Chicago Filmmakers

FOUNDATIONS OF SCREENWRITING IS NOW BEING OFFERED AS A 6 WEEK COURSE! ~ November 12th - December 17th

Don't miss your chance to learn how to develop your own ideas onto the page and then onto the screen!

This course is designed to introduce beginning writers to the fundamentals of writing a screenplay. Through screenings, readings, discussion, and critiques, students will engage with character development, dialogue, structure, narrative progression, and what to do with a finished screenplay. Students should use this course as a springboard towards generating the first draft of a feature-length screenplay or completing a short film script.

Technical requirements: Students can access the course via a computer or smartphone. While access to a we**am or phone camera is preferable, only audio and the ability to view video are required. Students will need to install the Zoom app on their computer or smartphone, but no account is required.

To Learn More and/or Register, Click the Link Below!
https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes/screenwriting-1-online

CHICAGO FILMMAKERS IS HIRING!

Position: Director of Education & Filmmaking Development

Description: Chicago Filmmakers is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Education and Filmmaker Development to join our team and advance our expanding work in the film and TV sector. The ideal candidate will have a well-rounded understanding of film production, a passion for the organization’s mission and programs, a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the film industry, and a forward-thinking, innovative mindset. The position will be responsible for developing, planning, and implementing Chicago Filmmakers’ year-round educational and workforce training programs; building community among local filmmakers through networking events, seminars, panel discussions, and other professional development activities; and overseeing direct services to filmmakers, including fiscal sponsorship and equipment access.

About Chicago Filmmakers: Chicago Filmmakers is a 50-year-old not-for-profit media arts organization serving the independent film community through education, exhibition, and filmmaker support. CF offers classes for adults and youth; empowers local artists to create new work through fiscal sponsorship, equipment access, and other resources and services; encourages the professional advancement of media artists through seminars and panel discussions; and creates opportunities for artistic exchange through in-person networking events and online filmmaker conversations and interviews. CF’s rapidly expanding workforce training program provides a pipeline for entry level jobs in the film and TV industry in Chicago.

In addition to its direct support of independent filmmakers, CF serves diverse audiences through its year-round film screening series and its two annual film festivals, Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and the Onion City Experimental Film Festival.

To Learn More and/or Apply, Click the Link Below!
https://chicagofilmmakers.org/get-involved-

The 35th Onion City Experimental Film Festival is accepting submissions! The festival will run from April 3 -13, 2025.

DEADLINES FOR PROJECT SUBMISSIONS:
Early Bird Deadline: November 5, 2024
Regular Deadline: November 27, 2024
Late Deadline: December 19, 2024

Founded in the 1980s by the Experimental Film Coalition, Chicago Filmmakers assumed responsibility for the festival in 2001. Onion City presents 8-10 programs over four days in Chicago and features roughly 60-70 works from around the world. Aside from the competition programs, there are occasional special presentations of new or older films of note or guest presentations. Screenings take place at Chicago Filmmakers Firehouse Cinema, 1326 W. Hollywood Ave., and at partner venues (TBA), as well as screening films virtually.

The mission of Onion City is to provide local and regional audiences with an opportunity to view a wide variety of contemporary experimental works, focused on artistic excellence but also with an eye towards representing differing styles, forms, and nationalities.

A discount code is available upon request for students and additional entries by the same entrant by emailing [email protected].

Join us for Group 312 Films 2024 Annual Report - Saturday 10/19 @ 7 PM 🎞️

This program continues the tradition of previous years’ programs at Chicago Filmmakers. The 2024 Annual Report will present a selection of films that represent the highlights of the past year’s work. This line-up will consist of 12 short videos by 6 different filmmakers. Each video takes a unique approach to the monthly themes provided by the group. We have videos that are experimental, scary, whimsical, and provocative. We hope that you find these films to be both entertaining and inspiring!

🎟️ Link in bio for Tickets & More Info 🎟️

Film Producing | 10/15 - 11/12 (Virtual) | Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, taught by Joseph Lewis 🎬

Producers make it all happen! Learn the ins-and-outs of budgeting, scheduling, casting, releases, permits, script breakdowns, hiring crew, coordinating post-production, festivals, and distribution.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Students can access the course via a computer or smartphone. While access to a we**am or phone camera is preferable, only audio and the ability to view video are required. Students will need to install the Zoom app on their computer or smartphone, but no account is required.

