Adult Learning Courses offered in the Hamilton Commons are geared toward adult learners with stories to tell. Classes cover such topics as camera usage, editing skills and documentary video production. Beginning and advanced classes -- all taught using commonly available computer equipment and popular editing applications such as Final Cut Pro -- are offered. WHYY's instructors are well versed in working with students at different skill levels, combining discussions of the storytelling process with the necessary technical skills.
Questions? Please contact Craig Santoro at 215-351-3318
C101 — Intro to Shooting Video
Interested in exploring digital video, but don't know where to begin? This class introduces you to the basics of operating a video camera, simple lighting techniques, framing shots and conducting interviews. You will have a hands-on opportunity to practice shooting and conducting interviews with your fellow participants. "Intro to Shooting Video" is a great starting point for people who are thinking of purchasing a camera, looking to get the most out of a camera they already own, or are hoping to interview friends or family members to capture their stories.
Member course fee: $20
Non-member course fee: $80
Choose one of the following dates:
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 6:00-9:00PM »
Saturday, December 1, 2012 1:00-3:30PM »
Thursday, February 21, 2013 6:30-9:00PM »
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 6:30-9:00PM »
C102 — Intro to Editing
This class is designed as a starting point for people who are interested in exploring the world of editing video. In this 2.5 hour overview of the editing process, you will be introduced to the basics of video editing: how video clips are cut and arranged using Final Cut Pro software. You will learn to arrange footage on a timeline, use multiple tracks of video and audio and employ essential Final Cut tools to form a coherent story from stock footage.
Note: In this class, you will be editing from stock footage. There is no need to bring footage with you.
Member course fee: $20
Non-member course fee: $80
Choose one of the following dates:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:00-8:30PM »
Saturday, December 8, 2012 1:00-3:30PM »
Thursday, February 28, 2013 6:30-9:00PM »
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 6:30-9:00PM »
C202 — Beginning Documentary Production
Make your own 3-5 minute documentary in this exciting four-session course. Learn to plan, shoot, and edit on Final Cut Pro as you craft your own short video. During the first two weeks of the course, you will be able to borrow a WHYY camera and microphone to capture original footage on your own.
(Right: see a video produced by a student through this course.)
Note: You will be required to shoot footage outside of class time while taking this course, as you will be creating your own original piece. If you don't wish to create your own video and are only looking for editing skills, please consider taking "Editing on Final Cut Pro" instead.
Prerequisites: If you are totally new to video production, it is recommended that you take Intro to Shooting Video and Intro to Video Editing before taking this course.
Member course fee: $255
Non-member course fee: $315
Course fee includes equipment rental and 10 hours of edit time.
Choose one of the following four-session courses:
Wednesdays: October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2012 6:00-9:00PM »
Saturdays: January 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 2013 1:00-4:00PM »
Wednesdays: March 13, 20, 27, and April 3, 2013 »
C301 — Intermediate Documentary Production
In this follow-up to the Beginning Documentary course, you will create a longer and more sophisticated piece. With a smaller class size and a focus on peer feedback, Intermediate Documentary Production allows you to discuss your ideas and rough cuts with other course participants in a workshop setting as you build on the skills you learned in the Beginning class.
(Right: see a video produced by a student through this course.)
Prerequisite: Beginning Documentary Production is a pre-requisite for this course. If you have not taken the intro course but feel you have a similar level of experience, please contact us at 215-351-3318 before enrolling.
Member course fee: $285
Non-member course fee: $345
Course fee includes equipment rental and 10 hours of edit time.
Choose one of the following five-session courses:
Tuesdays: November 6, 13, 20, 27, and December 4, 2012 6:00-9:00 PM »
Wednesdays: April 24, May 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2013 6:00-9:00 PM »
C401 — Advanced Documentary Seminar
In this six-session, monthly seminar, you will meet with a like-minded group of students looking to take their documentary production to the next level. Participants will be encouraged to serve as crew for each other, as they work on longer (15-20 minute) projects.
Participants will be able to use WHYY's cameras, microphones, and edit suites, but will be expected to shoot and edit outside of class time. The actual class will be discussion-based and will involve group critique of participants' footage and rough cuts.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Documentary Production is a pre-requisite for this course. If you have not taken that course but feel you have a similar level of experience, please contact us at 215-351-3318 before enrolling.
Member course fee: $315
Non-member course fee: $375
Course fee includes equipment rental and 40 hours of edit time.
Course meets the first Monday of each month:
January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, and June 3, 2013 6:00PM-9:00PM »
C201 — Multimedia Slideshows
Do you have photos from a special event, vacation or a lifetime of experiences? This three-session course will help you turn your favorite snapshots into a multimedia slideshow. Tell a three-five minute digital story as you add music and your own narration to your most cherished memories.
Note: Participants must arrive with their media already in digital format (Photos scanned, on a thumb drive, or still in the digital camera; video in .Mov, MP4 or other digital format; music on CDs or as MP3s).
Member course fee: $115
Non-member course fee: $175
Course fee includes 8 hours of edit time.
Wednesdays: February 6, 13, and 20, 2013 6:00-9:00PM »
C204 — Editing with Final Cut Pro
In this three-session course, you will learn the most crucial video editing skills in Final Cut Pro: basic editing, title creation, sound mastering, color correction, chroma keying (green screening), transitions and filters and techniques used in narrative and documentary film editing.
Note: You will not create an original piece through this course; you will be editing from stock footage. If you wish to create your own documentary video, please consider taking "Beginning Documentary Production" instead.
Member course fee: $115
Non-member course fee: $175
Course fee includes 8 hours of edit time.
Choose one of the following three-session courses:
Monday, December 10; Wednesday, December 12; and Friday, December 14, 2012, 6:30-9:00PM »
Wednesdays: June 5, 12, and 19, 2013. 6:30-9:00PM »
C203 — Audio Storytelling
Great audio storytelling is the hallmark of WHYY's radio service. In this four-session course, you will learn to tell stories with audio. Using narration, interviews and natural sound, you will craft a short audio piece on a topic of your choice.
Member course fee: $155
Non-member course fee: $215
Course fee includes 8 hours of edit time.
Wednesdays: January 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2013 6:30-9:00PM »
Saturdays: May 18, 25, June 1, and 8, 2013 1:00-3:30 PM »
C105 — Stories of Mom and Dad
This Mother's Day or Father's Day, give your parent a gift the whole family can enjoy. Bring your mom or dad to WHYY and conduct an interview for a video your family will cherish for years. Gain hands-on experience shooting video and conducting interviews while you share a great conversation with your parent. Leave with a video keepsake.
Member course fee: $50
Non-member course fee: $100
Course fee includes 8 hours of edit time.
Stories of Mom: Saturday, May 11, 2013. 1:00-3:30PM »
Stories of Dad: Sunday, June 16, 2013. 1:00-3:30PM »
C104 — Tell Your Story
In this one-hour experience, come to WHYY and interview a friend or family member, or be the subject of your own oral history. Learn to conduct a high-quality interview, and let the Public Media Commons staff handle the camera and lights. Leave with a 10-15 minute video keepsake to share with family and friends.
Member course fee: $50
Non-member course fee: $100
This experience is offered by appointment only. To make an appointment to tell your story, call 215-351-3318.