In 1973, a bunch of guys who loved film, loved making films and wanted an outlet for showing those films, started a weekly screening series to do just that. This eventually grew and became what is today known as Chicago Filmmakers, an organization dedicated to showcasing the independent film-work of those who stray from the mainstream in experimental and innovative ways. One example of this is their annual film festival, "Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival," the second oldest lesbian/gay film festivals in the world. But not only does the organization showcase cinematic art via screenings, it has also evolved into a media center dedicated to education in various forms of film production for adults and children alike, as well as an equipment source called the Co-Op for budding, middleclass filmmakers who don't have the thousands of dollars on hand to purchase their own hi-def digital video cameras (not to mention lights, tripods, mics, et cetera).

Chicago Filmmakers is a project designed to further interest in that great art known as cinema, as well as to help those already interested to become experts on the subject. If you fall into either category, at least check out its website for more information, as it's incredibly helpful and informative. Want to submit your own film to be screened? We suggest you drop by for Open Screening, when the hosts screen whatever walks through the door. Yes, that includes your black-and-white short student film about lizards that burrow into your brain like it's a little cockpit to control you.

Classes: Chicago Filmmakers offers a ton of options for beginners and seasoned film vets. There's Motion picture cinematography, an introductory course for 16 mm cinematography ($700/$685 for members) and Producing, a series of 4 seminars that cover budgeting, scheduling, grant writing and legal issues (one per week) in depth ($180/$170 for members). Screenwriting 1 covers the fundamentals of writing a feature-length screenplay ($395/$380 for members). Those who already know the basics will want to enroll in Screenwriting 2 ($395/$380 for members). Introduction to Final Cut Pro is for those who know nothing about Apple's digital editing software ($395/$390 members), and Advanced Final Cut Pro targets editors who want to dabble in special effects ($395/$380 for members).

Centerstage Reviewer: Benjamin Andrew Moore