School
for
Poetic
Computation
Hacking Indie Filmmaking, explores alternative approaches to film production that lean into limitation, uncertainty, and available resources as part of the creative process, not obstacles to overcome. Combining lectures, discussions, critiques, and production exercises, this class functions as an incubator that empowers students to maximize the potential of community and co-creation.
Images courtesy of teachers.
Hacking Indie Filmmaking is a hybrid lecture, workshop, critique, and studio class about building a sustainable, ethical, and spiritually fulfilling approach to filmmaking outside traditional industry models. Students learn how to make films by working with their real resources instead of fighting against limitations, centering abundance and generative constraints. The class emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, low- or no-budget production, and developing a personal filmmaking philosophy rooted in values, community, and sustainability. Rather than obsessing over control or perfection, students are encouraged to embrace uncertainty, adapt to what is available, and treat the production process itself as meaningful and transformative.
This class explores filmmaking as both a creative and communal practice: an exercise in faith, attention, humility, and collective effort. Students examine how location, people, time, and available resources can shape the form and meaning of a film. The class focuses particularly on hybrid and low-budget filmmaking approaches that lean into what is rather than rigidly clinging to preconceived visions. Students will clarify their values, goals, limits, and creative interests through prompts, peer feedback, breakout groups, and critique. Working from this clarity, students will realistically evaluate and distribute resources such as time, money, people, and equipment.
By the end of the class, students will leave with a proof of concept project, a clearer understanding of their creative process, and an internal map for sustainably making films long term. The class is designed especially for people intimidated by filmmaking, collaboration, or limited resources, and aims to demystify production while empowering students to believe they can make meaningful work with what they already have.
This class may be for you if you:
This class may NOT be for you if you:
(b. 1994, South Orange, NJ) Chester is a filmmaker, producer, educator, and coach currently based in Corvallis, Oregon. Alongside making his own work, he has spent more than a decade supporting creatives in bringing films, sculptures, installations, performances, photography, and video works into the world. His films have screened across the U.S. and internationally, including HANGTIME, which premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival and was later featured by Short of the Week and Vimeo, and I'm SO Sorry, which won Best After Dark Short at the Indie Memphis Film Festival and was later featured on NoBudge, where it was named to the 2021 NoBudge Films of the Year list. He received his MFA in Photography from University of California, Los Angeles in 2020 and has taught at University of California, Los Angeles, Oregon State University, International Center of Photography, and Linn-Benton Community College. Across filmmaking, coaching, athletics, and education, his work is rooted in helping people better see themselves, move through fear, and expand their sense of what is possible.
Kayla is an artist and educator based in Queens, New York. She makes websites, screensavers, and stages performances within the desktop environment. Previously, she was a programmer and designer for QuaranTV, a 24/7 public access livestream, and has taught computer classes at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and with Code in the Schools in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a BFA in sculpture from MICA. Currently, she is Archive & Program Manager at Rhizome. You can find her online at kayla.world.
she/her
Applications open until Applications closed on August 10, 2026.
You can expect to hear back from us about the status of your application on . Please email us at admissions@sfpc.study with any questions you have.
For 5 classes, it costs $750 + processing fees, for a one-time payment. We also offer payment plans. Participants can schedule monthly payments of the same amount. First and last payments must be made before the start and end of class. *Processing fees apply for each payment.
SFPC processes all payments via Withfriends and Stripe. Please email admissions@sfpc.study if these payment options don't work for you.
For more information about what we look for in applicants, scholarships, and other frequently asked questions, please visit our applicant FAQ.
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