<p>Hello! I know that it's a little late to register for summer film programs for 2011; but I want to get a head start on planning for next year. I've been browsing around and I would just like some clear advice on good film production camps worth attending that AREN'T pre-college/college credit-offering courses. My main objective of going to a film production camp is to get an opportunity to write, direct, and produce some of my own films to enhance my portfolio before applying to college film programs. I also really want to learn something. A film camp that also allows for students to make multiple films over the course of multiple weeks is ideal.</p>
<p>I'd like to hear about your own experiences/ the experiences of people you know who went to these kinds of film camps!</p>
<p>Thanks for the interest in my thread, Wheaty!</p>
<p>So I’m a slight “newb” when it comes to college planning (and reasonably so, since I’m entering high school this fall). However, I have been doing my research when it comes to college film programs (I’ve been following this forum for at least a month by now!) and I know that I’m dedicated to film.</p>
<p>Now I’ll explain the restriction; and please feel free to correct my following perceptions if they’re wrong:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The more I read and learn about successful undergrad applicants to the top film programs (USC, NYU) the more I get the feeling that a totally polished portfolio/resume almost detracts from your chances of getting admitted. While I know that creativity is really the deciding factor, I feel like a college-credit program would be detrimental towards the “teachability” aspects that these schools look for. I know that participating in these courses wouldn’t block out room to grow and learn as a student; but with competiton for entry into these programs being so tight I fear that college experince might actually be a harming factor.</p></li>
<li><p>If these courses really do count for college credit, I would much rather enhance my college experience with these courses than take them in high school. I personally feel like I’d appreciate them much more as an actual student of the college. Plus, if I went to a better college than the one I attended in the summer, I would either be re-taking a heightened course of pretty much the same subject matter or earning the credit and missing out on an opportunity to take the course with a clean slate and a better program.</p></li>
<li><p>Being the ripe age I am, some if not most of the college credit courses wouldn’t even accept me because of my lack of opportunities to take more advanced classes or get scores on standardized tests. In short, even applying to some of these programs in freshman year means that I haven’t been given many chances to prove myself!</p></li>
</ol>
<p>This is what I’ve gathered from my research so far. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>University of North Carolina School for the Arts. Program is very serious and taught on soundstages/campus of NCSA’s college film program, but is for hs students and does not offer college credit. Not sure if they offer hs credit, but this wasn’t relevant for my kid whose hs wouldn’t have accepted it. But he did work on films in every possible capacity and wrote and directed his own. Learned a ton. Another nice thing about this program is that it is relatively inexpensive as compared to, say, some place like NYFilmAcademy.</p>
Of course my time for college prep seems quite far off (my sister is about to enter junior year so at the moment everyone is pretty preoccupied with her college plans!) but for the extent that I have discussed with my parents they seem pretty on-board with my future goals. They have been doing a little research on great film programs (a microscopic amount compared to what I’ve done!) and we actually got to tour USC and walk through the cinema school. Granted, the tour itself was intended more for my sister, but my parents appreciated the quality of the school and it encouraged them to look into film programs more. We also intend to take a tour of NYU and Northwestern soon. I hinted my desires to tour FSU, Chapman, and maybe even Wesleyan once the sis graduates, and my mom seemed open about it.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I doubt that I’m going to be applying for financial aid, at least not for summer school. But of course, price is a factor! A multi-week camp probably isn’t something I’ll be participating in for multiple summers; such a camp would probably be a one, maybe two-time deal at most.</p></li>
<li><p>I’m an OH resident. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Nester:</p>
<p>I checked out the UNSCA program. It looks like a pretty good contender! The thing that kind of stinks is the out-of-state price. But then again, considering that the program is an entire four weeks long, that price actually seems pretty reasonable (then again, I’m not the one paying!). Would you mind elaborating on your son’s personal experience at the camp as well? </p>
<p>I think almost any of the summer film programs at the schools can be for credit, or NOT, as you wish. As you probably know, USC and NYU both have very good summer options. They are both very expensive. American has a nice summer program, as well- at a slightly lower cost. I’m not sure if Ohio has a summer program, but maybe Digmedia will weigh in (he is an Ohio fan) and that would be instate for you. I wouldn’t write off the college programs without taking a closer look. They have great facilities, and great teachers. There are many commercial programs for the summer like New York Film Academy that might also work for you.</p>
<p>I will disagree on one thing: having a polished resume, or portfolio can only help you. The more dedication you have shown to film, the more impressive your application. Sure, if you come off as a 'know it all" they won’t think you are teachable. But making films, showing them at festivals and showing you are creative (not telling… but showing) DOES set you apart. If you do make a film, consider submitting it to NFFTY. My son showed there last year and it was one of the best festival experiences he had. It is a GREAT festival, even if you don’t show a film, consider going if you can… you will see what other aspiring young filmmakers of all ages (up to age 22) are doing. Those will be the kids applying to film schools in the next few years (some are already in school)… and you will see many of them have not only great creativity, but also great resumes. They will be your competition when you apply.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advice! I just checked out the USC summer program (USC is my DREAM school) and all I can say is ouch when it comes to the price! That might be a tough sell for my parents. Plus when I looked at the FAQ on the website it seemed like college credit for the course was not optional. </p>
<p>Also, I’m not against entering film festivals! I’m going to try to build up some experience freshman year and hopefully make some of my own films next summer (whether it be on my own or at a camp). NFFTY seemed like a pretty amazing opportunity! Of course a camp-produced film would probably be more professional-looking and more competitive in film festivals. But my question is this: would films I produced in non-college programs really be inferior to those produced in college credit courses?</p>
<p>My son has submitted films to festivals and has been shown at over a dozen now. Not one was made in a college program. He did them all on his own. He does have a great camera and final cut pro editing software, but he did it all on his own from our home. So no, you don’t need the facilities or the backing of a university program (but it certainly can’t hurt ;)</p>
<p>Aesthetica–
My S went to NCSA in his mid-teens. He was already single-mindedly committed to filmmaking and wanted an intensive experience that would give him better access to professional equipment, professional teachers, and the opportunity to learn and to try out all of the different roles in making shorts. And he certainly got that at NCSA. He didn’t actually use any of the films he was involved in making there in a reel, but he certainly came out of the program with a lot of excellent experience, and with the skills he had learned, he was able to make an entirely different level of film. And at that point, his festival acceptances and awards took off. (Like maddenmd’s son, the films he submitted were made outside of formal school programs, although he was involved in filmmaking at school too.)
