Film
Learn the art of filmmaking — from initial concept, to script, to the editing booth. Experiment with language, sound design, and lighting. Understand story, directing, cinematography, sound design, editing, and network with budding and experienced filmmakers in one of our Cornish+ film courses.
![FILM_HERO2x](/sites/default/files/styles/banner_full/public/2023-01/FILM_HERO2x.jpg?itok=LcJ4mLc_)
Film Foundations
![Paul Lebel in a cap photo on tin type traditional photograph in grey](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Paul%20Lebel%20Bio%20Pic%20V1%202.jpg?itok=cvSvGwwe)
Paul Lebel
From a young age, I've been captivated by light and its power to transform the world around me. At seven years old, I begged for a camera, eager to capture the magic of my small world through photography. This insatiable curiosity has fueled my journey as a visual storyteller, leading me across the globe to film and edit stories for brands worldwide. Through these experiences, I've grown as a person, and I remain just as curious and excited to explore new stories and mediums.
My artistic practice as A Box In The Sea extends into multimedia, print, and sound art. In my sound lab, I experiment with soundscapes and scores, translating them into visuals and rendering them into pen and ink. This process of creating and transforming sound into art is a continuous cycle of discovery, and it's a journey I feel lucky to be on.
![Brynne animation instructor with short brown hair in a black turtleneck](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Brynne%20Picture%202.jpg?itok=IuU1UmgH)
Brynne McGregor
Brynne is a writer, director, and animator. She holds an MFA in film production from The University of Texas at Austin and a BA in film studies and video art from The Ohio State University. Her work focuses on metacognition, linguistics, and memory through non-fiction and/or animated film. She has published articles in Film Matters magazine and has screened her short films internationally at festivals including Ann Arbor, Athens, Raindance, and SXSW. Presently, Brynne lives in Seattle, Washington where she produces and edits independently and teaches at Cornish College of the Arts.
From ideation to live action video, teens will deepen their understanding of film development. The class will teach the full range of cinema’s visual language, from composition to shots, and from the logic of visual narrative to working with actors, recording sound, and making a final edit. Youth will learn core skills for any film student
Cinematography
![Paul Lebel in a cap photo on tin type traditional photograph in grey](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Paul%20Lebel%20Bio%20Pic%20V1%202.jpg?itok=cvSvGwwe)
Paul Lebel
From a young age, I've been captivated by light and its power to transform the world around me. At seven years old, I begged for a camera, eager to capture the magic of my small world through photography. This insatiable curiosity has fueled my journey as a visual storyteller, leading me across the globe to film and edit stories for brands worldwide. Through these experiences, I've grown as a person, and I remain just as curious and excited to explore new stories and mediums.
My artistic practice as A Box In The Sea extends into multimedia, print, and sound art. In my sound lab, I experiment with soundscapes and scores, translating them into visuals and rendering them into pen and ink. This process of creating and transforming sound into art is a continuous cycle of discovery, and it's a journey I feel lucky to be on.
Cinematography is a key element in making a director’s vision a reality. In this intensive, teens will work on set and location, gaining experience in the basic fundamentals of cinematography. From camera selection, lenses, and filters; to learning about basic lighting, color theory and how to integrate special effects, these intensive covers
Writing for Screen
![Samar Abulhassan in a blue shirt with long brown hair.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/samar.jpeg?itok=YF1cWGpE)
Samar Abulhassan
Samar Abulhassan is a writer and teaching artist living in Seattle. She's a Hedgebrook alum, Jack Straw Writer and holds an MFA from Colorado State University. She's worked with Seattle Arts & Lectures’ Writers in the Schools since 2008, and for Hugo House's Scribes program and the Skagit River Poetry Foundation since 2010. She was an instructor for Cornish's summer film program in 2019.
This class introduces students to writing stories for the screen and gives them opportunities to write their own. Students will learn screenplay formatting as they study the structures of classic screenplays, and films made from those screenplays. Over the course of the intensive, they will write several scripts that demonstrate their growing
Public Art Career Development
![Headshot of Tory Franklin](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/T_FRANKLIN_2x.jpg?itok=mclaaoS9)
Tory Franklin
Tory Franklin is a visual artist working with diverse media unified by pattern, print, and narrative. Since 2010, Franklin has focused on public installations inspired by folktales that are accompanied by screen-printed books, posters, and other ephemera. Her work has been exhibited at MAD Art, Bellevue City Hall, Storefronts Seattle, Storefronts Auburn, Spaceworks Tacoma, the Renton Arts Commission, Arts-A-Glow festival, Portland Winter Light Festival, the VERA Project, and 826 Seattle. She has received a Seattle Office of Arts & Culture City Artists project grant, a 4Culture project grant, and an Artist Trust GAP grant for these projects. In 2015, Franklin created her first permanent window piece with her sister, Eroyn Franklin, for Harborview Medical Center, and is currently working on SoundTransit’s Star Lake light rail station in Kent slated to open in 2024.
