INTRO TO DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING

Located at Zeitgeist’s Media Arts Lab (222 E Superior St, Suite 306). Classes are designed for those aged 16+. The level is Beginner – no prior experience needed!

Curious about telling real stories through film? This hands-on, beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking in a supportive, creative environment. Over 8 weeks, you’ll explore the essential building blocks of nonfiction storytelling—from camera and lighting basics to capturing clean audio and conducting powerful interviews. You’ll also get a guided overview of editing tools and workflows to bring your footage to life. Come to class ready to tell a story and we will give you everything you need to tell it.

Dates:

Thursdays (and ONE Monday), 6:00 – 8:00pm, starting May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 16*, 26 (PLEASE NOTE: CLASS THE WEEK OF JUNE 16th IS ON MONDAY JUNE 16th TO TAKE TIME OFF TO ACKNOWLEDGE JUNETEENTH ON JUNE 19.)

Duration:

8 Weeks · Schedule: Once a week, 2 hours per session

Location:

The class will be held at the Zeitgeist Media Arts Lab. 

Instructor:

Megan McGarvey, Emmy Award Winning Documentarian, Director and Producer.

Gear Needed:

An external hard drive of at least 64 GB. Strongly suggest at least one 64 GB SD Card. All camera, lighting, audio and editing equipment will be provided.

Topics Include:

• Camera Basics: Composition, framing, exposure, and movement
• Lighting Fundamentals: Natural vs. artificial light, simple setups for interviews
• Audio Essentials: Microphones, sound quality, and avoiding common mistakes
• Interviewing Skills: Crafting questions, making subjects comfortable, capturing authentic stories
• Editing Review: Organizing footage, cutting for clarity and emotion, basic software tool

Costs:

$95 for the entire session, scholarships available.*

Whether you’re starting a passion project or exploring a new creative outlet, this course will help you gain the confidence and skills to tell your real-world stories.

*Limited Scholarships! If inquiring about a scholarship, please send an email to vera@zeitgeistarts.com

About the Instructor: Megan McGarvey 

Megan McGarvey is independent Documentary Director and Producer. Born and raised in the Midwest, Megan developed a passion for looking beyond the stereotype and to capture the authentic stories of her community creating films such as Outsourced: The New Wisconsin Idea, Unweaving, On By, and the Gunflint Mailrun.
With three regional Emmys®, Megan continues to use her expertise in producing documentary, commercial, and lifestyle productions for companies such as KARE 11, & PBS North to keep her hands in every stage of production.

INTRO TO VIDEO EDITING

Located at Zeitgeist’s Media Arts Lab (222 E Superior St, Suite 306). Classes are designed for those aged 16+. The level is Beginner – no prior experience needed!

Learn how to shape raw footage into powerful stories. This beginner-friendly course introduces the fundamentals of video editing, combining hands-on practice with creative exploration. Over 8 weeks, you’ll become familiar with industry-standard editing softwares like Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve, while developing the skills to cut, organize, and polish your own video projects.

Dates:

Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:30 pm, starting June 3, 10, 17, 24 and July 1, 8, 15, 22

Duration:

8 Weeks · Schedule: Once a week, 2.5 hours per session

Location:

The class will be held at the Zeitgeist Media Arts Lab. 

Instructor:

William Cox, Owner of Superior FX.

Topics Include:

• Editing Software Basics: Intro to tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
• Project Setup & Organization: Best practices for managing footage, timelines, and media
• Techniques: Trimming clips, sequencing scenes, and editing for rhythm and flow
• Audio Editing: Syncing sound, using music, and basic mixing
• Basic Effects & Titles: Adding transitions, motion, and text
• Exporting & Sharing: Output settings for web, social media, and screenings

Costs:

$95 for the entire session, scholarships available.*

Whether you’re working on a documentary, short film, or social media content, this course will give you the confidence to bring your vision together in the edit.

*Limited Scholarships! If inquiring about a scholarship, please send an email to vera@zeitgeistarts.com

About the Instructor: 

William Cox 

William J Cox is a seasoned visual effects artist with a strong foundation in visual effects and motion graphics, honed through formal education. In 2011, Will moved to Los Angeles to kickstart his career, initially working in rotoscoping for various television shows and commercials. Over time, he transitioned into compositing and has remained a dedicated compositor ever since.

In 2019, Will took a major step in his creative journey by directing his first feature film, “Seed of Doubt”. Building on years of industry experience, he co-founded the post-production company “Superior-FX” in Duluth, Minnesota, alongside business partner Jon Julsrud in 2023. Together, they work on a variety of film projects, bringing their expertise to the forefront. With over 80 projects under his belt, Will continues to be a driving force in the visual effects industry.

Our goal is to empower, support, and educate Northland community members ages 16+ as active participants in shaping our culture, and engage diverse communities to rethink the way we view film, art, and local storytelling. We provide access and a platform to work, learn, create, and experience filmmaking and media production in our community. 

Benefits include access to iMac computers loaded with creative design and editing software, meeting rooms, multi-media studios, film/video equipment for on-site photo/video shoots & projects, digital tools, and more.

Zeitgeist is made possible with your help

MN MEDIA ARTS SCHOOL SPONSORS