Youth Programs: Young Filmmakers

Typical Day

• In the morning, as students come in, we watch films on the large screen and discuss film language: What are the storytelling elements that are used in filming and editing? We also learn how to watch the ways in which the camera moves. Who is in the frame? What type of shot is being used and why? What styles do directors use to bring the audience into their world?
• We will also discuss the different genres of filmmaking: comedy, action, drama, adventure, musical, horror, documentary, and experimental.
• Students are divided into smaller groups to work on the day’s assignment and the creation of their Film (i.e. location scouting, scriptwriting, shooting scenes, editing or working on pre-production).
• Lunch: Students bring lunch, which can be refrigerated. Students eat lunch, picnic style, with staff on campus grounds, outdoors as the weather allows.
• After lunch we return to our smaller groups. We may reverse the group assignments in the afternoon, to make sure everyone has time to finish their movie. (Example: If your group was shooting in the morning, then you will be editing in the afternoon.)
• We reconvene as a group 15 minutes before pick-up and continue watching and discussing the film from the morning.

Topics Covered

• Writing a screenplay using industry standard format using script writing software
• Storyboarding
• Developing characters/storytelling
• Location scouting
• Blocking a scene with your camera (actors and camera crew practice together)
• Understanding your camcorder
• How to stage and film a scene
• Image control: composition/depth of field
• Lighting: Interior (inside) / Exterior (outside)
• Audio (sound) on the set and in post-production (editing)
• Editing techniques using industry standard software: Adobe Premiere and/or iMovie

Program Details

YTH 9535/Young Filmmakers
Session III: July 24 – August 4
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm (10 sessions)

$1,200 for the first registration
$1,080 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees and alumni, and early registrations (paid in full by May 5, 2023)

For a well-rounded summer, combine Young Filmmakers with Young Artists, Young Actors and Performers, and/or Young Photographers to maximize your creative experience.

Program Notes

• The majority of your day will be hands-on. A teacher or teacher’s assistant will be working alongside you to answer any questions.
• 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.
• The program will culminate with a film festival for family and friends on the last day of the program.
• Students must supply their own digital camcorders. (Bring your manuals too!)
• The highlight of this program is being with other like-minded people who love film. The ways in which we collaborate is what makes the program unique.
• Gratuitous violence, use of guns, and/or offensive language are not permitted.

Instructor