UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
MAY 4-6
Post Production: Animation Workshop
This 3 day course will serve as a leaping point for attendees to get moving on animation and light vfx that is right for their story. Students will gain knowledge of animation concepts, various software used, layers, and compositing. We’ll focus on the animation and vfx of the short film Ish Meets A Mermaid, which was produced in Duluth, to introduce each section of the workshop.
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 pitfalls
- Interviewing Skills: Crafting questions, making subjects comfortable, capturing authentic stories
- Editing Review: Organizing footage, cutting for clarity and emotion, basic software tools
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.
Dates: May 4 – 6, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Location: Zeitgeist Media Arts Lab
Costs: $95 for the entire session, scholarships available.*
Limited Scholarships Available! If inquiring about a scholarship, please send an email to vera@zeitgeistarts.com.
About the Instructors:
Jonathan Thunder
Jonathan Thunder, filmmaker, visual storyteller and artist with a background in vfx and animation.
His portfolio includes projects for PBS, Disney, Hulu, as well as multiple independent projects including his own short films. He made his Directorial debut in 2025 with the short film Ish Meets A Mermaid.
The Zeitgeist Minnesota Media Arts School, in partnership with the Minnesota Discovery Center, is an affordable option for the Northland’s diverse creative community ranging from filmmakers, graphic designers, multimedia artists, and theatrical artists to learn, work, create, and connect. With teaching hubs in Chisholm and Duluth, we will add important contributions to the regional film ecosystem.
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 SUPPORTED BY