This lecture-style course is designed for people interested in transitioning to public art projects. We will cover how to expand your portfolio with temporary public works as well as assembling RFQ’s (Request for Qualifications) for permanent pieces. Discussions focus on applying for projects, what to expect when making it to a finalist
Portfolio Development for College Applications
![Headshot of Winnie Westergard](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/W_WESTERGARD_2x.jpg?itok=E-eRemqd)
Winnie Westergard
Winifred Westergard is a Seattle based fine art and commercial photographer with degrees from the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Creative Writing, Journalism and Art. Her art making foundation is rooted in the early processes of photography, fully embracing the slow processes of 19th century photography. She is a visual creator with a strong base on human emotion and storytelling. She has managed the photography studio at Cornish College of the Arts since 1999 and has taught Photography and Portfolio Development through Summer@Cornish since 2003.
In this 4-session workshop, high school juniors and seniors interested in applying for art and design undergraduate studies will photograph work suitable for their digital portfolio, draft a letter of intent and statement of purpose, and participate in mock interviews. Students must have a collection of work that is ready for review and curation to
Resin Figurine Creation
![Nikki Rice with a brown tank top shoulder brown hair against a white wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-10/NikkiBrown%20%281%29.jpg?itok=cAGxQSVM)
Nikki Rice
Born and raised in Seattle, Nikki moved to California to attend college, receiving a BFA in Film Production in 2002 from Chapman University. For the next 6 years she worked various office jobs in the film industry while also earning a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. In 2006 Nikki decided to shift her career to Special Effects Make-Up working at Creature FX studios and from there segueing into the stop motion world, beginning in 2008 with Shadow Machine on the Adult Swim hit show, Robot Chicken: Season 3. Nikki has worked as a puppet fabricator, lead fabricator and department head on numbers stop motion television shows, commercials and films, helping create iconic stop motion characters for such shows/films as Happy Honda Days (Socal regional commercial campaign for the last 12 years), Ask the Story Bots, Buddy Thunderstruck, Anomolisa and Ted Lasso to name a few. In 2022, the next adventure brought Nikki back home to Seattle to be closer to family and to hang out her own shingle as Puppets Northwest, offering a one stop shop for puppets of all kinds, SFX, 3D modeling/printing and educational outreach of all of the above.
Can’t find the perfect Funko Pop or statuette collectable? In this class, students will design, sculpt, mold and cast your very own resin figurine. Students will take an idea from clay sculpt to paint, while learning to make a silicone box mold and resin casting. By the final session, students will go home with a fully finished resin figurine
Hand Puppet Fabrication
![Nikki Rice with a brown tank top shoulder brown hair against a white wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-10/NikkiBrown%20%281%29.jpg?itok=cAGxQSVM)
Nikki Rice
Born and raised in Seattle, Nikki moved to California to attend college, receiving a BFA in Film Production in 2002 from Chapman University. For the next 6 years she worked various office jobs in the film industry while also earning a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. In 2006 Nikki decided to shift her career to Special Effects Make-Up working at Creature FX studios and from there segueing into the stop motion world, beginning in 2008 with Shadow Machine on the Adult Swim hit show, Robot Chicken: Season 3. Nikki has worked as a puppet fabricator, lead fabricator and department head on numbers stop motion television shows, commercials and films, helping create iconic stop motion characters for such shows/films as Happy Honda Days (Socal regional commercial campaign for the last 12 years), Ask the Story Bots, Buddy Thunderstruck, Anomolisa and Ted Lasso to name a few. In 2022, the next adventure brought Nikki back home to Seattle to be closer to family and to hang out her own shingle as Puppets Northwest, offering a one stop shop for puppets of all kinds, SFX, 3D modeling/printing and educational outreach of all of the above.
