SUMMER PROGRAMS
Our five-week and six-week intensive programs offer hands-on experience and instruction in all aspects of filmmaking.
The program focuses on four core elements:
Writing for the Screen
Directing
Production
Post-Production.
Classroom lectures feature hands-on camera work, augmented by guest speakers and behind-the-scenes visits to local Manhattan production facilities.
THE FINAL PROJECT
After shooting several exercises focused on different filmmaking techniques, students will be ready to write, direct, produce, shoot, and edit their own short project.
The final product is a completed short film ready for a professional portfolio, graduate school application, or web distribution.
THE FACULTY
The IFI teaching staff is comprised of award-winning, industry professionals who teach and work at leading film schools and production facilities.
THE SCHEDULE
Days consist of classroom lectures followed by practical, hands-on instruction and shooting in the afternoons. Additional guest speakers and site visits are scheduled throughout the program.
FIELD TRIPS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
The schedule of special features varies based on the changing availability of speakers and production houses.
The program focuses on four core elements:
Writing for the Screen
Directing
Production
Post-Production.
Classroom lectures feature hands-on camera work, augmented by guest speakers and behind-the-scenes visits to local Manhattan production facilities.
THE FINAL PROJECT
After shooting several exercises focused on different filmmaking techniques, students will be ready to write, direct, produce, shoot, and edit their own short project.
The final product is a completed short film ready for a professional portfolio, graduate school application, or web distribution.
THE FACULTY
The IFI teaching staff is comprised of award-winning, industry professionals who teach and work at leading film schools and production facilities.
THE SCHEDULE
Days consist of classroom lectures followed by practical, hands-on instruction and shooting in the afternoons. Additional guest speakers and site visits are scheduled throughout the program.
FIELD TRIPS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
The schedule of special features varies based on the changing availability of speakers and production houses.
CORE CURRICULUM
CORE #1: Writing for the Screen
* Cinematic Storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking
* Choosing a Narrative Structure
* The Mechanics of Moving a Story
* Techniques for Building Strong Characters
CORE #2: Directing / The Director's Task
* What is Your Film About?
* Getting to the Heart of Your Idea
* Thinking Cinematically
* Shot Selection and Camera Placement
* Staging a Scene
* Moving the Camera
* Working with Actors
CORE #3: Producing / Production Producing
The Role of the Producer
* Lighting & Exposure
* The Gear: Cameras, Tripods, Lighting Equipment
* The Art of Motion Picture Sound
CORE #4: Post-Production / Finishing Your Film
* The Art of Editing
* Working with Music and Sound Effects
* Finding Work on Crews & Productions
* The ABCs of the Film Festival Market
* Cinematic Storytelling: The Foundation of Filmmaking
* Choosing a Narrative Structure
* The Mechanics of Moving a Story
* Techniques for Building Strong Characters
CORE #2: Directing / The Director's Task
* What is Your Film About?
* Getting to the Heart of Your Idea
* Thinking Cinematically
* Shot Selection and Camera Placement
* Staging a Scene
* Moving the Camera
* Working with Actors
CORE #3: Producing / Production Producing
The Role of the Producer
* Lighting & Exposure
* The Gear: Cameras, Tripods, Lighting Equipment
* The Art of Motion Picture Sound
CORE #4: Post-Production / Finishing Your Film
* The Art of Editing
* Working with Music and Sound Effects
* Finding Work on Crews & Productions
* The ABCs of the Film Festival Market
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
