PHENOMENON FILMMAKERS
AN ADVANCED FILMMAKING PROGRAM
Taught by professional filmmakers, the Phenomenon Filmmakers program immerses members into professional-quality film production. Students will learn how to build a short film and then create their own movies from start to finish, editing them digitally and adding professional special effects and music to their productions. Each program is individualized for each student's skill level, from beginning to experienced filmmakers. Because the filmmakers are also qualified teachers, academic elements will be integrated to further reinforce each student’s grammar, writing, math, and science skills.
Two levels are offered. Level 1 offers age-appropriate instruction and content for younger filmmakers under under high school age. Level 2 is strictly for older filmmakers, high school age and above. Level 1 students learn all the aspects on making a short movie through an actual 3-stage production of their concept. The older students in Level 2 select a "career" (filmmaker, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer, etc.), and the program is individualized for that focus, leading to a complete, more professional production of a short film. That short film can be made for personal use, website viewings, film festivals, and film school submissions. In addition to instilling the skills and experiences of real filmmakers into each student, we also help them understand the best choices in content and presentation – the audience is the ultimate key to the connection the filmmaker wants to make.
RECENT PROJECTS
SPOOKED!
Created by Middle School Filmmakers
TICKING
Successful Film School Submission
HIS BOX
Film School Submission
SHARKS & DINOSAURS
Film School Submission
PIECE BY PIECE
Film School Submission
THE FILMMAKING PROCESS
Making a film is an immersive creative process that happens in three stages — pre-production, production, and post-production.
While many different people contribute to making a film, the director is the one person who has the greatest understanding of how all the parts fit together to make a whole.
Getting Ready: Pre-Production
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Concept
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Screenplay Writing
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Storyboards
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Casting
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Locations
The director achieves this by working with the cinematographer during pre-production, planning how to photograph each scene. The director may or may not use storyboards to communicate his ideas to the cinematographer. In this pre-production phase, the director also shapes his vision for the film by working with the production designer to create the sets and costumes.
On the Set: Production
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Scheduling / Call Sheet
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Rehearsal
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Shot List
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Crew
Production is the actual shooting of the film “on the set,” when the cinematographer and the actors do most of their work.
In the Studio: Post-Production
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Editing
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Effects
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Composing
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Distribution
Post-production begins once filming ends, when all work shifts from the set to the studio. Working with the film editor and music composer, the director assembles shots into scenes, and the scenes into the final film. Even these tasks are driven by the director’s vision.
THE PROGRAM
Making a film is an immersive creative process that happens in three stages — pre-production, production, and post-production.
While many different people contribute to making a film, the director is the one person who has the greatest understanding of how all the parts fit together to make a whole.
Film School Portfolios: 2- & 5- Minute Submission Films
All of our students have been accepted to the top film schools in the country, including UCLA, USC, NYU, Dodge Film School of Chapman University, Syracuse University, Loyola-Mariemont, UC Santa Barbara, UC Long Beach, and more. As with any college admission, a strong GPA may be required for entry into film school.
Production Experience: Crew, Internships & More
For extra experience, students may participate in film productions planned by our studio. In the past, students have served as production assistants, sound crew, lighting, editors, etc. This will give them credits, or experience, to list on their IMDb pages. We also provide recommendation letters to our students for their school admission portfolios or employment resumés.
Working in the Industry: Goals Achieved
So far, all of our students have also found work within the industry, including: Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, Dreamworks, PBS, Fremantle Media, Dailey Enterprises, ImageMovers, Scott Free, Overbrook Entertainment, Technicolor, SAG/AFTRA, and more. To prepare our students for this highly competitive field, we work at a professional level, setting goals and time frames for completion, and utilizing proven skills to successfully prepare and complete film productions.
Successful Filmmaking: Film Festivals & Commitment
We also help students prepare for admission to worldwide film festivals, visit real movie studios, and sometimes become involved in real TV and film productions. But it takes time to make a polished film. Classes are immersive and require commitment. We work as a team. By doing so, we help each student understand the importance of collaboration and staying on course..
