A CAMERA CHANGED MY LIFE.
Why?
I want to make Rockford, Illinois a creative hub for documentary production in the region.  I believe that telling stories changes lives. Not just the lives of those who have their story told, but also those who tell the story. My life was changed when I began telling other people’s stories. I am so strong in my conviction that I want to pass on everything I know to help the people in my city better know one another, and help people outside of this community know who we are.
Who should care about this?
The core to all movie making is documentary production. It helps you know your camera, and ultimately teaches you how to best tell a visual story. Mastering this skill will teach/improve all types of production. This applies to music videos, YouTube videos, TV commercials, photography and so much more.
Where & What
I opened an art studio in downtown Rockford called CNVR Company (Conveyer Company) to house the MakeMovingPictures Film School. MakeMovingPictures is a 10 class curriculum dedicated to teaching the art of wielding a camera for the moving image. We begin first by teaching basic photography skills and implementing storytelling skills; from there we will move on to videography skills and techniques. We will have 7 guest speakers to inspire and enlighten you with each of their unique voices through different mediums to show the potential we all have to be conveyers of stories.
Guest Speakers:
Susan Stephens — RadioJournalist, WNIJ
Sunny Strader — Photojournalist, Rockford Register Star
Bing Liu — Camera Asst.  in Chicago &  Director, Minding the Gap
Jim Yeager — Director Mass Communication, Highland Community College
Alvin C Jacobs Jr — Independent Photojournalist
Corbyn Tyson — Director, FrankAndHarvey.com & Fatherhood Project
Whitney Martin — Photojournalist & Anchor, WIFR
There are are four three available seats for the course.
No previous experience or equipment is needed for the course. An introductory cost of  $299 (normal cost is $499) is extended to those responding to this release.
We have two scholarships available for RHA residents, (sponsored by the Rockford Housing Authority.)
Evening Sessions Tu & Thu —6:00p-8:30p
Starting the second week of February. Class sessions are on the following dates:
2/09, 2/11, 2/16, 2/18, 2/23, 2/25, 2/29, 3/01, 3/03, 3/08.
What are the details?
Entry is application-based and there is no cost to apply. The individual must be over 16 and have an earnest desire to tell stories and see the world differently. Participants will be under the tutelage of Pablo Korona, the creative force behind the documentary series Our City, Our Story and various other local/regional/national productions.
Apply at http://makemovingpictures.com/apprentice or at the Rockford Area Arts Council, 713 E State Street, or RHA main office, 223 South Winnebago Street, Rockford, IL
