As part of a long-running partnership, Sarah Lawrence College and the International Film Institute of New York (IFI) offer a unique opportunity to learn the art of filmmaking in an in-depth, supportive, and intimate program. Find out more!
The program will focus on storytelling and developing the skill sets necessary to translate the written page onto the screen. This is the backbone of our program, in which every student produces and directs their own 4-6 minute finished project by the end of the course. Along the way, we will cover the technical aspects necessary to produce a final film - everything from operating cameras, to setting up lights and capturing sound.
This program is designed to immerse the student from screenplay through post-production in an intensive course of study. Prepare to work evenings and weekends as necessary. This program is open to adults and high school students.
Students will participate in the following classes. Each class will have a different instructor. The following is a breakdown of the courses and how we plan on conducting each session.
- Screenwriting Class
- Directing Class
- Working with Actors
- Camera Tech Overview
- Lighting Workshop
- Editing Workshop
- Producing Workshop
Every class is designed to build on the information from a previous session. That is to say, each day and session is designed to build on the information you’ve already gained and get you to the next level. For instance, screenplays developed in the Screenwriting session are analyzed in the Directing Sessions. Once students have an understanding on how to break down scenes on the written page and compose it into shots, they will then go into Camera and Lighting to learn how to use the tools that will bring their projects to life. This will then be followed by a Working With Actors session, and a Producing overview seminar. Because of the way the curriculum is structured, attendance and participation are essential to the success of your project.
At the end of program, not only will you have a film, screenplay, or Pitch session but you will have built a solid foundation in filmmaking and added some valuable technical skills to your resume, while forging bonds with your classmates and instructors and gaining insight into whether a career in the film industry is the path for you. We can’t wait for you to join us on this immersive, intensive, incredible journey of a lifetime!