Can’t get more hands on than making your very own hand puppet. In this class you will design and fabricate a hand puppet character, building out of such materials as foam, felt and feathers to name a few. FUN! You will learn mouth plate design, the use of rods for arm/extremity movements and the famous “Muppet Hand Stitch” to sew up the seams of
Stop Motion Puppet Fabrication
![Nikki Rice with a brown tank top shoulder brown hair against a white wall.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-10/NikkiBrown%20%281%29.jpg?itok=cAGxQSVM)
Nikki Rice
Born and raised in Seattle, Nikki moved to California to attend college, receiving a BFA in Film Production in 2002 from Chapman University. For the next 6 years she worked various office jobs in the film industry while also earning a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. In 2006 Nikki decided to shift her career to Special Effects Make-Up working at Creature FX studios and from there segueing into the stop motion world, beginning in 2008 with Shadow Machine on the Adult Swim hit show, Robot Chicken: Season 3. Nikki has worked as a puppet fabricator, lead fabricator and department head on numbers stop motion television shows, commercials and films, helping create iconic stop motion characters for such shows/films as Happy Honda Days (Socal regional commercial campaign for the last 12 years), Ask the Story Bots, Buddy Thunderstruck, Anomolisa and Ted Lasso to name a few. In 2022, the next adventure brought Nikki back home to Seattle to be closer to family and to hang out her own shingle as Puppets Northwest, offering a one stop shop for puppets of all kinds, SFX, 3D modeling/printing and educational outreach of all of the above.
Take your first steps into the world of stop motion in this class where you will design, armature and build-up a puppet capable of full stop motion animation. You will learn the use of different materials that go into the creation of puppets, including wire, foam, liquid latex, epoxy resin and acrylic paint, etc. We will also discuss the varying
Consent & Intimacy for Stage & Screen
![Headshot of Ian Bond](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/I_BOND_2x.jpg?itok=WkKkEjWY)
Ian Bond
Ian specializes in telling stories. On the stage, he brings years of determined training at Davidson College and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to his characters. As a fight and intimacy director, he thoughtfully communicates with other artists to ensure safe, collaborative, and exciting movement in a story. As a Game Master, he combines a strong sense of play with deep roots in fantasy lore to nurture group story telling. As an educator, Ian empathically centers the students experience in the course of learning. But of course, these skills all combine in this human: Ian. And it is this unique human who brings his whole self to every project.
Working with consent and confidence to tell exciting stories of intimacy on stage or in film requires two things: an understanding of oneself as an artist and the use of theatrical intimacy best practices. This course covers both those facets and will prepare participants to work more confidently and with more tools on intimate theatrical material.
Theatrical Swordplay
![Headshot of Geof Alm](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/G_ALM_2x.jpg?itok=xIe26gUm)
Geof Alm
Geoffrey Alm has been teaching Stage Fighting at Cornish since 2008. A Certified Teacher with The Society of American Fight Directors since 1987, he is also a Certified Fight Director and Fight Master. Professionally he has been choreographing fights since 1988, locally and Nationally. He’s a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Actors Equity, and SAG-AFTRA.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Theatrical Swordplay! Immerse yourself in the "Swashbuckling" style, reminiscent of Hollywood's golden age. Master the basics and concepts of Single Sword techniques as you bring the excitement of the silver screen to life. Unleash your inner hero or villain in this action-packed class!
Acting for Stage & Screen
![Headshot of Meg McLynn](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/M_MCLYNN_2x.jpg?itok=gf9eOmgM)
Meg McLynn
Meg McLynn is an actor, vocalist, and teaching artist who has been seen on stages and screens throughout North America. Meg loves to share her passion for performance with students of all ages, and it is her belief that the work we do in “the studio” is applicable to all aspects of our everyday lives.
Having studied for 7 years under renowned voice teacher, Kristin Linklater, Meg now works with students to help them take ownership of their wonderfully unique voices. She teaches Voice and Speech at Cornish College of the Arts, and she serves as a vocal coach with Jack Straw Studios. She has assisted with voice training at Columbia Business School and World Leaders Forum in New York City. Meg also teaches Voice and Acting classes at Freehold Theatre Lab and Mighty Tripod Studios in Seattle.
Meg is a member of the Seattle-based vocal trio, Blue Plate Special, and has been an Anthem Singer for the Seattle Seahawks. As a concert soloist, she performed the songbooks of Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, and Carly Simon with Purple Phoenix Productions. Local acting credits include roles with Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Rep, Seattle Symphony, ArtsWest, Seattle Opera, Seattle Public Theatre, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Theatre22, Harlequin Productions, and 14/48: TWQTF, as well as the feature films “Different Drummers”, “7 Minutes”, and “Colton”. You can see her in the series, “The Girl in the Woods” streaming on NBC/Peacock.
