Classes
Register for these classes and pay what you can. We recommend a suggested donation of $25.
-
Start your Creative Journey with CreaTV
Want to know more about CreaTV? Learn about the resources available to help you tell your story. Find out why you should become a member!
When: Aug 9 | 1 pm - 2:30 pm
-
Intro to Documentary
This class is for filmmakers and storytellers interested in nonfiction media. You'll explore the foundations of documentary filmmaking, story structure, subject development, and ethics while learning how to create impactful, real-world narratives.
When: Aug 15 | 6 pm - 8 pm
-
Creative Control: The Producer’s Role
This class is designed for filmmakers and storytellers who want to understand the behind-the-scenes leadership in documentary production. Learn how to manage logistics, build production schedules, secure interviews, and keep the creative vision on track all through the lens of a documentary producer.
When: Aug 21 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
REGISTER -
Screenwriting and Storyboarding
This class focuses on helping documentary creators shape their vision before filming begins. You’ll learn how to structure a documentary script, build a visual treatment, and use storyboards to plan camera shots, transitions, and sequences for real-world storytelling.
When: Aug 30 | 1 pm - 3:30 pm
-
How to Film with Sony A7III?
This hands-on class is for aspiring documentarians and content creators using the Sony A7III. You’ll learn key settings, exposure tools, focus techniques, and documentary-specific camera strategies to help you capture compelling footage in any environment.
When: Sep 3 | 6 pm - 8 pm
REGISTER -
How to Film with JVC 500?
This class is for filmmakers and videographers looking to gain confidence with the JVC 500 camera. You’ll explore essential camera operations, field recording techniques, and documentary-style shooting practices to get professional-quality results on location.
When: Sep 11 | 6 pm - 8 pm
REGISTER -
Lighting: Framing with Light
Lighting plays a critical role in filmmaking. In this class, you’ll learn how to shape mood, highlight your subject, and manage exposure using 3-point light kit. We’ll explore practical lighting setups and framing techniques specifically designed for interviews and candid, observational filming.
When: Sep 19 | 6 pm - 8 pm
REGISTER -
Composition: Visual Grammar
This class is for visual storytellers who want to enhance their framing and shot design. You’ll learn how to use balance, space, movement, and symmetry to create intentional visuals that support your documentary’s story, tone, and pacing.
When: Sep 24 | 6 pm - 8 pm
REGISTER -
Intro to Adobe Premiere Pro
This class is for aspiring video editors, content creators, and filmmakers looking to learn the basics of Adobe Premiere Pro. You'll explore essential editing tools, workflows, and techniques to confidently create and refine your video projects.
When:TBD
-
Introduction to Pre-Production
Have a video project you want to complete but not sure where to start? This class will teach you how to plan and take the steps needed to make an idea come to life, with a focus on preparing for podcasting and video storytelling.
When: TBD
-
Intro to Studio Production
In CreaTV San Jose’s Intro to studio production series, students will learn how to operate our television studio and control room. Participants will learn how to run our Broadcast Pix switcher, Yamaha audio board, SmartFade lightboard, and PDZ cameras.
After completing the series of three courses, participants will be added to our volunteer list and will be able to work on events and shows in our studio. This series will also teach you the skills needed to produce your own show with our equipment and studio at CreaTV.
When: TBD
-
Orientation
Want to know more about CreaTV? Learn about the resources available to help you tell your story. Find out why you should become a member!
When: TBD
-
Family Class: Youth Storyboarding and Filmmaking
Unleash your family’s creativity in our engaging Storyboard and Beginner Filmmaking Class! Designed for families of all ages, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore the art of storytelling through film. Together, you’ll learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling, from storyboarding to beginner videography.
Families will work together to create a unique storyboard that captures their imagination. With guidance from experienced instructors, participants will gain practical filmmaking skills, including shot composition and camera techniques.
At the end of the course, each family will have the opportunity to showcase their mini film, celebrating their hard work and creativity. Whether you’re seasoned storytellers or new to filmmaking, this class promises both learning and unforgettable family memories.
We welcome up to 4 people from each registered family.
When: TBD
-
Editing Basics
Are you looking to edit videos? Come learn a crash course in video editing through Adobe's Premiere Rush. In this two-hour course, you will learn all the essential lessons of non-linear editing through a simple interface.
When: TBD
-
Media Literacy and Misinformation
The internet offers huge amounts of information at our fingertips, including through news outlets and social media. Anyone can create and publish information through various online sources, and algorithms consistently influence what content we are exposed to.
How do we sort the legitimate news from false, misleading, or opinion content? How can we identify whether content has been created by invested parties or artificial intelligence? These skills are relevant to those trying to make sense of an ever-changing digital landscape and who are working towards being informed digital citizens.
When: TBD
-
Media Literacy and Misinformation
The internet offers huge amounts of information at our fingertips, including through news outlets and social media. Anyone can create and publish information through various online sources, and algorithms consistently influence what content we are exposed to.
How do we sort the legitimate news from false, misleading, or opinion content? How can we identify whether content has been created by invested parties or artificial intelligence? These skills are relevant to those trying to make sense of an ever-changing digital landscape and who are working toward being informed digital citizens.
When: TBD
-
Intermediate Camera
This intermediate-level class is designed for individuals who have some experience with video cameras and want to take their skills to the next level. We'll cover advanced techniques such as manual focus, white balance, exposure control, and audio capture, as well as exploring different shooting styles and angles to create more dynamic and visually interesting videos.
Additionally, we'll discuss how to select the appropriate codec for your specific project, ensuring the highest quality output. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and confidence to create professional-quality videos and take your video production to the next level.
When: TBD
-
Introduction to Smartphone Filmmaking
A 2-hour course where students will learn the essentials of shooting content using a smartphone camera. Whether you are looking to create short-form videos for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or other channels, students will leave this class with a solid understanding of mobile filmmaking.
While this class primarily focuses on production techniques using smartphones, it will also cover DIY lighting, camera angles, and proper exporting formats for various social media platforms. Students will leave with newfound confidence in their filmmaking abilities and be eager to create engaging content for their audiences.
When: TBD
-
Podcast Basics
Podcast Basics covers everything you need to know to plan, record, publish, and promote your very original podcast.
When: TBD
-
Vertical Cinematography
A 2-hour course where students will learn the ins and outs of shooting content for a vertical format. Whether you are looking to shoot on your mobile device to post on social media sites like TikTok or Instagram, or on a more robust camera system like a Sony or Canon for commercial purposes, students will leave this class with a better understanding of all things vertical cinema.
While this class is majority focused on the production and shooting of vertical content, techniques for handling vertical footage during planning/pre-production and editing/post-production will also be touched on. Students will leave this class with newfound confidence in camerawork and will be eager to try out some of the new abilities and tricks they have picked up.
When: TBD