THE FILM WORKSHOP is a weekly filmmaking program designed for high school students but open to all Bay Area students, from late middle school through college. It runs annually October through May.
Each year, new students are introduced to the fundamentals of professional filmmaking while returning students refine and deepen their skills. The Workshop acts as producer, helping students to build a portfolio of work that will help them get into film schools and develop a foundation of skills – looking, seeing, thinking, doing - that will serve them throughout their careers.
Workshop meetings are held on Sundays, 12-5:30pm.
To apply for the 2024-25 session, fill out this application form.
The 2024 film workshop session plans to begin October 13th.
The program includes a series of eight video lesson films created by Ronald Chase, Cornerstones of Film Making. Students' first assignments are to make short (1-2 minute) films that show an understanding of the principles set forth in the lessons. Students can use a cell phone for their fist assignments, but will eventually need a digital camera with a manual adjustment option to make more complex films.
The Film Workshop is offered for a non-refundable fee of $2000. Payment plans are available. Students who demonstrate commitment to the workshop can apply for scholarships.
For questions regarding accessibility, please contact isaiah@artandfilm.org
“Ronald Chase has created teaching tools that include a series of excellent videos that teach filmmaking in the context of film history. He’s enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and a fine teacher — I highly recommend his classes.”
Director, Hearts of Darkness
“In my 43 years of working in both narrative and documentary films I am more impressed with his graduates than any other program I’ve seen.”
Editor, Unbearable Lightness of Being
& The Right Stuff
Our Staff
Ronald Chase has led the workshop for 25 years. He is a working artist with a 50-year career in developing film and projection for theater (opera); two feature films and 30 years as critic at large on public radio (KALW-FM). A detailed outline of his career is available on Wikipedia.
Isaiah Dufort is the writing mentor. He is the author of a couple dozen short films, including the Film Workshop’s The Fish and Two Photographs, both winners of awards from the National Academy of Television. He also teaches playwriting in the creative writing department at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts High School.
Jesse Filipko is the production and editing mentor. He has written and directed some two-dozen short films and a radio program with his production team, Agent Xenon. He has ten years experience as a commercial producer and videographer. He also teaches editing and production skills in the media department at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts High School.
Thomas Roberdeau is a professional filmmaker who has been writing and directing films for 45 years.