This course will dive into the actor’s “instrument” - their body and voice - and the habits of healthy performance; establishing skills, concepts, terminology, and goals from which subsequent training can spring. Students will learn about their instrument as a complex and unified system, the mechanics of the body, and the steps
Solo Documentary Filmmaking Part 1
![Paul Lebel in a cap photo on tin type traditional photograph in grey](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Paul%20Lebel%20Bio%20Pic%20V1%202.jpg?itok=cvSvGwwe)
Paul Lebel
From a young age, I've been captivated by light and its power to transform the world around me. At seven years old, I begged for a camera, eager to capture the magic of my small world through photography. This insatiable curiosity has fueled my journey as a visual storyteller, leading me across the globe to film and edit stories for brands worldwide. Through these experiences, I've grown as a person, and I remain just as curious and excited to explore new stories and mediums.
My artistic practice as A Box In The Sea extends into multimedia, print, and sound art. In my sound lab, I experiment with soundscapes and scores, translating them into visuals and rendering them into pen and ink. This process of creating and transforming sound into art is a continuous cycle of discovery, and it's a journey I feel lucky to be on.
Part 1: Interviewing and Camera TechniquesIn the first part of this solo documentary filmmaking course, students will absorb the crucial skills of conducting engaging interviews and operating a camera effectively. Through hands-on exercises and role-playing, participants will learn how to prepare interview questions, build rapport with subjects,
Solo Documentary Filmmaking Part 2
![Paul Lebel in a cap photo on tin type traditional photograph in grey](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Paul%20Lebel%20Bio%20Pic%20V1%202.jpg?itok=cvSvGwwe)
Paul Lebel
From a young age, I've been captivated by light and its power to transform the world around me. At seven years old, I begged for a camera, eager to capture the magic of my small world through photography. This insatiable curiosity has fueled my journey as a visual storyteller, leading me across the globe to film and edit stories for brands worldwide. Through these experiences, I've grown as a person, and I remain just as curious and excited to explore new stories and mediums.
My artistic practice as A Box In The Sea extends into multimedia, print, and sound art. In my sound lab, I experiment with soundscapes and scores, translating them into visuals and rendering them into pen and ink. This process of creating and transforming sound into art is a continuous cycle of discovery, and it's a journey I feel lucky to be on.
Part 2: Editing and StorytellingIn this second part of the solo documentary filmmaking course, students will explore the creative process of editing their footage into a cohesive and engaging documentary film. Through hands-on exercises and guided instruction, participants will learn the essentials of non-linear editing, including cutting
Mobile Phone Documentaries
![Peter Vogt in a black had and background black and white photo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-06/PeterVogt.jpeg?itok=Nl9o3GVd)
Peter Vogt
Peter J. Vogt is a long time Seattle documentary filmmaker. He was the producer of Hype! the seminal film on the grunge music phenomenon. Hype! was chosen for the Sundance Film Festival and won best documentary at SIFF. He directed Icons Among Us: Jazz In the Present Tense which won the American Film Institute's 20/20 Award. Other films include High&Outside, The Play, 38 Minutes, Up Thornton Creek, Nuts&Bolts- which was a winner of an audience award at SIFF. With Doug Pray he ran the Wildmind Film Camp from 2011-14. He's been a board member of the Northwest Film Forum since 2005, spending several years as board president. He's also a published poet and soon to be published novelist.
Got a great idea for a documentary film but feel intimidated by a daunting process? Most aspiring documentary filmmakers already have what is needed in their pocket. From the operation of third party camera apps, to interviewing techniques, to editing for great storytelling, students will exit the course with an acquaintance of all the skills you
TouchDesigner: Live Visuals for Live Performances
![Paul Lebel in a cap photo on tin type traditional photograph in grey](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2024-03/Paul%20Lebel%20Bio%20Pic%20V1%202.jpg?itok=cvSvGwwe)
Paul Lebel
From a young age, I've been captivated by light and its power to transform the world around me. At seven years old, I begged for a camera, eager to capture the magic of my small world through photography. This insatiable curiosity has fueled my journey as a visual storyteller, leading me across the globe to film and edit stories for brands worldwide. Through these experiences, I've grown as a person, and I remain just as curious and excited to explore new stories and mediums.
My artistic practice as A Box In The Sea extends into multimedia, print, and sound art. In my sound lab, I experiment with soundscapes and scores, translating them into visuals and rendering them into pen and ink. This process of creating and transforming sound into art is a continuous cycle of discovery, and it's a journey I feel lucky to be on.
In this introductory class, students will dive into the world of TouchDesigner, a powerful visual platform for creating stunning real-time projections and immersive experiences. Focusing on the application of TouchDesigner in live performances, students will learn the fundamentals of real-time video manipulation, 2 and 3D graphics and audio
Leadership Speaking (And Listening) Through Acting
![Headshot of Meg McLynn](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/M_MCLYNN_2x.jpg?itok=gf9eOmgM)
Meg McLynn
Meg McLynn is an actor, vocalist, and teaching artist who has been seen on stages and screens throughout North America. Meg loves to share her passion for performance with students of all ages, and it is her belief that the work we do in “the studio” is applicable to all aspects of our everyday lives.
