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Community 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
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.
C101 — Intro to Video Camera
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 Video Camera" 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
NEW DATE ADDED!
Register for WHYY's April Intro to Camera Course »
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 — 6:30-8:30PM
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 two 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
NEW DATE ADDED!
Register for WHYY's May Intro to Editing Course »
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 — 6:30-8:30PM

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 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 Camera and Intro to 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.
Register for WHYY's Beginning Documentary Production Course »
Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28, and April 4, 2012 — 6:00-9:00PM

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: Intro to Documentary 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.
Register for WHYY's Intermediate Documentary Production Course »
Wednesday, April 25, May 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2012 — 6:00-9:00PM
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 to 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.
Register for WHYY's Multimedia Slideshows Course »
Saturdays May 19, 26, and June 2, 2012 — 1:00-3:30PM
C204 — Editing on 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, as well as 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
Register for WHYY's Editing on Final Cut Pro Course »
Wednesdays: June 6, 13, 20, 2012 — 6:30-9:00PM
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 and 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
Register for Stories of Mom Course »
Saturday May 12, 2012 from 1:00-3:00PM
Register for Stories of Dad Course »
Saturday June 16, 2012 from 1:00:-3:30PM
"Stories of Mom and Dad" courses are also available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please contact Craig Santoro at 215-351-3318.