REGISTER TODAY: https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes/producing-online

Deadline for Fall 2024-25 Workforce PA applications: Sunday 10/13

Part of our Workforce Development Initiative, Chicago Filmmakers’ Production Assistant Training Program is a tuition-free series of classes and hands-on film production exercises intended to equip trainees with the essential knowledge and entry-level experience to prepare for Production Assistant jobs on Illinois Television and Film productions.

The program will provide 80+ hours of training over the course of a few months with evenings and weekend daytime class schedules. Students are required to attend all 80 hours of core training plus one or more specialty workshops held at the Chicago Filmmakers’ facility at 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood.

This program is intended to particularly increase diverse participation in the local creative workforce. BIPOC applicants and/or those who identify as female, gender non-conforming, and/or LBGTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

https://chicagofilmmakers.org/workforce-development

Foundations Of Screenwriting | 10/15 - 12/10 (Virtual Class)! Tuesdays @ 6:30 - 9:30 PM, taught by Paul Peditto ✍️

Want to translate your idea into a feature or short film? This course is designed to introduce beginning writers to the fundamentals of writing a screenplay. Through screenings, readings, discussion, and critiques, students will engage with character development, dialogue, structure, narrative progression, and what to do with a finished screenplay. Students should use this course as a springboard towards generating the first draft of a feature-length screenplay or completing a short film script.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Students can access the course via a computer or smartphone. While access to a we**am or phone camera is preferable, only audio and the ability to view video are required. Students will need to install the Zoom app on their computer or smartphone, but no account is required.

REGISTER TODAY: https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes/screenwriting-1-online

Cinematography And Lighting I | 10/9 - 11/6 (In-Person Class)! Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM. Taught by Jonathan Moeller () 🎥

Cinematography is known as the art of motion-picture photography. Cinematographers use controllable elements such as movement, visual composition and the nature of lighting to create the visual tone of a scene. This course will give students an introduction into lighting for film and television. They will first learn standard three point setups and then, using Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras, explore more creative lighting and framing based on story motivation.  Students will also be introduced to using a dolly and best practices for green screens. A director of photography (DP) guest speaker may also be in attendance for one class!

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Students are welcome to bring their own cameras and equipment but are not required to do so.

Link in bio for registration & more info!

Developing The Documentary | 10/9 - 11/13 (Virtual) | Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, taught by Julie Englander

Do you want to make a documentary? This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of what it takes to produce your own nonfiction film or series. We’ll guide you through every step of the process: from the creative development of your idea to understanding the industry to understanding the basics of how to execute a professional documentary proposal!

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Students can access the course via a computer or smartphone. While access to a we**am or phone camera is preferable, only audio and the ability to view video are required. Students will need to install the Zoom app on their computer or smartphone, but no account is required.

Link in bio for registration & more info!

Digital Filmmaking | 10/8 - 12/17 (In-Person)! Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 PM, Taught by taught by Will Schneider 🎬

This intensive hands-on production course will teach you the skills needed to make a film! Topics include a thorough introduction to digital video cameras, important aspects of lighting, sound, shot composition, camera movement, visual storytelling devices, working as a filmmaking crew, and editing. In-class demonstrations and exercises will allow students to work collaboratively on group projects as a digital cinema team.

Link in bio for registration & more info!

Get into the back-to-school spirit with our Fall classes!

From developing documentaries to producing films,
courses are a great opportunity to develop filmmaking skills, inspire new ideas & projects, and kickstart new hobbies. Make sure to enroll today!

CLASSES:

10/8 - 12/17 | Digital Filmmaking | IN-PERSON
10/9 - 11/13 | Developing The Documentary | VIRTUAL
10/9 - 11/6 | Cinematography And Lighting I | IN-PERSON
10/15 - 12/10 | Foundations of Screenwriting | VIRTUAL
10/15 - 11/12 | Film Producing | VIRTUAL
10/17 - 11/14 | Editing With Premiere Pro | VIRTUAL
11/13 - 12/18 | Cinematography And Lighting II | IN-PERSON

Link in bios for registration & more class info!


