Summer Film—UNM's Department of Continuing Education is offering a series of classes this summer designed to introduce people to the various aspects of film production. This is an opportunity to learn from professional actors, directors, writers and producers. Classes include Acting in Front of the Camera, Intensive Course in Screenwriting, Production Management, Technical Production and Directing. The courses are staggered, and scheduled to start between mid-June and early-August. There is also a special Film Fantasy Camp designed for kids age 13-17. The Fantasy Camp begins June 21 and will teach teens the basics of shooting, lighting, sound design and editing on a camcorder. All Summer Filmmaking workshops will take place at the UNM Continuing Education Building, 1634 University NE. For information about time, location and cost, call 277-6320 or visit the website at dce.unm.edu. Course size is limited, so sign up as soon as possible.
A Primer from the Primates—Primate Memory Factory, organizers of the monthly PMF Five-Minute Film Competition, are gearing up for the Annual DigiFest Southwest Festival (taking place June 12-16) with DigiCafé, a week of workshops, screenings and discussions aimed at giving aspiring Albuquerque filmmakers a chance to showcase their skills. Themes will be handed out on a daily basis through Saturday, June 12. Digital filmmakers (basically anybody with a camcorder) will have one day in which to write, shoot and edit their micro-masterpieces. There will be seminar discussions before each nightly screening, allowing filmmakers a chance to talk about ways to improve their skills (from writing to lighting). Log on to www.pmf5.com for more info on times and places.
DigiFest Southwest—Speaking of the annual digital filmmaking festival, it will kick off at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, in front of the KiMo Theater. If you're not planning on being there bright and early to see the hand-off of the digital cameras, all you need to know is that the filmmakers who have been running frantically around town trying to shoot and edit seven digital films in just seven days will be screening them for public consumption at the KiMo Theater on Saturday, June 19. Log on to www.digifestsouthwest.com for more info.