Having studied for 7 years under renowned voice teacher, Kristin Linklater, Meg now works with students to help them take ownership of their wonderfully unique voices. She teaches Voice and Speech at Cornish College of the Arts, and she serves as a vocal coach with Jack Straw Studios. She has assisted with voice training at Columbia Business School and World Leaders Forum in New York City. Meg also teaches Voice and Acting classes at Freehold Theatre Lab and Mighty Tripod Studios in Seattle.
Meg is a member of the Seattle-based vocal trio, Blue Plate Special, and has been an Anthem Singer for the Seattle Seahawks. As a concert soloist, she performed the songbooks of Patsy Cline, Judy Garland, and Carly Simon with Purple Phoenix Productions. Local acting credits include roles with Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Rep, Seattle Symphony, ArtsWest, Seattle Opera, Seattle Public Theatre, Washington Ensemble Theatre, Theatre22, Harlequin Productions, and 14/48: TWQTF, as well as the feature films “Different Drummers”, “7 Minutes”, and “Colton”. You can see her in the series, “The Girl in the Woods” streaming on NBC/Peacock.
In this age of digital communication, many of us find it challenging to communicate effectively when speaking to others, especially from a leadership position. This workshop is designed to help you develop confidence and clarity as an oral communicator, whether speaking to one person or to a large group.Learn strategies to:prepare your voice and
AI for Filmmakers
![Charles Sheaffer](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-11/CShaefer-Film-Headshot.jpg?itok=mcWqG6ns)
Charles Sheaffer
Charles Sheaffer is a researcher and producer interested in the ever-changing relationship between globalization and cinematic storytelling. Sheaffer's creative activities include narrative filmmaking and video essay production. Sheaffer's scholarly writing has appeared in Postmodern Culture, and his current research explores classical tragedy and comedy as a means of mapping emergent developments in screen-based narrative. Sheaffer has taught at the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington and teaches courses in film history and production in the Cornish Film department. He lives in Seattle with his wife.
AI in filmmaking is already making huge leaps! Learn how to utilize the tools you need to grow alongside AI in filmmaking and utilize the new skills AI embraces to grow your skills. This course is for students interested in AI in film and/or video, first-time content makers to professional producers. No previous experience necessary! Students
Portfolio Development for College Applications
![Headshot of Winnie Westergard](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-06/W_WESTERGARD_2x.jpg?itok=E-eRemqd)
Winnie Westergard
Winifred Westergard is a Seattle based fine art and commercial photographer with degrees from the University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Creative Writing, Journalism and Art. Her art making foundation is rooted in the early processes of photography, fully embracing the slow processes of 19th century photography. She is a visual creator with a strong base on human emotion and storytelling. She has managed the photography studio at Cornish College of the Arts since 1999 and has taught Photography and Portfolio Development through Summer@Cornish since 2003.
In this 4-session workshop, high school juniors and seniors interested in applying for art and design undergraduate studies will photograph work suitable for their digital portfolio, draft a letter of intent and statement of purpose, and participate in mock interviews. Students must have a collection of work that is ready for review and curation to
Digital Collage for Film & Video
![Charles Sheaffer](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2023-11/CShaefer-Film-Headshot.jpg?itok=mcWqG6ns)
Charles Sheaffer
Charles Sheaffer is a researcher and producer interested in the ever-changing relationship between globalization and cinematic storytelling. Sheaffer's creative activities include narrative filmmaking and video essay production. Sheaffer's scholarly writing has appeared in Postmodern Culture, and his current research explores classical tragedy and comedy as a means of mapping emergent developments in screen-based narrative. Sheaffer has taught at the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington and teaches courses in film history and production in the Cornish Film department. He lives in Seattle with his wife.
Take advantage of the winter months at home! In this online course, students will create collages from existing video footage. Possible screen-based outputs include original stories, experimental documentaries or essays, and personal memorabilia. Activities will include viewings of exemplary works by accomplished artists; brief readings in the
Teaching Artists
Charles Sheaffer
Paul Lebel
Brynne McGregor
Samar Abulhassan
Peter Vogt
Cornish is committed to making our courses available for anyone who demonstrates financial need and interest through discounts and financial assistance. Seniors 55+ receive a 15% discount with proof of age. Students of any age or military may request financial assistance. For senior, military, or student financial aid, please fill out the form prior to registration.
![COMICS_STUDIO2x](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1600w/public/2022-12/COMICS_STUDIO2x.jpg?itok=pVfelHGh)