Summer Camp

Movie Makers Made in a Summer

Sunscreen Film Festival presents Summer 2012 Camp for Young Movie-Makers

The modern technological revolution has created greater accessibility for movie making equipment to the general public and that includes kids.

If we an all can make movies, why not learn to make good movies?

This July, the Sunscreen Film Festival Film School will for the fourth year present its two-week summer camp. Participants will script, shoot and edit as many as four films, which they will present at their own festival at the end of the camp.

Awesome review by former camper Nick Rua!

The Program

The camp focuses in the beginning, as all good movies must, on storytelling. Kids will learn to craft the events of stories into compelling sequences that build tension and suspense and plant vital questions in the viewers' minds. Then everyone will write a short script employing what they've learned.

Concurrently, campers will get a good overview of cinematography, with industry experts using the same equipment the campers will be using. These experts will demonstrate shots and camera angles along with sound and lighting principles essential for good filmmaking.

At the end of the first week, the faculty will choose up to four of the campers' original films for actual production. It will then divide the campers into production teams in preparation for the next three days during which they will shoot the scripts.

The last two days of camp will be devoted to post-production during which the movies will be edited, music added, credits appended and whatever other creative touches the campers devise.

Finally, the completed films will be shown at a Sunscreen Film Camp Festival on the last day of camp.

When?

July 9- July 20
Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. The Camp Film Festival where campers show their films to parents and friends will be on Friday July 20 from 6:30 pm until 9.

Where?

The camp will be held at Studio620 in downtown St. Petersburg.

Who is eligible to participate?

Kids ages 14-18. Some exceptions to age requirements will be made based on prior experience and interest level after an evaluation by the Sunscreen Film Festival staff. Please note: movie making is a collaborative effort in which each member of the production team relies on everyone else. Your child's camping decision should be grounded in a genuine desire to learn the movie-making art.

How much?

The two-week, 9-5 camp is $500.00. This amount includes a Key Grip membership to the Sunscreen Film Festival.

What equipment is required?

Four campers will be expected to volunteer laptops for editing the movies. If you have family equipment, like a camcorder, and want to learn to use it more effectively, you are encouraged to bring it. Otherwise, Sunscreen will provide the equipment.

Who is the faculty?

The program head is Dave DeBorde. This year the main teacher will be Lulu Fries'dat . She will be assisted by two college-age proctors who are experienced movie makers. In addition, guest speakers, like professional cinematographers will also contribute.

How do I sign up?

Click here. In filling out the application please bear in mind that we are above all else seeking commitment from our campers. Movie making is a very satisfying endeavor, but it requires discipline and determination.

What about lunch and snacks?

Campers are required to provide their own meals and snacks. Studio 620 is in downtown St. Petersburg and lots of restaurants are within walking distance.

Awesome review by former camper Nick Rua!

Questions? Email Harry Chittenden or call him at 727-420-0566.