One Week Filmmaking For High School Students

The one week evening Introduction to Filmmaking Seminar is designed as a comprehensive overview of the process of making films from script through screening with a focus on perspective high School students considering Filmmaking for Undergraduate Study.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the technical side of the process by getting hands-on experience with camera, sound and lighting equipment.

Along with informative Film Production Seminars, the seminar will include in-depth discussion of Film Schools, the application process, and what to consider as you build your application and visual work.

This seminar offers a great opportunity to explore and discuss film school options and what program might be best suited for your specific goals as you consider a career in the industry.

Sample Schedule

Screenwriting - Story Development

The seminar will provide an overview of writing for the screen

• Cinematic storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking
• Good Stories vs Good Movie Stories
• Techniques for building strong characters
• Common story pitfalls

A conceptual approach to the art and craft of writing for film, the emphasis is on writing from a visual point of view, as well as analyzing and exploring the elements fundamental to all styles of screenwriting. The goal of this class is to clear up the common misunderstandings that become obstacles to writing effectively for the screen and assist students in thinking visually.

Directing
Students will discuss the basic principles of Film Directing, from the breakdown of the script at the first stage of directing, to the analysis of the script from the director's point of view.
The Director's task

• What is your film about?
• Getting to the heart of your idea
• * Choosing a form: Narrative, documentary, experimental 
• * Thinking cinematically

Introduction to Producing

The process of Filmmaking is looked at from the Producer's point of view. This session will explore the role of the producer and the process of putting together a Film for production. Students will discuss financing options, budgets, scheduling, line-producing, production, and post-production as it relates directly with the responsibilities of the position.

• The business of Film
• The role of the producer: Planning, Shooting, and selling
• The laws behind the magic: protecting your assets
• Web movies and streaming video: marketing your shorts online

Fundamentals of Film Production

Getting all the parts to come together on a set is what we all work toward. What happens on a set?

Camera

This session provides an introduction to the tools and techniques of cinematography. Course will cover the practical use of camera, lenses, and other tools of the trade. The Emphasis will be on finding ways to visualize the story rather than just using the equipment

• The art of Motion Picture Photography
• The Gear: Cameras, Tripods & Lighting equipment
• The relationship between the cinematographer and the director

Lighting

This session, a continuation of the camera session, will introduce the student to the basic vocabulary of lighting, including: lighting direction and formal definition, hard and soft light qualities, and the laws of light behavior. An overview of the role of the Director of  Photography as the position relates to the filmmaking process

College Mentorship Session

In our on-going effort to support students as they prepare for Higher Education in Film and Media, we will discuss film schools and the college application process as it relates to film school requirements.

Topics of Discussion will include:

• Which schools might be best for you.
• Film schools and how they differentiate.
• The application process
• The importance of portfolio.
• What not to include in an application.

Sample Schedule

• Introduction and Overview of different film/media programs
• East Coast / West Coast and places in between.
• Scope of employment and opportunities in the media industry
• Differences between major programs
• Filmmaking as an industry
• Main job descriptions and the many branches within each craft
• Evolving technology
• The college admission process and how to get started.
• Internships
• Letters of recommendation
• The written essay
• Visual presentation (If applicable)
• Graduating and getting a job

Parents encouraged to attend this session.