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Film, TV & Video Camp Programs
In our Film camps and acting camps you learn by Doing!
Film campers can explore the
world of movies and television from both behind and in front of the
camera, working with guidance from teachers who are themselves
film-makers and actors. While some programs emphasize film making technique, others
culminate in the creation of short movies which are screened at camp.
Participants write screenplays, scout locations, try their hand at jobs
on a film set, learn about movie acting, and discover how to break into
film and television through audition training and advice from those who
have done it.
At Centauri, film campers choose one specialty film program per session. To see a
chart listing all the programs and their sessions
click here.
Film: The Science of the Silver Screen
Session 1 - O (ages 14-18) Instructor: Yonah Lewis
Discover cinema in all its glory! Campers will have the opportunity to write, direct, shoot and act as they construct mood and emotion for a film of their own making. Examine excerpts from various films, discover genres, screenwriters and directors, and work with us as we produce a daring movie masterpiece! Campers will be able to try their hand at several production jobs, and those who desire to step in front of the lens and act will have the chance to work with different directors and crews, while learning the fundamentals of film performance. All participants will have an opportunity to work with production design, makeup, sound effects, and special effects shots. Come make movies with us this summer, and learn all about the industry: not in a classroom, but hands on, by doing! Our film will receive its premiere at camp at the end of the session, and all participants receive a DVD copy of their work in the fall.
Film Styles
Session 2 (ages 13-18) Instructor: Sofia Bohdanowicz
Have you ever wondered if cinema is more important than life? Find out in this exciting film-making program inspired by films of the infamous French New Wave! Refresh your basic film-making skills: screen writing, cinematography, directing, set design and acting - then revolutionize them by adapting an improvised, spontaneous style of film making. Strip cinema down to it’s bare bones and learn how low budget film making can turn into a stylistic innovation with a little bit of creative thinking and elbow grease! We will explore the harsh unforgiving films of Jean Luc Godard and the honest heartbreaking films of Francois Truffaut and then, inspired by what we have learned and by our own exciting ideas, we will create two original films. This is a hands-on program for young film makers who want to learn more about the art form, try new styles and produce a final product to be proud of. All campers will receive a DVD copy of their work.
The
Quest for Film!
Session 3 - A (ages 9-14) Instructor: Matt Stein
Please also see the Create/Quest program page for a full description of what a
Quest program entails.
The year is 2150, and film has been outlawed across the world. The art of the
film-maker has been lost, and the great film classics consigned to the bonfire.
This is where you come in! Inspired by mysterious filmmakers from the past, you
must attempt to recreate the lost art of cinema and rediscover the exciting film
styles of the twentieth century! In this unique Quest adventure campers will not
only be involved in an electrifying story but will also focus their creativity
into learning how to form short stories using film. Directing, lighting,
writing, designing sets and much more will be covered as campers create a
variety of short clips and scenes in order to restore film to the world!!!
Avant Garde Film: The Power of an Image
Session 3 - O (ages 14-18 ) Instructor: Calvin Thomas
Delve into the dark, moody and surreal world of Avant Garde cinema! Together we will study the endless possibilities and forms of film making, ranging from the late 1920s to the modern day. Campers will explore the practical and digital techniques used in Avant Garde films. Combining both still and moving images in our own original films, we will work to create powerful, emotional stories that step outside of traditional storytelling conventions. Participants will have the opportunity to try their hand at a number of film-making roles, including writing, directing, acting and a variety of other crew positions, as we work to create a moody collage of cinematic brilliance. Everyone will receive a DVD copy of their work in the fall.
Film Making and Film Acting : Aliens Invade!
Session 4 - A (ages 9-14) Instructor: Vanessa Chiara
What does it take to make a film, or to act in one? Aspiring film makers and actors will get a first glimpse at what film is all about! This course focuses on skills such as screen writing for film, camerawork, sound recording, lighting and production planning, as well as acting in front of a camera. And the title of the film we will make? ALIENS INVADE! We’ll watch clips from ‘alien’ movies and look at how they create suspense. We’ll learn how to create different shots, and even explore special effects. Then, we’ll make our movie! All campers will have an opportunity to act in front of the camera, if they wish. In addition, interested campers can direct, operate the camera, prepare set and costumes, write the screenplay and much, much more! All campers receive a DVD copy of their short film in the Fall.
Acting in Film
Session 4 - O (ages 14-18) Instructor: Valerie Buhagiar
This scene study-based program is for all omega campers who have an interest in acting, and some previous experience. You will learn to be spontaneous, focused and alive in your performances by immersing yourself in scenes taken from existing screenplays. Free from the distractions of the camera, and the slow pace of a film shoot, you will launch yourself into an emotional journey, discovering more about acting for film, and unlocking the actor inside you. Since all actors work in pairs or groups of three, everyone gets to experience lead roles. Learn different rehearsal techniques that will help you with memorization and building a scene in the short preparation period typical of the film industry. Discover how to work with a partner, develop characters effectively and unlock the secrets of a screenplay as we rehearse a live presentation of our scenes for all to see. Since different scenes are used each year, campers who have taken this program before are welcome to do so again.