Learn With Your Hands
Every workshop and course is built around real tools, real sets, and real creative problem‑solving, giving participants the practical experience they need to step confidently onto any film set.
Essentials of Filmmaking is a nine‑week, hands‑on introduction to the craft, creativity, and collaborative spirit of filmmaking. Designed for emerging filmmakers ready to take their first real step into the world of visual storytelling, this course blends practical instruction with the grassroots, community‑centered ethos at the heart of Cascadia Media Lab.
Participants will move through the full production pipeline — from idea to final cut — while learning the essential skills that shape compelling, authentic stories. Each week builds on the last, combining workshops, guided exercises, and small‑crew production labs that mirror real‑world creative environments. By the end, the cohort will have created a short film project that reflects their voice, their vision, and the region they call home
Week 01: Feb 1 & 2 - Loglines & Screenwriting
Week 02: Feb 8 & 9 - Introduction to Camera Operation
Week 03: Feb 15 & 16 - Introduction to Sound Mixing
Week 04: Feb 22 & 23 - Introduction to Lighting
Week 05: Mar 1 & 2 - Introduction to Producing
Week 06: Mar 8 & 9 - Casting
Week 07: Mar 15 & 16 - Advanced Camera Techniques
Week 08: Mar 22 & 23 - Rehearsal
Week 08: Mar 27 & 28 - Filming
Week 09: Mar 29 & 30 - Footage Review and Next Steps
Collaborate with local professionals.
Workshops will be led by DJ Walker (Director), Angie Bernadoni (Cinematographer), Tara Munoz (Sound Mixer), and Mike Astle (Gaffer).
Cascadia Media Lab uses a sliding‑scale registration model to keep high‑quality film education accessible to emerging creators across the Pacific Northwest. Participants choose the fee that best matches their financial situation, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to learning or participating in our programs.
$800 - Full Price. Supporting us at this level allows us to continue to offer our amazing programs and allows us to provide scholarships to other community members who need it.
$650 - Your support is essential to our success. Supporting us at this level allows us to compensate our instructors at industry levels.
$500 - Your support keeps us going. Your support helps us maintain our office space and provide industry level equipment for all of our programs and participants.
$350 - Your support allows us to maintain our programming. Supporting us in this way allows us to continue to offer amazing programs!
$200 - We are grateful for your participation. We are excited to have you participate in the program!
Cascadia Media Lab offers a limited amount of scholarship seats for all programs. If you are interested in applying for scholarship, please reach out to derek.edamura@gmail.com.
Cascadia Media Labs also offers various payment plans for participants that are in need of financial assistance.
Proudly Supported by 4Culture Grant Programs