EmpowHER Female Filmmaking Series

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A course taught by industry professionals and designed specifically for female representing teens and adults working in film. This course is geared towards those who are looking to expand their knowledge beyond their specific skill set or who are wanting to learn the skills required to successfully shoot a short film. Our goal with this course is to create a safe space for you to ask questions, to learn, become motivated, inspired and to create a network of like minded filmmakers and friends.  

From contracts, working with the union, the common mistakes and pitfalls all the way to festival submissions, let us guide you to success and empowerment as you enter this industry and join the group of unshakable women in film. 

Spring 2023 pre-registration now open

February 5th - March 26th

Class topics: 

Producing with Joanna Tsanis 

From the legal aspects, paperwork and contracts, dealing with unions and managing a team. This class covers everything everyone forgets to tell you when making your first film.

Screenwriting with Seth Sherwood 

You have a great idea, but what next? Work with what you have to tell a story you can realistically make, and format it in a way that works. A quick walk through screenwriting software and a great conversation about tricks to beat out your story in a way that helps you find purpose and engages your audience   

Casting With Monika Dalman 

Casting director and CDC member Monika Dalman talks to us about the process of casting your film. How to pull your sides, navigate the casting websites, make offers, talk with agents, and run an audition.   

Directing actors with Lisa Ovies 

Director Lisa Ovies walks you through the best ways to work with and communicate with your actors. How to create a supportive environment to get the best possible performances and the value of being wrong.

Editing with Gigi Saul Guerrero

So much more than just editing, this class teaches how to set up BEFORE you shoot to be prepared in the edit room with all the footage you need to tell your story your way. Shot lists, storyboards, communication and key choices in the edit room all play into your success. And remember, the edit room can be your laptop and iMovie, it's your choices that make the film, not the money.

Lighting and Camera with Mel Ward.

Mel brings her extensive grip and camera experience to this class that builds on the tools and ideas from past weeks. Shot listing your story, communicating with your DP, simple lighting choices and how they change the mood, inserts and all the things you may forget you need until you are in the edit and it is too late. Prepare ahead for success and maybe even be the camera op or DP on your next film.  

On set and Post sound with Robert Phaneuf Sound. The forgotten element of Indie film and one of its greatest downfalls when it comes to festival play and success. Rob takes us through capturing proper sound on set, tools to clean up your sound in post, DIY ADR, simple sound design and so much more.   

Navigating Pre-Production Through to Post with Marena Dix 

Post Production Supervisor and producer Marena Dix takes us through all the connections and planning we should be making BEFORE we go to picture, and then walks us through scheduling and planning our way successfully through post and final delivery.

Music with Stephen Gallagher  

Composer Stephen Gallagher will walk us through how music affects the tone and feel of your film. Where a simple music cue can change everything and how to access and utilize cheap and free music to help build your score  

Film Festivals and FilmFreeway with Jason Tostevin, Marena Dix and Lisa Ovies.  Where it all ends: The festival circuit. Creators and programmers for some top film festivals in both Canada and the US bring us their inside knowledge on the top mistakes filmmakers make when submitting to film festivals, what they are looking for, what film lengths they love (and hate), the value of a personalized title page and so much more. We also talk about FilmFreeway and how to best set up yourself, and your film, for success. We end the class and course talking about the film festival experience itself. How to get the most out of the experience. Network, listen, learn, repeat.

The Hollywood Journey with Zainab Azizi:

What’s it really like to work from the mail room up to leading a top production company and working with one of the biggest directors in Hollywood? Disciple, passion, and a drive like no other. Talk with Raimi Productions president Zainab as she walks you through her journey, and her fight to tell powerful female stories on screen. 

8-week summer program (Level 1)

Sundays 10am - 1pm PST ; July 9th - August 27th, 2023

*Please note some classes may run longer as we will be running a lecture format with an interactive Q&A in every class*

Two payments of $320 + GST

This program is open to all female and female-identifying filmmakers of any skill level and age.

Additionally, please note there may be slight changes to content or instructors due to availability as all staff are currently working in film and television however every attempt will be made to replace with equally or greater content.

Contact now to register as space is very limited  Lisa@roguestudios.ca