Indie Filmmaking: Portfolio Building

This class is for filmmakers in grades 10 – 12 who want to:

• Create films with their peers under the guidance of experienced instructors/filmmakers
• Hone your filmmaking skills including directing, cinematography, lighting, production design, and color theory.
• Build a competitive portfolio for college film programs
• Create a high-quality film to submit to student film festivals
• Use state-of-the-art equipment like the Black Magic Pocket 4K cinema camera

Schedule

Schedule

Days 1- 3: Pre-Production: Plan your film and refine your filmmaking skills 

• Develop, workshop and polish your script
• Create your shot list
• Scout locations
• Assess your production design, costume and prop requirements
• Cast your film (You can cast outside the class!)
• Lock in your call sheet
• Demo Montclair Film’s state of the art filmmaking, sound, and lighting equipment
• Refine your filmmaking skills with instructor led exercises in cinematography, directing, lighting, sound and more!

Days 4 – 7: Production

• Shoot two films under the guidance of our experienced instructors
• Serve as director, producer, cinematographer, grip, gaffer, sound operator, production designer and cast for your class’ films.
• Edit at home as you go! To achieve a solid cut by the last day of the class it is important to to begin editing scenes the day they are shot.

Days 8 – 10 : Post Production and Showcase 

• Finish editing your film
• Record VO
• Add your Music and SFX
• Mix your audio
• Create your titles and graphics
• Give and receive feedback on you and your classmates rough cuts
• Learn post production enhancements such as color correction and sound design
• Showcase your film for friends and family on the big screen at Montclair Film’s Cinema505!

Students must have basic filmmaking and editing experience, and will be admitted by application only. Filmmakers will be expected to work independently on their films for several hours outside of class.  Filmmaking equipment can be checked out upon request on weekends.  (Class Size is Limited! Capacity 7 – 10 Students)

Check out a Film from one of our past classes!

And another!