Click Here for more info and to Signup Session 1 - The students will be introduced to some Meisner techniques as well as employ some Judith Weston concepts. There will be a lot of improvisation used during the class in order to practice some of the theory. Camera technique will be covered. Scenes will be video taped and observed later for healthy critique. Script sides will be assigned and actors will be paired with others to work both in class and for the next class. Session 2 - Students will continue to work with Meisner and Weston techniques as well as employing a good bit of improvisation. Students will showcase their homework scenes for the class and work on adjustments given by the instructor. The class will further refine its camera technique as well as taping and reviewing of scenes. New scenes will be assigned for class work and homework. Session 3 - Students will continue working on higher level Meisner and Weston techniques via the use of scripted and improvised scenes. Students will showcase their homework scenes for the class and work on adjustments given by the instructor. The class will continue working on the nuances of acting for the camera via video taping scenes and analyzing them later. New scenes will be assigned for class work and homework. Working with the students, the instructor will choose which scene they will be preparing for the actors' showcase filming. The scenes will be filmed in high definition! Session 4 - Students will work on refining their showcase scenes and eventually shoot them during the course of the day. The class will continue to work on the Meisner and Weston techniques. Session 5 - the Sunscreen Film Fest - The actors will have their scenes screened at the festival. This will be a time to invite family and friends to see the work they have done in class. The actors will do a Q&A after each scene has screened. We will have a guest panelist from the actor's track there to comment on and evaluate the work of each film. Each actor will receive a DVD of the classes' scenes.
Acting track schedule recap
September 25th - 1st class for Screen acting October 23rd - 2nd class for Screen Acting November 6th - 3rd class for Screen Acting December 4th - 4th class for Screen Acting April 2011 Sunscreen film fest - One evening we screen both the films and the scenes from the final screen acting class. The cost is $250.00 for the School and includes a Filmmaker pass to the 2011 Sunscreen Film Festival! Sign up by purchasing the school at the link below. After purchase you will be contacted by the Sunscreen Film Festival staff with more information. For more information, contact Harry Chittenden,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 727-420-0566. Click Here for more info and to Signup |
Filmmaking Class Fall 2010  Fundamentals of Film Making Track
Learn to make movies! Sunscreen Film School is offering a four-month course to teach filmmakers how to take off-the-shelf equipment and make a movie out of original stories. Participants will learn how to write and pitch a script; set up production schedules; plan and shoot shots; direct actors; work with lighting and sound; edit and assemble rough-cuts; insert credits and much, much more. For anyone who wants to make better films This course will help you turn out better video no matter what your aims are: better home and social events; better feature production; better movies. The five-part course will end with a special screening and party at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. | | Teaching the class is Dave DeBorde, professor of cinematic arts at Southeastern University. The cost is $250.00 for the School and includes a Filmmaker pass to the 2010 Sunscreen Film Festival! Sign up by purchasing the school at the link below. After purchase you will be contacted by the Sunscreen Film Festival staff with more information. For more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, ( by e-mail) or at 727-420-0566. Fundamentals of Film Course Breakdown
Session 1 - September 11th, 2010 - Introduction to film production and screen-writing The first section will cover the basics of independent filmmaking. A review of basic story structure and elements such as the 3-Act structure, character arc, etc. The students will actively participate in scriptwriting exercises and brainstorming for story ideas. The homework for the attendees will be to create a 3-5 page script that they will submit at least two weeks before the next meeting. Session 2 - October 9th, 2010 - Film Production and Line producing Using the scripts that they've already submitted, the workshop will take them through, breaking down, budgeting and scheduling a script. * How to hold an audition. * All of the necessary positions on a crew and how to call out the cadence for a shot. * They will also learn the basics of using a camera (composing shots, etc.), lighting and audio. * The class will be divided into production groups and only a handful of the scripts submitted will be used - one per group. Session 3 - November 6th, 2010 - Directing and Shooting The first section will go over film directing basics. The teams will then break up into their teams and shoot their scripts. The instructors will go around and facilitate the productions. | | Session 4 - December 4th - Post Production The basics of video editing. Coloring. Music. Session 5 - April 2011 the Sunscreen Film Festival The filmmakers screen their films at the fest in a special category. The filmmakers will do a Q&A after each film has screened. We will have a guest panel to comment on and evaluate the work of each film. We party and brainstorm about next year's projects. Fundamentals of Film Making Schedule Recap
September 11th, 2010 - 1st class for Filmmaking fundamentals.
October 9th, 2010 - 2nd class for Filmmaking fundamentals.
November 6th, 2010 - 3rd class for filmmaking fundamentals.
December 4th, 2010 - 4th class for Filmmaking fundamentals.
