Precollege Programs: Filmmaking Institute

2024 Filmmaking Institute Highlights

Grades 9–12 

Filmmaking is both an art unto itself, and the combination of all the arts at once. There are many elements at work on a film: photography, writing, acting, choreography, set design, lighting, costumes, props, hair & makeup, special visual effects, music, sound effects, editing and graphic design. We use all of these disciplines to make movies. During the Filmmaking Institute we will break down film scenes  into their components and see how these components are pieced together to create a story visually.

Filmmaking Institute Topics

The Film Crew

Role of the Director, Camera Operator, Sound Technician, Producer.

Storytelling

The art of developing a visual story with a beginning, middle and end.

The Screenplay

Using formatting software to write scripts in the Hollywood standard format. Transforming our ideas onto the page using plot, character and structure to push the story along.

Pre-visualization

Using storyboards and shot lists to pre-visualize the images in your film.

Pre-production

Planning, location scouting, and blocking so we are ready when the camera rolls.

Directing

Learn how to “cover” a scene using different camera angles. Collaborating with actors.

Stage Combat

Learning how to stage a safe, but real-looking fight for the camera.

Documentary

How is a documentary made? How is it different from other types of filmmaking?

Music Video

Creating strong, visual images you then edit together to enhance a music track.

Camera

Knowing how to use your camera so that it is second nature

Image Control

Composition, framing, camera position, camera movement, depth of field, etc.

Lighting

Setting up lights and understanding how to light for film.

Audio in the Field

Importance of clean audio, where to place the microphone.

Editing

Learn the editing software Adobe Premier and iMovie. Using advanced editing techniques to improve the quality of your final product.

Audio in Post-production

Using sound effects, re-recording dialogue (ADR), adding music.

Finishing and Polishing Your Work

Adding titles, special visual effects, and final audio mixing. Learning how to make a really good film even better.

Typical Day - 2025

• Each day begins with a mini lesson wherein we introduce a new film technique of concept. (Examples include camera moves, green screen, recording sound, slow-motion).
• We then break into groups and apply this new technique in a short film.
• At 11:30 we will break for lunch.
• After lunch we continue filming, or head to the edit bays to cut together the scenes we filmed.

Note: We move fast here at the Film Institute, that way we can cover as many of the essential film concepts as possible.

Suggested Camera and Software

1. A DSLR, mirrorless camera, camcorder, or fairly new smartphone that shoots video.

2. A free editing program such as iMovie or DaVinci Resolve.

3. A free screenwriting app such as WriterDuet, Fade In, Highland, or Celtx.

Program Details

YTH 9530 / Filmmaking Institute
Four weeks Sessions I and II: June 30 - July 25, 2025*
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm (19 sessions, *no class Friday, July 4)

Program Notes

• Students must supply their own camcorder or DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. They should also remember to have the connection cables and the manual for their device available.
• Gratuitous violence, use of guns, and/or offensive language are not permitted.

Institute Certificate

Students enrolled in the Filmmaking Institute who have attended at least 80% of the classes, are eligible for a certificate of completion which acknowledges the successful completion of 60 hours of prescribed coursework.

Instructor

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Interested in Undergraduate Film Programs at Purchase College?

Check out the film BFA program, the cinema and television studies BA program (and the Film/Video Production minor), and the playwriting and screenwriting BA program in the School of Film and Media Studies, and the new media BA program.