🏳️‍🌈 Q***r Writers Club in-person for Reeling! 🏳️‍🌈

The Q***r Writers Club is a monthly online meeting for LGBTQ+ writers; open to both beginners and experienced authors, regardless of genre. Now in-person for Reeling 2024: The 42nd Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival!

This is a q***r writer’s safe-space, a friendly club to hone your craft through creative writing exercises. This time includes focused practice in a group setting and a chance to meet other LGBTQ+ creatives. Whether you’re jotting down poems in a journal or working on your 5th draft of a Netflix-produced screenplay, you’re welcome to percolate fresh ideas, help form a new writing community, and share in the company of this generative space!

Hosted by , this club is a project of and 🏳️‍🌈

Sign up by clicking the “Upcoming Screenings & Events” link in bio!

***rWritersClub ***rCreatives ***rStorytelling ***rCommunity

Now accepting applications for the Fall 2024-25 Workforce Training cycle!

Part of our Workforce Development Initiative, Chicago Filmmakers’ Production Assistant Training Program is a tuition-free series of classes and hands-on film production exercises intended to equip trainees with the essential knowledge and entry-level experience to prepare for Production Assistant jobs on Illinois Television and Film productions.

The program will provide 80+ hours of training over the course of a few months with evenings and weekend daytime class schedules. Students are required to attend all 80 hours of core training plus one or more specialty workshops held at the Chicago Filmmakers’ facility at 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood. 

This program is intended to particularly increase diverse participation in the local creative workforce. BIPOC applicants and/or those who identify as female, gender non-conforming, and/or LBGTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Link in Bio for application form & more info!

We’re excited to announce that Chicago Filmmakers has won a grant from NBCUniversal Foundation in Chicago (NBC Chicago Telemundo Chicago). We’re extremely proud to be in good company. Read more about the program and winners here: https://bit.ly/3AxWFmV

Join us for a cinematic look at the Filipino diaspora with AUTONOMOUS ARCHIVING: A Special Event with the Filipino American Historic Society of Chicago 🇵🇭 Friday 8/30 @ 7 PM!

Chicago Filmmakers and the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) invite you to a watch party of 16mm films by Nicholas Viernes (1902-1991), the unofficial cameraman of the Filipino American community of Greater Chicago in the early-mid 20th Century.

The FAHSC () will share the earliest films in their collection, which are highlighted as a recovery of lost cinematic memory across the diaspora. Only 5 feature films made in the Philippines made prior to 1941 have survived events of World War 2. 

Additionally, Collections Manager & Archivist Ashley Dequilla will give a short presentation on her journey as an archivist in restoring these films, and their historical context! Audience members are invited to ask questions, share stories, and engage with the works as they are screened.

🎟️ Link In Bio For Tickets & More Info! 🎟️

Sign up for Q***r Writers Club - Saturday 8/24 @ 2 PM 🏳️‍🌈

The Q***r Writers Club is a monthly online meeting for LGBTQ+ writers; open to both beginners and experienced authors, regardless of genre. This is a q***r writer’s safe-space, a friendly club to hone your craft through creative writing exercises. Hosted by !

✍️ Link in bio for more info ✍️


***rWritersClub ***rCreatives ***rcinema

Updated: AUGUST @ CHICAGO FILMMAKERS 🎞️

You can find more info on these events & purchase tickets from the link in our bio!

AUGUST @ CHICAGO FILMMAKERS 🎞️

You can find more info on these events & purchase tickets from the link in our bio!

Catch HOWARD ZINN: YOU CAN’T BE NEUTRAL ON A MOVING TRAIN, a Chicago Filmmakers’ 50th anniversary screening - Friday 8/16 @ 7 PM 🎞️

A fiscal sponsor project of Chicago Filmmakers, “YOU CAN’T BE NEUTRAL” provides an in depth look into the life and mind of historian, activist and author Howard Zinn. Following his early days as a shipyard labor organizer and bombardier in World War II, Zinn became an academic rebel and leader of civil disobedience in a time of institutionalized racism and war.

Featuring rare archival materials and interviews with Zinn and colleagues such as Noam Chomsky, You Can’t Be Neutral captures the essence of this extraordinary man who was a catalyst for progressive change for more than 60 years.

Co-director Denis Mueller will be in attendance for a post-screening discussion!

