What an amazing special production class for teen actors! In this Special Filmmaking Class, each student contributes to the writing, shooting, directing, acting and editing of their own short films, as divided in small crews.  Students will be challenged to make a film that maintains continuity in story, time, space and emotion.  Films may be of any genre, and can be narrative, documentary, or experimental.  We leave this to the team.

Students may use sound effects, music, voiceover, and ambient sound to help tell their stories.  Students are challenged to  produce a clear, visual scene while maintaining the authenticity of the moment. Students write, direct, shoot, edit a film of up to three minutes.  They will learn how to thoroughly pre-plan and complete a series of essential pre-production elements including script, location scouting, shot list, and shooting schedule.  In addition, there will be a post production period, and zoom meetings during the week, as needed by each team.

Students direct their own projects in three or four person crews, and will rotate through production positions when fellow crew members direct. This helps each student gain an strong familiarity with every aspect of film production as they rotate from director, to director of photography, to assistant camera, to gaffer/grip.  Students will be under the guidance of a professional film making instructor, which will require consultation and guidance.

This class will consist of 9-in studio classes, several zoom get togethers as needed by specific class members, and short outside of class shots, when needed.  The below is an approximate class timing for produce the shorts.  When at the ATNY Studio, actors must shoot within building and cannot go outside venue unless accompanied by instructor/ATNY Adult.  We will ask for all parents to give permission in writing for their child to shoot film outside of Pearl Studios.

Approximate Weekly Breakdown:  May vary depending on Class Needs.

Intro to Film: Writing the Script.  Story Arc/Understanding Structure.

Writing the Script: Breaking down beats/how to write dialogue and action.

Writing the Script: Finalizing the Script and Plan for Your Shoot Days

Pre-Production: Storyboarding & Building a Production Team

Shoot Days 1 & 2: Getting it in the Can!

Editing: Break down your story visually.  Get it to Picture Lock.

Post-Production: Sound/Color/Composition/Credits

Distribution: Share the Shorts in Class. Avenues for viewing and distribution.

If additional time is needed, actors may shoot on their own time, during the week.  ATNY is happy to set up additional zoom hours if requested.