4 Creative Classes To Push Your Imagination
Austin School of Film (2021)
If you're looking to learn something new, then you've come to the right place.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your creative toolbox, skillset, or dive into uncharted waters or strengthen existing skills —broaden your artistic journey this fall at Austin School of Film!
Austin School of Film thrives on our community of artists & educators who love to collaborate and share their craft, technique, and creative practices with students and communities across the Texas landscape.
Learning a new skill or trying something new is always challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Animation, illustration and screenwriting are becoming the major ways that creatives are expanding their reach and audience. But these mediums aren't always easy to jump into. Here are four classes to help you explore these new skills and make the most out of them.
Intro to Augmented Reality (AR)
The term ‘augmented reality (AR)’ might sound intimidating and complicated. This is understandable as the concept is complicated – but only to those who lack the right tools and guidance to build an AR experience. But, with this course, you'll learn that it's not so hard once you have the right tools at your disposal.
Our beginner-friendly course will teach you the fundamentals of augmented reality (AR) and how to build an AR experience using digital software Lens Studio for Snapchat and creating AR experiences on Instagram with SparkAR software.
Led by educator Alie Jackson who has created AR experiences for clients such as Marvel, Whataburger, Nike Jordan, and films such as Charlie’s Angels and John Wick.
Next class session is hosting on October 23 & 24, 2021 at Austin School of Film.
Intro to 2D Animation
A weekend, hands-on workshop exploring the art and technique of 2D digital animation using Adobe Animate and Wacom tablets.
Delve into the world of digital animation with our comprehensive course. Whether you want to master Adobe Animate, develop digital animations, or explore animation as an illustrator, this course is designed for you.
Designed for beginners and those new to digital animation, our curriculum helps you grasp core concepts, techniques, and principles of 2D animation, applicable to various creative projects while also learning how to use a Wacom (animation) tablet.
Through theory and practice, students learn 2D digital animation, bringing characters to life and crafting narratives.
Topics include:
Adobe Animate introduction
The 12 Principles of Animation
Metamorphosis
Squash & Stretch, Anticipation & Follow-through
Ball Bounce
Jumping
Head Turn
Human Walk cycle
The course culminates in short animations and a final project reel.
You'll also receive:
Professional feedback
Project-based learning
Individual iMac Computer Station with software & Wacom to work with in class
Post-class Wacom (additional $60, optional)
MORE INFORMATION
Location: This course will be held at the Austin School of Film in our iMac computer lab at The Clayton. All materials, equipment, software, and computers are provided for use during the workshop. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for beginners, illustrators, and filmmakers interested in learning digital 2D animation techniques. No prior animation experience required. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.
Supplies & Materials: All Wacom tablets, lab computers, and software (Adobe Animate) are provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own drawing tablet or laptop with Adobe Animate installed if preferred.
Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program.
Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
Our beginner-friendly course curriculum is designed for anyone interested in learning core concepts, techniques, and principles of 2D animation that can be applied to an array of work.
Students will learn hands-on the principles of 2D digital animation that are needed to bring your own characters to life and how to design and digitally animate their very own characters, using Adobe Animate & Wacom tablets.
With class lessons, education, and hands-on exercises led by award-winning professional animator Jeanne Stern. Jeanne’s work has screened at an array of festivals including SXSW! Students will also leave class with a brand new Wacom tablet to continue building on their skills post-class.
Next class session hosts October 16 & 17, 2021 at Austin School of Film.
Intro to 16mm Direct Animation (Outdoor Special Edition)
A one-day, hands-on analog film workshop exploring direct animation and tactile 16mm filmmaking — no experience required.
Step into the world of experimental cinema through the lens of direct animation and tactile filmmaking — with a twist!
This immersive, hands-on workshop introduces you to one of the most expressive and physical forms of analog filmmaking: creating moving images without a camera. Participants will learn to manipulate 16mm film stock using paint, ink, collage, and scratching tools to produce vibrant, one-of-a-kind works of “painted motion.”
Also known as Direct Animation or Cameraless Filmmaking, this technique transforms 16mm film into a canvas, bringing rhythm, color, and texture to life one frame at a time. Inspired by pioneering artists like Len Lye, Norman McLaren, and Stan Brakhage, and embraced today by experimental filmmakers, visual artists, and musicians, this tactile analog process continues to influence music videos, fashion films, and contemporary media art worldwide.
Over the course of a single day, you’ll explore these techniques by working with found footage from the 1950s–70s and clear 16mm film leader, building abstract sequences that blend nostalgia, color, and motion. No prior art or filmmaking experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.
What You’ll Create: Each participant will leave with a digitized version of their finished 16mm film and a group trailer featuring original music—a cinematic keepsake of your analog exploration.
