Precollege Programs: Filmmaking Institute

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Morning Sessions

Each day begins with a mini lesson introducing a new film technique—such as camera moves, green screen effects, sound recording, or slow motion—giving students a clear understanding of how these tools shape a scene. Afterward, they put these techniques into practice through short film projects in small groups, gaining hands-on experience and building technical confidence.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus, connecting with fellow students, and recharging their energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Afternoon Sessions

Filming continues throughout the day, allowing students to put their newly learned techniques into practice, or previously filmed scenes are taken into the edit bays for post-production work. In the edit bays, students gain hands-on experience with editing software, learning how to assemble shots, adjust pacing, add sound, and refine their scenes. This process helps them understand how performance, camera work, and post-production all come together to create a polished final product.

The Film Crew: Role of the Director, Camera Operator, Sound Technician, Producer.

Storytelling: The art of developing a visual story with a beginning, middle and end.

The Screenplay: Using formatting software to write scripts in the Hollywood standard format. Transforming our ideas onto the page using plot, character and structure to push the story along.

Pre-visualization: Using storyboards and shot lists to pre-visualize the images in your film.

Pre-production: Planning, location scouting, and blocking so we are ready when the camera rolls.

Directing: Learn how to “cover” a scene using different camera angles. Collaborating with actors.

Stage Combat: Learning how to stage a safe, but real-looking fight for the camera.

Documentary: How is a documentary made? How is it different from other types of filmmaking?

Music Video: Creating strong, visual images you then edit together to enhance a music track.

Camera: Knowing how to use your camera so that it is second nature

Image Control: Composition, framing, camera position, camera movement, depth of field, etc.

Lighting: Setting up lights and understanding how to light for film.

Audio in the Field: Importance of clean audio, where to place the microphone.

Editing: Learn the editing software Adobe Premier and iMovie. Using advanced editing techniques to improve the quality of your final product.

Audio in Post-production: Using sound effects, re-recording dialogue (ADR), adding music.

Finishing and Polishing Your Work: Adding titles, special visual effects, and final audio mixing. Learning how to make a really good film even better.

• Returning students will be able to expand on their experience and are encouraged to come in ready to shoot with a script or script idea.
• Small groups usually consist of four to five students working with a teacher or teacher’s assistant.
• Students must supply their own camcorder or DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. They should also remember to have the connection cables and the manual for their device available.
• Gratuitous violence, use of guns, and/or offensive language are not permitted.
• One of the highlights of this program is collaborating with like-minded people who love film. The ways in which we collaborate makes the program unique.

1. A DSLR, mirrorless camera, camcorder, or fairly new smartphone that shoots video.

2. A free editing program such as iMovie or DaVinci Resolve.

3. A free screenwriting app such as WriterDuet, Fade In, Highland, or Celtx.

The program will culminate with a film festival for family and friends on the last day of the program.

Students enrolled in the Filmmaking Institute who have attended at least 80% of the classes, are eligible for a certificate of completion which acknowledges the successful completion of prescribed coursework.

By the final day of the program, students will have worked on 8-10 original short film projects that they can add to their portfolio. In the past, former students have used one or more such projects as part of their application to film school.