Precollege Programs: Filmmaking Institute

Grades 9–12 

Filmmaking is both an art unto itself, and the combination of all the arts at once. There so many elements at work on a film: photography, writing, acting, choreography, set design, lighting, costumes, props, hair & makeup, special visual effects, music, sound effects, editing and graphic design. We use all of these disciplines to make movies. During the Filmmaking Institute we will break down film scenes  into their components and see how these components are pieced together to create a story visually.

Topics that will be covered during Filmmaking Institute:
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.

Typical Day:

• We start each day by watching a scene or two from a great film. As we are watching, we talk about the cinematography, storyline, editing, lighting style, etc.
• At 9:45 we begin the morning workshop or mini-lesson, (lighting, sound design, or camera techniques). We then break into groups and apply the concept discussed in the lesson.
• Lunch
• Continue our work on the day’s topic or introduce a new one as time permits.

Suggested Camera and Software

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.

Interested in Undergraduate Film Programs at Purchase College?

Check out the film BFA program, the cinema and television studies BA program (and the Film/Video Production minor), and the playwriting and screenwriting BA program in the School of Film and Media Studies, and the new media BA program.

Program Details

YTH 9530 / Filmmaking Institute
Sessions I and II: June 27 – July 22
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm (19 sessions, no class July 4)

$2,100 for the first registration
$1,890 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees and alumni, and early registrations (paid in full by May 6, 2022)

Program Notes

• 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.

Instructor