I learned about the NCSA program from another parent on College Confidential, whose kid went from NCSA to film school and into the industry. To my mind, part of what’s good about NCSA is that it is such an intense program with so much time and energy devoted to filmmaking. I think it’s a good place for a student to think, realistically, about whether this is really what he or she wants to do 24/7 (in addition to academics) in college – or in life.</p>
<p>Both Nester and Maddenmd are offering excellent advice here. The more we look at UNC the more we like it and it will be on my daughter’s list. And Maddenmd’s right on target with the notion of ‘just go shoot’. Like all art, the more you practice, the better you get. Lucky for us the prices for equipment to produce movies is low. Final Cut, a computer, and a family video camera can produce a terrific product.</p>
<p>My daughter is at USC’s summer program and she comes home in a week. I’ll write up a summary of her experience in a few weeks. I’ve talked with her a few times and I know that she:
shot with 16mm, high-end pro HD video, and DSLR cameras
edited with AVID and Final Cut
interviewed and hired all SAG actors
applied for all permits
filmed at Universal Studios backlot, and many street locations around L.A.
made 3 films all by industry rules
worked with many talented kids from around the world
is exhausted from working 7 days a week non-stop (6 week program)</p>
<p>Like I said, after she’s told me all about it I’ll post a summary on CC. Maybe I should let her get some sleep first? :)</p>
<p>maddenmd:
Thanks for the insight! It’s good to know that there’s a cheaper alternative route to making films that can still be successful! I know that in actuality the success of the film comes down to a good story, but it’s also reassuring that homemade films can still run among films made in a more professional environment!</p>
<p>Nester:
Wow! The more I hear the more I’m liking NCSA! I think it’s probably the most realistic option for me at this point, but ‘realistic’ is certainly not a deprecating term in this case! Like you said, it’d probably be a good way to sort of ‘get my toes wet’ and see if I’d truly enjoy being constantly immersed in film. It seems like NCSA would be a good camp to try before I dive into something as-well, for lack of a better word- INSANE as something like USC’s.</p>
<p>Wheaty:
Whoa. When I said ‘INSANE’ I meant it in a good way! That’s fantastic! I can’t wait to hear more about it coming from your daughter’s personal experience!</p>
<p>Also:
How do all of you stand with applying for an apprenticeship? I was thinking of potentially applying to be an apprentice at a local film production company. They make promotionals and commericals for clients but also have some of their own independent projects such as short films and web series.</p>
<p>An apprenticeship in that production company would be an invaluable experience. Go for it! And work really hard. Be the first one there and the last to leave. Learn everything they are willing to teach you, and keep a list of every person you meet. Get coffee for all and smile, even at the ones who are jerky to you. That’s the way to make a name for yourself, and get known in the film community. And you will learn a tremendous amount as well. this may be the best option of all.</p>
<p>My other suggestion, Aesthetica, is that you contact a university and just see if you can work as a volunteer assistant to one of the film grad students there or to a professor. They may say no, but it would be a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes on in editing. Even if you just learned how to coil cable, you could be of help on some student projects. I read this book, called Get Your Summer Strategy On, for my daughter, and it really harps on the idea that you can always come up with your own thing. Final Cut Pro is very expensive software, but it’s being used all over college campuses, so if you can possibly work out a free internship, you’ll have access to the software and probably even equipment. It’s all about figuring out your own route, which does not have to mean spending exorbitant sums of cash.</p>
<p>Nickangelo: That’s a good suggestion! (Sorry I haven’t been able to respond sooner, these past couple of days have been a whirlwind!) I currently don’t have the time available to be a film assistant however I’m open to exploring that option in the summer or possibly purchasing that book! Thank you!</p>
<p>Look at Emerson’s summer program. There are also several other’s listed here in the link I’ll post. Kenyon College has a writers’ workshop and may include a section on screen writing. U of Virginia does offer a young writers workshop that includes screen writing (my son attended for two years in HS and is now a student there :)). Since Ohio University is so close, you may want to see if they offer any kind of pre-college summer program or I believe there’s a Columbus Art school? If the cost to travel out of state is too much, you may want to focus more locally. Here’s the teen ink site program search (it’s odd, but this has been a really great resource for us) Good luck and follow your passion!:</p>
<p>Another option is Northwestern’s National High school INstitute for film - it is only for high school students in the summer between their junior and senior years. Not for college credit but you do work on several films and write and produce your own film too. You can choose to major in screenwriting, film production or animation - it is a very intense program. Classes are 6 days a week and start at 8 in the morning and every night there is screening. Sunday are free but my son said that he felt they were kind of expected to see current movies. . After this program you will truly know if this is the field for you.</p>