Filmmaking 101

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

Virtual Winter Break Camp

High School, February 21–25

10:00 AM ET–12:00 PM ET

Classes: 5

$225 (members), $250 (nonmembers)

Grab any camera and make a movie! Filmmaking 101 is an opportunity for students to create their very own 1–3 minute short film with the support of a group of film-loving peers and the guidance of a professional film instructor. Whether this is their first time making a film or not, our staff will meet and encourage campers to grow at their individual level. Designed to be a crash course in writing and filmmaking in just five days, story ideas will be generated from prompts as students explore using the technique of “show, don’t tell.” Meeting daily, makers will engage in mini film challenges, pitching ideas, storyboarding, camera tricks, and editing, culminating in a screening where friends and family get the chance to watch their final film, hear from the filmmakers, and ask them questions! 

READ CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING: 

Camp time will be dedicated to learning and practicing film techniques, giving peer feedback on written stories and edits, and most importantly, building a community of young filmmakers. 

Students will be expected to write, film, and edit their films outside of class time. 

Additional one-on-one 10 minute meetings with the instructor will be available for students in the afternoons on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These meetings are meant to review stories, problem solve production and editing challenges, and provide any other film support students may need.

Parents/Guardians and family members: To adhere to New York State’s COVID-19 safety precautions, please expect to assist in the filming process for one to two days (Wednesday/Thursday) as students will not be able to film in person with fellow campers. 

Materials:

• Smartphone or iPad 
• Smartphone editing app (example iMovie)
• Computer with Zoom application for class meetings
• Email address ( access to Google Classroom )
• Paper and pencil 
• ProMovie App *OPTIONAL

Soft Skills:

• Collaboration 
• Peer and instructor feedback
• Problem Solving 
• Critical thinking

Technical Skills:

• Introduction to film and language 
• Effective storytelling 
• Analyzing film shots 
• Camera and editing techniques

Registration and General Information for Virtual Education Classes

With over 10 years of experience, Emily Ohara teaches young aspiring filmmakers, elementary through high school, at the Jacob Burns Film Center. Emily earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Studies from Manhattanville College in 2018, deepening her teaching of film to young people. Emily’s classes are designed to be a safe and fun space emphasizing collaboration, student choice, and meaningful peer feedback, where kids can let their creativity fly!