Our six-week, intensive program offers hands-on experience and instruction in all aspects of filmmaking.

Your unique creative vision will take shape under the guidance of our experienced faculty, comprised of experienced instructors of film and industry professionals. Our faculty roster includes leaders in the field with prestigious awards to their credit.

THE CURRICULUM
The intensive six-week workshop focuses on four core elements (see below): Writing for the Screen, Directing, Production and Post-Production. Classroom lectures feature hands-on camera work, augmented by special guest speakers, behind-the-scenes visits to local Manhattan production studios and editing facilities. Classwork concludes with a seminar in "What's Next" featuring one on-one-career guidance.

THE FINAL PROJECT
After you shoot three film exercises focused on different filmmaking techniques, you're ready to write, direct, produce, shoot, and edit your own short video. You choose the format-- narrative, documentary, or experimental. You may choose to stick to a script with actors, costumes, and a controlled set, or you may approach your shoot with the spirit of improvisation. You're the director. You call the shots. The final product is your completed short-- to which you own the exclusive rights-- ready for your professional portfolio, graduate school application, or web distribution.

THE SCHEDULE
Mornings consist of classroom lectures followed by practical, hands-on camera instruction and shooting in the afternoons. Additional guest speakers and site visits are scheduled throughout the workshop.
Sample Schedule

FIELD TRIPS AND GUEST SPEAKERS
The schedule of special features varies based on the changing availability of speakers and production houses. AS WE GET CLOSER TO THE START OF A SESSION A FINAL SCHEDULE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STUDENTS ENROLLED.

Tuition for the Six Week course........ $4,875.00

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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
* Choosing the Right Lens
* Light as Expression
* Staging a Scene
* Moving the Camera
* Working with Actors

CORE #3: Producing / Production
* The Role of the Producer: From Conception to Shoot to Distribution
* The Legal Aspects of Filmmaking Production
* The Art of Digital Photography
* Lighting
* The Gear: Cameras, Tripods, Lighting Equipment
* The Art of Motion Picture Sound

CORE #4: Post-Production / Finishing Your Film
* Montage: The Art of Editing
* Working with Music and Sound Effects
* What's Next? Breaking In
* Building Your Professional Film Portfolio
* Finding Work on Crews, in Production Offices, and with Distributors
* The Perfect Pitch: Selling Your Screenplay
* The ABCs of the Film Festival Market

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