Sunscreen film fest - One evening we screen both the films and the scenes from the final screen acting class. The cost is $250.00 for the School and includes a Filmmaker pass to the 2010 Sunscreen Film Festival! Sign up by purchasing the school at the link below. After purchase you will be contacted by the Sunscreen Film Festival staff with more information. For more information, contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, ( by e-mail) or at 727-420-0566. |
Download the SSFF 2010 Film Schedule. Actors Track Workshops taught by Hollywood Actors: Thursday 10AM - 2:30PM Alexa Vega (Spy Kids 1,2,3) Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum) Friday 10AM - 4:30PM Alexa Vega (Spy Kids 1,2,3) Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum), Ayanna Berkshire (Twilight), Solomon Trimble (Twilight) Saturday 10AM - 2PM Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, Lakeview Terrace), Sunday 10AM - 12PM Ayanna Berkshire (Twilight), Solomon Trimble (Twilight) Thursday - Sunday April 15 - 18, 2010 $125 or $175 includes VIP Pass  Thursday – Friday April 15-16, 2010
Half Workshop $100 Saturday – Sunday April 17-18, 2010
Half Workshop $100 Movie Maker Workshops Tickets/Passes
Thursday April 15 WorkshopsCreating a Killer Movie Comic 10AM – 11:30AM Leo Partible (Comic Author, Producer) Comics & Film: The World of Transmedia Storytelling
Even though Superman: The Movie and the first Batman film were blockbusters, comic books and graphic novels during that era were still considered a fad. But since the release of X-Men, they've become the dominant source material for studio tentpole films. We'll explore the phenomenon of the comic book film, the influence of the comic book on filmmakers, the diversity of genres in the medium, and their importance in the global market and the new world of Transmedia storytelling. Indie Film Producing Workshop 101 1-2:30PM
Making Your Own Dynamite; A Cautionary Cookbook for the Indie Filmmaker. Sean Covel (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite) Doc Wyatt (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite) Title; Indie Whuuuh? In this class the producers of Napoleon Dynamite will examine the independent film marketplace to determine what types of films are best suited to be made independent of the studio system. Additionally, they will focus on how to secure underlying rights to screenplays, etc, to make sure that everything is optimally bundled for sale even before the film is created. Master Screenwriting Workshop 3 - 4:30 PM Dean Batali (Producer, Head Writer, That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Dean Batali will lead a "writer's table" as he evaluates (and offers suggestions for improvement on) the work of a few short, pre-selected writing samples written by writers who choose to attend this workshop. Within this format, Dean will offer insights and instruction on writing dialogue, scene structure, and how to write scripts that stand out from the rest. Day Pass allows access to all films and workshops for this day. VIP or Festival Pass allows access to all films and workshops for entire festival. | | Thursday April 15, Day Pass $35 | 2010 VIP Pass $175 | 2010 Festival Pass$125 | Friday April 16 Workshops The Business of Blockbusters 10 – 11:30AM The Secrets of Producing $100 Million+ Movies Ralph Winter (Producer, X-men 1-3, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Star Trek 2-4) Join legendary producer Ralph Winter as he reveals the challenges, frustrations, and successes of producing movies in the $100 million and higher range. From Star Trek, Planet of the Apes, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Wolverine, and more, Ralph has led massive crews around the world, and in the process, created some of the most memorable films of the last 30 years. Pitchfest 1PM - 2:30PM This is an opportunity for festival participants to deliver an "Elevator Pitch" to our guest producers and distributors and get expert feedback from these industry insiders on refining their pitch so they land that big deal! Participants must prepare a two minute (or less) pitch, and be prepared to deliver it to the industry heavy weights who have heard a thousand pitches. Limited to the first 50 people in line. Line forms no earlier than 11:30. Must have either a Day Pass, Filmmaker Pass, Festival Pass or VIP Pass to participate. First come first serve no reservations. Ralph Winter (Producer, X-men 1-3, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Star Trek 2-4)
Phil Cooke (Author, Filmmaker, Media Consultant)
Dean Batali (Producer, Head Writer, That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Sean Covel (Producer, Naploeon Dynamite) Doc Wyatt (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite) Producing a Hit TV Show 3PM-4:30PM
Dean Batali (Producer, Head Writer, That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) The executive producer of "That 70s Show" (who also wrote for the first two seasons of "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer") will share everything that goes into producing a weekly series - from story development to script-writing and various stages of production - as well as share how that experience can be applied to web series. He'll also discuss what makes a good TV or web series idea, and how to write a good pilot script, three-page presentation, and show bible. Indie Film Producing Workshop 201 3PM to 4:30PM