What’s Included in Your 16mm Kit
Small magnifying glass
paintbrushes
1 paint sponge
5 acrylic paint
Reusable paint palette
Hand-cut 16mm film strips (leader + found footage)
Extra analog treats + tools to explore
What We’ll Cover
Painting, scratching, and bleaching directly onto film
Working with clear leader and vintage found footage
Frame-by-frame visual storytelling and basic animation principles (FPS)
Creative do’s & don’ts when working with analog film
Techniques to build texture, rhythm, and abstract visual narratives
MORE INFORMATION
Location: This workshop will take place at The Canopy in Studio 110. For more information on locations we operate throughout Austin, please visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for artists, filmmakers, and curious beginners interested in hands-on analog artmaking. Open to ages 18 and up. No film or art experience required.
Supplies & Materials: All materials are included — 16mm film stock, paint, ink, bleach, scratching tools, and collage materials. Students will work with both found film footage (1950s–1970s) and clear leader to create original abstract sequences.
Course Structure: This one-day, low-pressure learning experience focuses on exploration and creativity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of tactile filmmaking and create their own short piece on 16mm film during the workshop.
Damage Clause:
Students will be working with real 16mm film and analog materials. Respect for the process and tools is essential. While Austin School of Film is not liable for damages resulting from misuse, instructors are committed to helping each participant create and complete a successful project.
Outside of Class Commitment: None required — all work is completed during the workshop session.
Certification: All Austin School of Film courses are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.*
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
Our creative 16mm workshop will explore how to use film to liberate your creativity. Taking participants on a wonderful joyride of experimental filmmaking techniques, painting, and animating with real analog film.
Set to the beautiful backdrop of Lake Austin, this one day workshop is outdoors and designed as a low-pressure experience. Catered lunch & bubbly sips provided. Led by musician, filmmaker, and analog veteran Faiza Kracheni with special guests.
Special one-time workshop will host on Lake Austin (private outdoors area) on October 23, 2021.
Intro to Screenwriting
Deadline to register for our spring/summer sessions is March 27, 2025.
Offered as an in-person or virtual weekly class — learn the art and craft of screenwriting for film and television over 8 weeks.
Bring your ideas to life on the page and discover the art of visual storytelling through screenwriting. Whether you’re brand new to writing or looking to refine your storytelling craft, this course provides a supportive space to explore the structure, language, and emotion behind great scripts.
Over 8 weeks, you’ll learn the technical and creative processes of screenwriting — from developing characters and building story worlds to understanding genre, structure, and formatting for film and television. Through guided writing exercises, feedback sessions, and industry insights, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to turn your ideas into a compelling, cinematic story.
By the end of the course, each student will have completed an original short screenplay and a deeper understanding of the storytelling process that drives film and television writing.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
fundamentals of screenwriting
formatting a screenplay
character development
three act plot structure
pacing
revision process through table readings & feedback
Outside of Class Commitment: Students are expected to dedicate time each week to writing and revising their scripts. Instructors provide ongoing support and feedback throughout the writing process.
MORE INFORMATION
Location:This course is offered in person at the Austin School of Film in our iMac computer lab at The Clayton. and virtually via live weekly sessions. All materials, templates, and examples are provided for use during the course. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Ideal for aspiring writers, filmmakers, and creatives interested in storytelling for film and television. Open to all experience levels — no prior writing or filmmaking experience required. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.
Supplies & Materials: All students will receive access to course materials, writing templates, and software recommendations. In-person students may bring their own laptops but we will have computers onsite as well, while virtual students will need a computer and reliable internet connection to participate in live sessions.
Course Structure: This course is designed for beginners and offers both in-person and virtual learning options to accommodate different learning preferences. The curriculum and in-class time are the same for both structures.
In-Person Course: 8 weeks total, 16 hours (2 hours per session)
Virtual Course: 8 weeks total, 16 hours (2 hours per session)
Virtual classes are hosted on Google Classroom, and participants will receive a link to join in their reminder email. Students enrolled in the virtual option can join from anywhere — we’ve welcomed participants from across the United States, reflecting the program’s nationwide reach and accessibility. For the best experience, we recommend a stable internet connection for all virtual sessions.
Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program.
Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.*
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
In this 8-week course, we will cover everything from the basics of formatting your script right through to understanding all the common conventions of writing. This course will cover the conventions of sac genre for both film and television. Upon completion of the course each student will have finished their very own short screenplay.
Led by award-winning screenwriter Edward Santiago, students will be introduced and guided through all phases of the writing process with feedback, table writing, and more.
Next class session will begin on September 14, 2021 at Austin School of Film.
We know it can be difficult knowing where to begin when learning from scratch, and this is where a lot of people can give up or feel too intimidated to take the first step.
Austin School of Film develops curriculum directly with our educators & industry experts, that will help anyone looking to get started in creative media, editing, and design. Class sizes are small & intimate to ensure students have 1-1 time to troubleshoot with the educator on their questions. Did we also mention all you do is bring yourself? All supplies, equipment, and tools needed included in tuition for each and every class!