A two week immersion course in the fundamental skills of filmmaking

Dates:
Jun 26, 2023 - Jul 7, 2023

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate,
Workshop Fee: $3995
Class Size: 12

This workshop is a part of the 2023 Summer Academy program

Filmmaking

Film School (Jun 26 - Jul 7, 2023)

Photography

Digital Photography (June 26 - July 7, 2023)

Summer Academy Film School students preparing for a shoot
Summer Academy Film School students preparing for a shoot.

This workshop is for teens who are interested in filmmaking and want to explore their creative curiosity, as well as gain a solid foundation in the processes and techniques of the art form. All of the essential dynamics of movie-making are covered and practiced. Students will write and develop scripts, learn to direct actors, utilize the camera and lighting as tools to tell the story visually, and will edit their work to create final, finished products. Guided by a working filmmaker, you will learn the latest skills and techniques.

Whether you are looking for a stimulating and collaborative journey through the filmmaking process or seeking a pre-college film experience that will allow you to develop your portfolio, this class will provide an immersive dive into the key dynamics of making movies.  

Week one will involve making a collaborative group project.  In the second week, students produce their own short original or adapted projects. These may range from scripted stories, short documentary, music video, to experimental films. With the instructor’s guidance, students work to develop their concepts, plan their shots, refine their vision, and create their films. They will leave with both the fundamental skills needed to take the next step in their filmmaking education and career, as well as a piece of finished work for their portfolio.

Maine Media Summer Academy film school students during their short film shoot 'Partners in Crime'.
Maine Media Summer Academy film school students during their short film shoot ‘Partners in Crime’.

Testimonials:

“It’s really a dream come true to do what you love day in and day out, and that’s an understatement of what you get at Maine Media.”
– Noah LePage, New Sharon, ME

“Having creative freedom and a group of people with your same interests, who are willing to help you make your dreams a reality, makes for a great 2 weeks.”

Past Student Work:

Created by Sydney Dyer, Film School, 2019

About the Maine Media Summer Academy

The Summer Academy at Maine Media cultivates the next generation of photographers, filmmakers, and book artists through expert learning opportunities. Students will be surrounded by peers who share their passions and are guided by working artists who encourage creativity as they instruct them in the latest skills and techniques and help create portfolio-level work.

Brief Academy Overview:

  • All Academy students must be fully vaccinated for COVID at least 14 days prior to arrival. A copy of the vaccine card must be submitted to registrar@mainemedia.edu.
  • Student days are comprised of both classroom and field/location work: lectures and critiques, demonstrations, shooting, editing, writing, computer workflow and/or digital lab work, depending on the workshop. All instructors are talented industry professionals as well as experienced educators, and each works with a teaching assistant, providing additional support for their class. The students are busy all day and into the mid-evening hours.
  • All students reside in our campus residence, occupying the lower floor. Rooms are all private baths with a maximum of three students per room (most will be doubles). Resident Advisors (RAs) also reside on the same floor to monitor and supervise.   The upper floor is occupied by non-Academy adult workshop attendees who will have little exposure or direct interaction with the Academy students.
  • During the week, all meals are taken together in the dining facilities directly across the street. Weekend meals are taken in the local economy and transported by the RA’s – or sometimes do cookouts. This cost is included in the tuition package. Parents may indicate any special dietary needs upon registration.
  • RAs supervise the students when not in class and help make group decisions about weekend activities which may include swimming, bowling, movies, and hiking. Coin laundry facilities are available on campus.
  • A lobster dinner is served (there are other choices) on the last Friday night of each workshop, and all Maine Media students gather for an evening presentation of highlights from the week’s work. Parents are welcome to attend, and meal tickets may be purchased in the Registration Office.
  • We recommend students have access to $150 over the two-week period for incidentals, snacks, movies, field trips, etc.
  • Check-in is on Sunday, between 3 and 6 and departure is on Saturday morning.
  • Tuition includes accommodation, access to campus amenities, transportation once the workshop has begun, meals (including a lobster dinner!), Resident Advisors, and Teacher’s Assistants.
  • Students may request a transcript be sent to their high school for possible credit.

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Instructor: Tom Ryan

A New England-based editor and filmmaker, Tom has worked extensively in the worlds of commercial, corporate, and documentary film. He has freelanced in Production for over 9 years and is a co-founder of the Maine-based Production company, Tailwind Media. As an editor, his work in fiction and documentary film has been shown in numerous festivals. In addition to workshops, he currently teaches documentary film in the 30-Week Professional Certificate program at Maine Media College. Affiliated with MMW+C for over 6 years, Tom is passionate about teaching storytelling to students of all career paths and skill levels.

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