Making Your Own Dynamite; A Cautionary Cookbook for the Indie Filmmaker. Sean Covel (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite) Doc Wyatt (Producer, Napoleon Dynamite) Title; Have Script, Find Money In the second class, the producers of Napoleon Dynamite will focus on finding financing for an independent film. This class will cover the process of identifying equity financiers, structuring the deal with investors, creating the pitch packet for the project, selling the concept to investors, structuring a company to accept money and strategizing methods of getting the money back (and hopefully making quite a lot more) as your film finds its way to audiences. Day Pass allows access to all films and workshops for this day. VIP or Festival Pass allows access to all films and workshops for entire festival. | | Friday April 16, Day Pass $35 | 2010 VIP Pass $175 | 2010 Festival Pass $125 | Saturday, April 17th Workshops The Role of a Producer in the 21st Century 10-11:30AM Ralph Winter (Producer, X-men 1-3, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Star Trek 2-4) Phil Cooke (Author, Filmmaker, Media Consultant) In a chaotic time of media disruption, how has the role of "Producer" changed? When movies, TV, advertising, and digital content are merging, what are the most important principles to survive in 2010 and beyond? Movie producer Ralph Winter and television producer Phil Cooke will share their insights on creating compelling content - for whatever medium - in today's media-driven culture. Actors Panel Discussion 1PM-2PM
Patrick Wilson, Actor, (Watchmen, Lakeview Terrace) Billy Dee Williams, Actor (Empire Strikes Back) Ethan Suplee, Actor (My Name is Earl) Ayanna Berkshire, Actor, (Twilight, Leverage)
Solomon Trimble, Actor (Twilight)
Alexa Vega, Actor (Spy Kids 1,2,3, Broken Hill)
Bill Cobbs Actor (Night at the Museum, over 100 films) Comics & Film Panel Ralph Winter (Producer, X-men 1-3, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Star Trek 2-4)
Dean Batali (Producer, Head Writer, That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Leo Partible (Comic Author, Producer) "Hollywood bows to comic books!" More and more, this statement is proving to be true and with the rising importance of events like Comic Con, there is no end in sight for this graphically centered approach to cinematic storytelling. Where is this relatively new and dominant movement in Hollywood going and how can filmmakers navigate through comic book pages in order to get a "Wolverine" level film produced? Please join this question and answer discussion as it is explored by our expert panel of producers, comic book artists, screen writers and actors. Day Pass allows access to all films and workshops for this day. VIP or Festival Pass allows access to all films and workshops for entire festival. | | Saturday April 17, Day Pass $35 | 2010 VIP Pass $175 | 2010 Festival Pass $125 | Sunday, April 18th Storyboards: Learning to tell a Visual Story 10AM-11:30AM
Leo Partible (Comic Author, Producer) Storyboards were primarily used in animation during the Golden Age of Hollywood. But filmmakers like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock used them extensively, creating books that resembled graphic novels to pre-visualize their classic films. Today, storyboards are in widespread use, helpful in making sure that the director's vision remains intact. We'll explore the various uses of storyboards, their relationship to graphic novels, their use in creating interest with studios (as in the case of the MATRIX and SHELOCK HOLMES), and the how new technology such as the iPad has helped the filmmaking process. Is Your Career Stuck in Development or Breaking Box Office Records? 1PM-2:30PM Stop Hitting the Wall, and Start Building a Real Career in Entertainment Phil Cooke (Author, Filmmaker, Media Consultant) Why do some people move from job to job, while others enjoy a fulfilling career in media & entertainment? In Hollywood, even the most successful can abruptly end up out of work and looking at the classifieds. We all hope for a career, but most just end up in a series of jobs - that for the most part, especially in the entertainment world - are finite and often land us at a dead-end. Whether you're new to the industry or a long-time veteran, discover the 10 key principles that build a long term career. Find out why these key concepts are the critical difference that keep so many gifted and talented people from achieving their long term dream. Music for Your Film 1PM-2:30PM
Creating a soundtrack and acquiring music for your film. Michael Tolcher (Musician, Scrubs, One Tree Hill, ESPN) You Produced a Movie, So What's Next? 3PM-4:30PM The Power of Distribution: Finding the Right Audience Ralph Winter (Producer, X-men 1-3, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Star Trek 2-4) Phil Cooke (Author, Filmmaker, Media Consultant) Join Ralph Winter and Phil Cooke for a fascinating look at distribution channels for media content today. They'll explore mainstream distribution channels as well as alternative channels to help you find the right platform and audience for your project Staged Screenplay Reading of "Lullaby" by Kimberly M. Wetherell 5PM
This one-of-a-kind, 'sneak peek' into the inner workings of a developing feature film, LULLABY, is a true multi-media event; including a staged screenplay reading, musical performances, a short film and an intimate conversation with award-winning filmmaker, two-time Sunscreen alumni and Clearwater native, writer/director/producer, Kimberly M. Wetherell.
LULLABY is the remarkable story of a grandmother and granddaughter’s bond when it is put to the test, after the grandmother’s secret past as one of Poland’s Hidden Children of the Holocaust [Jewish children spared by religious conversion] is compromised by the granddaughter’s own search for self-discovery.
A reception will immediately follow the reading.
Price: FREE RSVP:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Day Pass allows access to all films and workshops for this day. VIP or Festival Pass allows access to all films and workshops for entire festival. | | Sunday April 18, Day Pass $35 | 2010 VIP Pass $175 | 2010 Festival Pass $125 | |
