SUMMER PROFESSIONAL FILM TRAINING PROGRAMS

Our summer film program is an in-depth and rigorous training program that allows students to learn about every aspect of filmmaking in front of and behind the camera!  It is also a tremendous amount of fun as we bring all our students of all ages together to create films that will last forever!   Students can participate in the one-week short film program, the two-week feature film program, or both (with a discount, of course.).  Last year, over three weeks, we produced eight short films and a feature film!  Because our students participate in every aspect of production, from writing the scripts to post-production, they are building their skills and their resumes. 

Participation is offered first to our current students in any of our classes/private lessons and professional coaching clients of high school age.  All other participants must complete an informational interview before acceptance to the program. Please email us to register for the program or more information. 

All of our films are shot on professional cinema cameras  –  the same cameras that studio and professional feature films are shot on.  We shoot using two to five cameras depending on the film and a professional grip kit.   Students can learn and use these cameras – something that is not provided even in some of the top university undergraduate film programs.  This summer’s fourteen-person professional crew will work with those students interested in learning skills that can get them internships or hired on film sets as soon as they graduate high school. There is no better way to spend a summer break from college than on set! 

We have produced 36 short films and five feature films in the last three years.   Our films have been recognized by over 80 film festivals, including – The International Film Festival Manhattan (winner of best US narrative film), Boston International Kids Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival, Blackbird Film Festival, Niagara Falls Film Festival, Dallas Shorts, the London Independent Film Awards, and the Independent Shorts Awards.  Our student summer short films have been screened as part of MOCA Westport’s Teen Film Showcase.   We will also be hosting our own screening of all this past summer’s short films and our feature film, THE CONVERSATION this spring, so stay tuned.

Our short film programs’ high school writers and directors have used the films in college applications. They have been accepted to programs at top film schools such as NYU, Emerson, Depaul, Columbia College, UT Austin, SCAD, and Ithaca.   Our actors have used the footage for professional reels and college applications and have been accepted to top acting programs at universities such as NYU, Emerson, Loyola Marymount,  UT Austin, PACE, Ithaca, and UCLA.

Pre-Independent Film Project Short Film Program

Rising 4th-9th graders have the opportunity to be actors in our short films!  Or to write their own film that one of our high schoolers will direct!

Rising 10th-12th grade are our writers and directors!

DATES AND FEES TBA

10 am-6 pm (rehearsals and filming will be staggered throughout the week)

Pre-IFP takes place the week before the summer’s independent feature film project. This unique program brings students of all ages together to produce a series of professional short films (2-5 minutes). Guided by a professional crew, our high school directors will bring their own scripts or the scripts of our middle school writers to life, starring our elementary and middle school actors. Everyone involved will have professional short films to keep forever (and for use for college applications or professional reels).

Independent Film Project Feature Film

Rising 9th grade – 2023 high school graduates

DATES AND FEES TBD

A program for students committed to pursuing or already pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. IFP allows a limited number of high school writers, actors, designers, and technical crew members the opportunity to work alongside a crew of working professionals to create a feature film, and there is an opportunity for our rising 8th graders to be a part of the experience as writers; in minor roles and as crew members. Additionally, younger actors who have already worked professionally may request approval to participate in the independent film project!

Throughout the summer, participants will be required to participate in every aspect of filmmaking, from writing to pre-production to post-production experiences, with the core experience being FILMING of the film conceived and written by the participants alongside professional writers, directors, and crew.

Participation is offered first to our current students in any of our classes/private lessons and professional coaching clients of high school age. All other participants must complete an informational interview before acceptance to the program. Please email us to register for the program or more information.  Registration is due by March 31.

This rigorous program provides practical, hands-on experience in acting, filmmaking, design, tech, and post-production, mirroring the same process used in professional filmmaking.  Participants have also contributed original music to the films’ soundtracks. Throughout the summer and most especially during the principal photography period, ALL participants are expected to behave in the same manner they would in a professional circumstance and fully commit to filmmaking’s challenging schedule and demands.

In addition to professional film credits for their resumes, high-quality footage for professional reels, and academic applications (especially college applications), this experience prepares artists for their desired careers.

Writing and script development has already begun – we can always use more writers, so please let us know if you are interested.  Pre-production and rehearsals are scheduled in June and July based on participant availability (to accommodate travel schedules, zoom may be used for some rehearsals).  Post-production is in the fall and winter of 2023.

Please email us to register for the program or more information.