School of Filmmaking and Photography Course Catalog - 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
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 361-0873
1047 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 361-0455
4 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
5
Film, Digital, and Video
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.
Video Production 2
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
Prerequisite: Video Production 2 / 42 classroom hours
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.
6 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
7
Filmmaking Intensive cohort
Introduction to
Digital Editing
Technical Directing
Prerequisite: Motion Picture Fundamentals / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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.
Film, Digital, and Video
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: Motion Picture Fundamentals / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: Video Production 1 / 42 classroom hours
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.
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: Video Production 1 / 42 classroom hours
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.
8 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
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
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
Prerequisite: None / 42 classroom hours
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
10 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
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
By appointment
By appointment
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
$125 members / $150 non-members
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
$195 members / $220 non-members
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
By appointment
By appointment
By appointment
By appointment
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
$195 members / $220 non-members
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
$70 members / $95 non-members
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
$70 members / $95 non-members
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.
This class takes place at Pittsburgh Filmmakers
This class takes place at Pittsburgh Filmmakers
This class takes place at Pittsburgh Filmmakers
12 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
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
Motion Picture Fundamentals
Video Production 1
Video Production 2
Electronic Cinematography
Video Thesis 1
Video Thesis 2
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
Motion Picture Fundamentals
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
14 Visit us online at pfm.edu
Visit us online at pfm.edu
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
16 Visit us online at pfm.edu
17
Change language