🎟️ Link in bio for tickets & more info! 🎟️

Daydream with KISS ’N RIDE, Dir. Olivia Jensen (), as part of CHICAGO SEEN VOL. 18 - Friday 8/9 @ 7 PM 🎞️

On her way home from a date, a woman finds reminders of it within her surroundings.

Director’s Statement:
“KISS ’N RIDE is based on a true story. It’s a love letter to Chicago winters, an ode to commuting and traveling, and an homage to my first date with my now-husband. I wish I had kissed him that snowy December night. Instead of regretting that, I made this film, in hopes of connecting with other hopeless romantics who can relate to all the “what if?”s and dreamy thoughts that engross us when first falling for someone.”

CHICAGO SEEN is a long-running screening series celebrating the diverse talent of Chicago’s film community. Formerly known as the “Spirit of Chicago,” our mission for this program remains the same: to celebrate and increase visibility for locally made films and Chicago filmmakers.

Make sure to stick around for a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers!

🎟️ Link in bio for tickets & more info! 🎟️



Get your wallets out for CHECK PLEASE, Dir. Shane Chung (), as part of CHICAGO SEEN VOL. 18 - Friday 8/9 @ 7 PM!

Dinner turns deadly in this high-octane martial arts action comedy about two Korean-Americans settling the issue of their lives: who’ll pay for the check.

Director’s Statement:
“CHECK PLEASE takes cues from schlocky, zany, stunt-filled action comedy and martial arts films (Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow) because first and foremost I wanted to please the crowd and entertain. I think the best movies are like magic tricks in that you walk away after seeing them asking “how did they do that?!” and I’ve done my best to do that with this film… I wanted to portray Asian Americans in films that go beyond a tired immigrant storyline or a discrimination storyline – that internal struggle being too Korean for America, but being too American for Korea. I feel this is a resonant theme for many kids like me out there in the world, and that this film can help them feel less alone.”

CHICAGO SEEN is a long-running screening series celebrating the diverse talent of Chicago’s film community. Formerly known as the “Spirit of Chicago,” our mission for this program remains the same: to celebrate and increase visibility for locally made films and Chicago filmmakers.

Make sure to stick around for a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers!

🎟️ Link in bio for tickets & more info! 🎟️



Have a heart to heart w/ COTTAGE GROVE, Dir. George Ellzey Jr. (), as part of CHICAGO SEEN VOL. 18 - Friday 8/9 @ 7 PM!

In the parking lot of a Southside grocery store, a young man struggles to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father while remaining true to himself.

Director’s Statement:
“COTTAGE GROVE merges my love for experimental and narrative film. It is rooted in Chicago, in Bronzeville, a rapidly changing South Side community that is, itself, a character in the script and short. But in stark contrast to this place and all its complexity is the simple beauty of a father-son reconciliation found unintentionally through halting words, meaningful looks, flights of fantasy, and, ultimately, love. My desire for Cottage Grove is to facilitate healthy conversations between parents and their children at any stage of life. The story’s core is healing starts with parents’ compassion, understanding, and acknowledgment of their children’s hurt.”

CHICAGO SEEN is a long-running screening series celebrating the diverse talent of Chicago’s film community. Formerly known as the “Spirit of Chicago,” our mission for this program remains the same: to celebrate and increase visibility for locally made films and Chicago filmmakers.

Make sure to stick around for a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers!

🎟️ Link in bio for tickets & more info! 🎟️

Pick up the pieces w/ SHATTERED, Dir. Jessica Herlitz (), as a part of CHICAGO SEEN VOL. 18, Friday 8/9 @ 7 PM 🎞️

A distraught woman attempts to talk to her husband.

Director’s Statement:
SHATTERED explores the feeling of not knowing whether your own consciousness is telling the truth. It’s a scary feeling to be lost within your own head, and I wanted to capture the fear of being out of control within this short film.

CHICAGO SEEN is a long-running screening series celebrating the diverse talent of Chicago’s film community. Formerly known as the “Spirit of Chicago,” our mission for this program remains the same: to celebrate and increase visibility for locally made films and Chicago filmmakers.

Make sure to stick around for a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers!

🎟️ Link in bio for tickets & more info! 🎟️