Summer Academy (Grades 6 – 12)
Summer Academy for Students in Grades 6 – 12
Register Now! Classes fill up fast!
Scholarships are available for qualified students
Adult (16+) Spring/Summer classes are coming soon!
High School Filmmaking – Sessions 1 & 2
In this hands-on filmmaking workshop, students will learn the art of filmmaking from script to screen. Students will work together as a film crew to generate ideas, work with actors, and master camera, lighting, and sound techniques. Students will also learn to edit in Adobe Premiere Pro. In each class, students will work both behind and in front of the camera, in both exterior and interior locations, so that they can gain as much experience as possible. Final films will be screened for friends and family in Cinema505 on the last day of class!
Taken High School Filmmaking already? That’s okay! Each class makes its own original films for high repeat value. (Class size: 7-12)
Filmmaking Bootcamp – Session 1 & 2
In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to generate ideas for their films, and will be introduced to the fundamentals of filmmaking including: shot composition, camera angle, shooting, lighting and sound. Students will learn to work together, taking on the many jobs involved in filmmaking as they create a short film of their very own. Act, direct, shoot, light, edit! The class will culminate with a screening of their short films in our own Cinema505– family and friends are invited to join! During lunch each day you’ll screen and discuss a film in our cinema. (Class size 7– 12)
*Rising 9th graders have the option to join High School Film.
High School Screenwriting – Session 1
Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting from format, to techniques, to story structure. Students will analyze the work of successfully produced screenplays to learn what it takes to write for film and television, as well as receive valuable feedback from their peers and their instructor as they create their own original short, feature, or television scripts! (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Acting for Film and TV (Middle School) – Session 1
This course is designed to help students master the craft of acting specifically for on-camera work. We will explore the craft of acting in a safe, fun, and engaging way, and we’ll also look at the ways in which on-camera acting is different from stage acting. Class activities include improv games, monologues, scene study, and basic acting techniques –all geared toward helping discover and empower the performer inside you! Each student will have the chance to get in front of the camera every class, and for those who are interested, there will also be an opportunity to work behind the camera to understand the dynamic between the actor and the director. At the end of the workshop, students will have their own personal audition tape. (Class size: 7-12)
Screenwriter’s Workshop – Session 2
This workshop is for screenwriting students who want to take their screenwriting ability to the next level. Dive deeper into aspects of pace, tone, and character. Read and workshop your screenplays in a writers room format, receiving feedback from their peers and their instructor. This is a great class for students coming from High School Filmmaking, High School Screenwriting, or screenwriters with a working knowledge of screenplay formatting. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Acting for Film and TV (High School) – Session 2
This course is designed to help students master the craft of acting specifically for on-camera work. We will explore the craft of acting in a safe, fun, and engaging way, and we’ll also look at the ways in which on-camera acting is different from stage acting. Class activities include improv games, monologues, scene study, and basic acting techniques –all geared toward helping discover and empower the performer inside you! Each student will have the chance to get in front of the camera every class, and for those who are interested, there will also be an opportunity to work behind the camera to understand the dynamic between the actor and the director. At the end of the workshop, students will have their own personal audition tape. (Class size: 7 – 12)
Indie Filmmaking: Portfolio Building – Session 3
Already made a few short films? Want to take a class with other experienced students? In Indie Filmmaking, work with a crew of peers under the guidance of experienced instructors and teaching assistants to make some awesome shorts. These films can be used as sample works when applying to a college film program, a stepping stone towards building a competitive portfolio.
If you are a motivated high school filmmaker who is interested in creating a polished short film in collaboration with your peers, then this workshop is for you!
Some filmmaking experience is required, and students should be comfortable writing and editing on their own. Apply below!
(Class size: 7 – 12)
Podcast Like a Pro – Session 3
In this course learn all of the many steps needed to conceptualize, plan, record, edit, and publish a podcast. Get comfortable on the mic recording mini-podcasts of your own with classmates! Learn how to edit those recordings with Audacity: adding in music and sound effects, and cutting out dead air or mistakes. This class sets you up with the skills needed to start a Podcast of your own! (Class size: 7-10)
High School Improv – Session 3
The fundamentals of improvisation are the fundamentals of life. Listening, agreeing, forwarding action, taking care of your partner and so much more! You’ll be introduced to those lessons as you play games as well as create characters and scenes using a variety of improv and creativity exercises. You can’t do anything wrong, no experience necessary! Number one rule is to have fun! (Class size: 7 – 12)
Middle School Improv – Session 3
The fundamentals of improvisation are the fundamentals of life. Listening, agreeing, forwarding action, taking care of your partner and so much more! You’ll be introduced to those lessons as you play games as well as create characters and scenes using a variety of improv and creativity exercises. You can’t do anything wrong, no experience necessary! Number one rule is to have fun! (Class size: 7 – 12)
Editing with Premiere Pro – Session 3
Great editing skills can really make a film come alive! In this hands-on beginner workshop, students will learn the interface, controls, and features of the industry-standard software, Adobe Premiere Pro. Our instructors will teach you how to log footage, create a rough cut, add titles and credits, implement transitions, work with sound, and even play with color. Students will also begin to learn the craft and language of editing. (Class size: 8 – 12)
Sketch Comedy Writing – Session 3
Dive into the world of sketch comedy with this beginner-friendly class designed to unlock your creative potential and bring your funniest ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian, writer, or just someone who loves to make others laugh, this course will provide you with the foundational skills needed to craft engaging and hilarious sketches. Learn about comedic structure and format, explore different sketch genres and style, and workshop your ideas. (Class size: 8 – 10)
Cinematography Workshop – Session 4
Looking to bring your films to the next level? Learn the art of cinematography to give your films a sleek, professional look. Students will discover how to use the camera to tell their stories, along with the technical know-how to get their films shot. From lighting, to lenses, to color theory, this hands-on workshop will provide knowledge and techniques that aspiring filmmakers need to improve their craft. Classes shoot with Black Magic 4K cinema cameras and Rokinon lens! (Class size: 7 – 12)
Directors Lab – Session 4
A director’s job is to visualize the script, and manifest it from the page to the screen through craft, creativity, and communication. In this workshop, students will learn the tools of directing — from how shot choice, lens choice, camera placement and movement, lighting, sound, and performance all combine in ways to articulate the narrative beats of a scene; to working with actors and understanding how to find the truth in a performance through actionable direction. Students will work on small exercises to sharpen their directing skills, study and analyze the creative decisions made by independent and Hollywood directors, and take turns putting on their director’s hat of choice and shooting a scene in class. (class size: 7 – 12)
MEMBERS: Log in to receive a MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
Up to $30 off per class!
(Please Note: Discount applies to $95 Film Lover+ membership level or higher)
Montclair Film is committed to providing access to our education programs for all students. Financial assistance is available to all qualified students!
Don’t see the class you want? Help us make it happen: Film Academy Class Request
For More Information Contact: Education@MontclairFilm.org