In this four-class course, students will be introduced to iMovie's video editing software program, and create their own short video by the end of the course. 

The class will be hands-on, with live demonstration and then time for students to work with the tools themselves. Mini "exploration" assignments will be given between sessions to ensure students have explored the tools taught during the session.

Session 1: Instructor will demonstrate how to start a new iMovie project. Importing video, creating a new event folder, naming conventions, and how to locate downloaded footage will be reviewed. Basic essential skills such as cutting clips, copying clips, and adding transitions will be introduced. Allow students hands-on time to work through tools using a short, instructor-provided video clip. Homework: Students will practice and perfect using these tools on a short clip provided by instructor.

Session 2: Students and Instructor will brainstorm content for independent short films, given a "short list" of provided ideas. Important skills such as proper lighting, framing, and camera angles will be reviewed. Student can use a cell phone with camera, a video camera, or the built in camera on their laptop for this footage. If they do not have access to a camera, instructor will provide video footage. Instructor will demonstrate different types of transitions, discuss different types of cuts and when to use them, and how to thoughtfully select the best transitions for the purpose. Before the end of the session, students will confirm that they can successfully upload footage into iMovie. Homework: Students will begin filming their own independent projects.

Session 3: Students and Instructor will work in small breakout rooms for more individual attention to help them upload their HW footage and provide suggestions for continued recoding. Halfway through the session, students will regroup to discuss working with titles and text options. Students will then work on making their own titles and credits. Use of backgrounds and split screen will be demonstrated. Homework: Students will continue videotaping their short films, edit the footage (basic cuts and moving into the workspace) and adding additional titles/credits.

Session 4: Bringing it all together. After a short discussion and reminders of common 'beginner" errors and how to avoid them, students will be in "workshop mode" to complete their own mini-films that incorporate all skills taught in the six classes. Instructor will provide support, critique, and open discussion to all classmates for creative collaboration toward finished student projects. If time allows, students can choose to share their projects with classmates. All students when finished can then share their videos to a personal YouTube channel or create a .mp4 file suitable for sharing/emailing to friends and family.

Requirements for course: Students should have iMovie for desktop/laptop. iMovie is NOT available on a PC; you must have a Macbook.  Note there is a different course for students who only have access to iMovie on an iPad or iPhone, as the iPad/iPhone iMovie app differs greatly and does not include many of the tools we will be covering in class.