

This class takes place at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts 

Shooting with Your 

Digital Camera 

3 Thursdays Jan 11 - 25 6:30pm - 9:30pm PCA 

3 Saturdays Jan 13 - 27 10:00am - 1:00pm PF 

3 Thursdays Apr 12 - 26 6:30pm - 9:30pm PCA 

3 Saturdays Apr 14 - 28 10:00am - 1:00pm PF 


Looking to understand all the functions 

on your digital camera better? Let’s get 

creative! We’ll teach you how to use your 

camera’s advanced features while gaining 

an understanding of how to compose 

a shot and use light to produce quality 

photographs. Please bring your own DSLR 

or mirrorless camera to class. 

Thursdays at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts 

Saturdays at Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

Animating in 3D 

6 Saturdays Feb 3 - Mar 10 10:00am - 1:00pm PF 


Delve into the basics of 3D animation! In 

this introductory course, students will 

learn about 3D animation using pre-built 

character models, rigs, and sets. Students 

will work in Maya, a comprehensive 3D 

animation program used around the world 

for game design and film creation. 

This class takes place at Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

Prerequisite: Permission of Internship Coordinator / Classroom hours TBD. 

FLM 299 A 

VID 299 A 

PHT 299 A 

DIG 299 A 





Thinking about starting a career in the media arts? We 

may be able to help you set up an internship! You’ll have 

the opportunity to work with independent media artists, 

film, video, audio, or television production companies, 

or to work with art directors, gallery curators, 

photographers, and printers while earning college credit 

(3 or 6 hours). 

Before registering, interested students should contact 

the Internship Coordinator, Will Zavala, at wzavala@ 

pfpca.org. 

Producing Reality TV 

6 Mondays Jan 22 - Feb 26 6:00pm - 9:00pm PF 


Discover what it takes to produce reality 

TV. From casting to budgeting to creating a 

sizzle reel, this course will introduce you to 

the world of unscripted television and the 

project management skills required of all 

media producers. Each week, you’ll have the 

opportunity to chat with a different industry 

player—an executive producer of ‘Lip 

Sync Battle’, a casting producer for ‘Miami 

Ink,’ or another experienced professional. 

Prior experience with video production is 

suggested, but not required. 

Archival Photo 

Workshop 

1 Saturday February 10 10:30am - 1:30pm PF 

1 Saturday April 14 10:30am - 1:30pm PF 


Are your cherished photographs getting 

old and discolored? Learn how to digitize 

with our flatbed scanners! We’ll cover 

scan-to-print workflow with Photoshop, and 

even delve into some basic photography 

techniques that will help you next time you 

go out and shoot. Cost includes one print per 

student. 

Welcome to 

Wordpress 

1 Saturday February 17 1:00pm - 4:00pm PCA 


Need to create a digital portfolio or simple 

website? Learn how to begin designing your 

own website using Wordpress, one of the 

most user-friendly platforms out there. We’ll 

cover workflow, design elements, and some 

simple coding concepts for those looking to 

get more in-depth with web design. No prior 

experience required, but feel free to bring 

any images, files, etc. that you’d like to get 

online. 






13

Want to earn a Certificate in Digital Video or Photography? Consider completing a program of twelve full-length 

required courses (504 total classroom hours). 

Any student wishing to apply to a Pittsburgh Filmmakers Certificate Program must complete an application form and 

submit it to the Registrar. The applicant must submit EITHER high school transcripts or copy of diploma (proof of G.E.D. 

is acceptable), OR proof of college or university acceptance, registration, or graduation. We also require a short written 

statement regarding your goals. Active certificate students receive free access membership which extends for one 

year after successful completion, and are assigned an advisor from the Pittsburgh Filmmakers faculty. 

The course requirements for the respective Certificate Programs are as follows: 

Digital Video 

(504 total classroom hours) 

Core Requirements 




Electronic Cinematography 



Technical Theory Electives 

(CHOOSE 3) 

Introduction to Screenwriting 

Script Development 

Advanced Screenplay Workshop 

Sound for Film and Video 

Advanced Digital Editing Techniques 

Lighting for Film and Video 

Producing for Film and Video 

Technical Directing 

Directing Actors 

History/Theory Electives 

(CHOOSE 2) 

American Film History 

International Film History 

Elements of Film 

Experimental Film/Video Art 

Introduction to Film Theory and Criticism 

Certificate Program 

Photography 

(504 total classroom hours) 

Core Requirements 


B&W Photography 1 or Basic Digital Photography 

B&W Photography 2 or Intermediate Digital Photography 

B&W Photography 3 or Advanced Digital Photography 

Studio Lighting 

View Camera Techniques 

Photo Editing Workflow 

Advanced Photoshop Techniques 

Technical Theory Electives 

(CHOOSE 2) 

Non-Silver Printing 1 

Experimental Camera 

Experimental Darkroom 

Advanced Photo Seminar 

Portrait Photography 

History/Theory Electives 

(CHOOSE 1) 

History of Photography 1 

History of Photography 2 

General Elective 

Choose one full-length course (42 classroom hours) from 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ curriculum 

Registration Info 

Taking Classes 

University Registration 

Students at partner universities can register for Pittsburgh 

Filmmakers courses directly at their school. Partner schools 

include University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, La Roche, 

Duquesne, Carlow, Chatham, Robert Morris, Seton Hill, and 

Washington & Jefferson. 

Independent Registration 

Students not enrolling through a college/university are 

considered Independent students. Independent registration 

for classes and workshops may be completed by registering 

online at pfm.edu, by phone at 412-681-5449 or in person 

at our administrative offices (477 Melwood Avenue, 

Pittsburgh, PA 15213). Please be advised only those 

registering online will receive a tuition discount related 

to early registration (see Discount Deadline). Students 

registering for classes that require a prerequisite course 

must have earned a grade higher than D+ in the prerequisite. 

