Online Class Descriptions & Requirements

Filmmaking Bootcamp

Course Description:

During this 5-day camp, students will learn all the basics of film production and create a 1-2 minute film of their own from start to finish. We begin with scriptwriting and story structure, then work on storyboarding and pre-production skills. We spend a day on cinematography and directing basics, and then spend the last two days learning to edit the final product. At the end, we’ll screen what we have for each other and any interested fans and parents! A great way to get your feet wet with filmmaking in a supportive and fun environment.

You can even submit your film to the TFF Short Film Competition to be screened at the TFF Film Festival this fal

Boot Camp Requirements

  • Camera: Access to some sort of digital video camera that can transfer footage onto a computer (smartphone camera is great!)
  • Editing Software: Access to a computer that can run DaVinci resolve (free software, recommended, please download and test before camp starts). Or familiarity and access to another editing program (i.e. iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, etc.)***
  • Internet: Consistent internet access and ability to use Zoom with camera and sound on.

***If access to a computer editing software is not an option, students can potentially shoot an ‘edit-in-camera’ film. More difficult, but a great exercise.

Stop Motion Animation

Course Description:

Love animation but don’t like drawing? Stop Motion Animation is the class for you! We’ll learn how to make any object come alive in this two week workshop. You can craft clay figurines or lego people, or just tell a story using pinecones or objects you find around the house! We’ll spend the first half of the class learning how to set up and take great pictures, and then learn how to edit all this on the computer. You’ll screen your animations at the end for the class and parents and fans!

Stop Motion Requirements

  • Camera: Access to a digital still camera that can transfer footage onto a computer (smartphone camera is great!)
  • Tripod: Having your camera locked in place is very important for stop motion. (Something like this tripod is great: Linkcool Octopus tripod or Joby Gorillapod with phone mount). But any sort of tripod that works with your camera will be fine.
  • Editing Software: Access to a computer that can run DaVinci resolve (free software, recommended, please download and test before camp starts). Or familiarity and access to another editing program (i.e. iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, etc.)
  • Internet: Consistent internet access and ability to use Zoom with camera and sound on.

Screenwriting

Course Description:

Learn the basics of screenwriting and story structure in this supportive workshop! We’ll work on creating compelling characters, writing dialogue, and structuring a great short film. By the end of the class, you’ll have a draft of a 10-14 page screenplay (or more!) that you can submit to the TFF Screenplay Competition.

Stop Motion Requirements

  • Internet: Consistent internet access and ability to use Zoom with camera and sound on.
  • Screenwriting software: My favorite budget option is Fade In Pro (use student pricing), or use the free online software at com.
  • Recommended reading: Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect by Claudia H. Johnson (widely available used, either edition is fine.)