3 Beginner-Friendly Analog Film Classes in 2024
16mm Tactile Filmmaking workshop, Halloween Edition, October 2023 - Photo by Garry Taylor
In a world dominated by digital marvels and instant gratification, there's a nostalgic yearning for the charm of yesteryear's cinematic treasures. Austin School of Film, a hub for creative exploration, understands this sentiment and has curated an array of courses that delve into the magic of Super 8 and analog filmmaking.
We’ve released our 2024 selections for the first few months of the new year so take a look, learn something new, and just a heads up — spaces are firm and limited in these classes due to the nature of working with motion picture film and equipment.
Super 8 cameras have staged a triumphant comeback, making their mark in contemporary filmmaking. From Beyoncé's Vogue Behind the Scenes, music videos like Daisies by Katy Perry and Kiki Do you Love Me by Drake, to crafting unique wedding videos, and content creators like Madelyn De La Rosa utilizing for brand marketing.
Super 8 has become a symbol of retro allure, oozing messy nostalgia and to be put simply — a vibe.. Our "Intro to Super 8 Filmmaking" workshop dives into the basics, ensuring students leave with not just knowledge but a tangible understanding of how to shoot and where to get what they need to shoot.
The workshop covers everything from technical components and choosing the right camera to the art of shooting on film. Students learn to develop their film stock, splice their reel, and digitize their footage. With a class limited to just 8 students, the hands-on experience promises an intimate and comprehensive introduction to the art of Super 8 filmmaking.
Upcoming sessions:
January 20 & 21 (2 spots remaining)
February `17 & 18 (8 spots remaining)
For those eager to explore the unconventional, the Avant-Garde & Experimental Filmmaking course offers an 8-week journey into the realms of cinematic poetry and surrealism. Designed for creative minds unafraid to break traditional narrative boundaries, this course guides students in producing their own experimental short films on Super 8 film format.
The curriculum spans the history of experimental cinema, from its roots to its influence on various forms of motion-picture media. Students delve into the techniques of experimental filmmaking, from shooting on Super 8mm cameras to non-traditional editing methods. With perks like Super 8 camera rental, film rolls, and access to studios, this course is a holistic experience, culminating in a showcase of final works at the popular "Film & Friends" exhibition.
Upcoming sessions:
These two sessions are the only two sessions planned for 2024 as this class will host twice a year.
January 9 - February 27, 2024 (Tuesdays)
Spring 2024: April 9 - May 28, 2024 (Tuesdays)
DISCLAIMER: Every 16mm Tactile workshop is uniquely themed, ensuring each session is distinct. This particular workshop is a special edition exclusively for Valentine's Day, happening only once on February 3, 2024.
This exclusive artful 4 hour workshop provides a curated 16mm kit with all the materials needed to create hand-painted films using vintage 1950s - 70s found footage, leader, and an array of tools with found footage tailored to a “Valentine’s Day” theme - think love, spring, reds, and colors.
We cover everything from painting abstractly directly onto the film to experimenting with frames per second, scratching, and other techniques (plus you can invent your own!)
Participants not only leave with a tangible creation but also learn about film artist who utilized this technic in different ways and some cinematic history in the process! This low-pressure learning opportunity is perfect for adults aged 18 and above, regardless of their prior film or art knowledge.
Upcoming session:
February 3, 2024
Stay tuned for more!
Film & Friends showcase, November 2023 - Photo by Dani Hurtado