Independent students can register on a non-credit or credit 

transcript basis. Those registering as credit transcript 

students who hope to use PF classes for credit at a college/ 

university should query the receiving institution regarding 

their transfer policies, as there is no guarantee that 

credits will transfer. Following completion of the course 

the student can request from the Registrar that a credit 

transcript be sent to the school(s) of their choice. There is 

a $3.00 per transcript fee. Please contact the Registrar for 

more information. 

Tuition 

Independent non-credit: $615 per course (discounted 

to $575 per course if registered online by December 28, 

2017). 

PF/PCA members price: $590 per course (discounted 

to $550 per course if registered online and paid in full by 

December 28, 2017). 

Credit Transcript: $1,150 per 42-classroom-hour (3 credit) 

course. There is no early registration discount on classes 

taken on a credit transcript basis. 

Unregistered students may only attend the first class if 

permission has been granted by the Registrar. A limited 

number of scholarships are now available for non-credit 

students demonstrating financial need. Visit pfm.edu for 

information about the application process. 

Discount Deadline 

Independent students can receive discounted tuition on full 

semester classes by signing up ONLINE before midnight on 

the discount deadline: December 28, 2017. 

Refunds 

If a class is dropped prior to the first class meeting 100% 

of tuition for the semester is refundable. If dropping or 

withdrawing during the first seven calendar days of the 

semester, 75% of the tuition for the semester is refundable. 

If dropping or withdrawing after the first seven calendar 

days, but within the first 25% of the semester, 55% of 

the tuition for the semester is refundable. If dropping or 

withdrawing after 25% but within 50% of the semester, 

30% of the tuition is refundable. If dropping or withdrawing 

after 50% of the semester has passed, the student is not 

entitled to a refund. A student who is entitled to a refund 

must submit a signed Drop form to the Registrar (see Drop 

policy). Refund calculations will be based on the last day of 

recorded attendance. Students who notify the Registrar of 

their wish to withdraw from a class will receive a grade of 

“W” (students who do not notify the Registrar risk receiving 

a grade of “F”). All eligible refunds will be issued within thirty 

(30) calendar days of notification of the Registrar. 

Certificate Program / Registration Info 

General Elective 

Choose one full-length course (42 classroom hours) from 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ curriculum 

Certificate Students: Contact your advisor for current 

Certificate tuition rate and registration information. 

Photo by Missy Blazer, student 



15

Student Access 

Students of The Pittsburgh Filmmakers School receive access 

to a complete inventory of production and post-production 

equipment for HD video, 16mm film, still photography, and 

digital media including a film sound stage, digital editing suites, 

three community darkrooms, a non-silver printing lab, and 

digital imaging and printing labs. These facilities are available 

for the duration of the courses. For more information, contact 

our Equipment Office. Students also receive discounts from 

Apple, film laboratories, seminars, workshops, and screenings at 

The Melwood Screening Room, Harris Theater, and the Regent 

Square Theater. Students must present I.D. at the box office. 

Unless otherwise noted in course descriptions, all necessary 

equipment is provided for classes. Students get 24/7 access to 

the facilities and equipment they need at Pittsburgh Filmmakers 

for the duration of their courses. Contact the Equipment Office 

to reserve equipment at (412) 681-9500. 

Locations 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers is located at 477 Melwood Avenue, 

Pittsburgh PA, 15213 in North Oakland. All 14-week film and 

photography courses are taught at the Filmmakers campus, 

along with some workshops and high school Youth Media classes. 

Parking is available on-street and in our parking lot across from 

the building; a permit is required before 5pm on weekdays. 

Registration Info 

(con’t) 

Disclaimer 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers does not discriminate on the basis of 

race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, 

gender, gender expression, physical or mental ability, veteran 

status, military obligations, or marital status. 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers reserves the right to cancel classes in 

cases of inadequate enrollment due to impracticality. Faculty 

assignments are also subject to change. 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers reserves the right to expel any student 

who is disruptive to the educational process, including those 

whose behavior presents a threat to the health and safety of 

others. 

Students requiring accommodations for disabilities should 

inform their course instructor or Registrar at the time of 

enrollment so that reasonable and appropriate arrangements 

can be made. 

Students withdrawn by the school may receive tuition 

reimbursements depending on the reason for withdrawal. 

Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers School of Filmmaking and Photography is 

an accredited institutional member of the National Association 

of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). 

Registration Info / The Intensives 

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is located at 1047 Shady Avenue, 

Pittsburgh PA 15232 in Shadyside. All studio art classes, some 

workshops, and most Youth Media classes are taught at the PCA 

campus. Parking is available on-street and in a parking lot across 

from the school. 

Open Houses 

Thursday, February 22, 2018 

6:00 - 7:30pm 

Saturday, April 21, 2018 

10:30am - 12:00pm 

During our open house events, the public and all prospective 

students receive guided tours of Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ 

educational facilities and exhibition spaces. Everyone has the 

opportunity to meet the instructors and education staff and to 

observe some of our classes in session. For more information or 

to RSVP, call Joe Bisciotti at (412) 681-5449 x 201. You can 

also RSVP online at pfm.edu. 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers’ Certificate and Intensive Programs are 

licensed by the State Board of Private License Schools. 

Pittsburgh Filmmakers School is an approved SAA provider for 

G.I. Bill benefits. 

Photo by Jonathan Aryeh Wayne, student 

The Filmmaking Intensive 

The Photography Intensive 

Now accepting applications for Fall 2018. 

To apply: pfm.edu or pfschool@pfpca.org 


17

PF Spring 2018

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