Category: Acting

Mason’s Summer Filmmaking Workshop prepares students for production in the basic areas of the filmmaking process, including knowing important camera settings, understanding concepts such as depth of field, camera angles, the 180-degree rule, how to white balance and how to secure a camera on a tripod.

Some of these may seem like simple ideas, but that’s the point. They’re so simple and important that they are universal. Learning these elements and more will provide students with the competence to step in a director or camera operator role with valuable knowledge.

“Being confident in your abilities is one of the toughest part of independent filmmaking,” explained Filmmaking Workshop instructor Gabrielle Mitchell. “An important result that I hope will come from attending the summer workshop is that students learn to not be afraid of operating a digital film camera.”

Ms. Mitchell is a screenwriter and director of both narrative and documentary films. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta where she graduated Magna Cum Laude for her outstanding academic achievements in film, and she is finishing up her final semester of the Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Film and Video Studies program at George Mason University.

“Usually when I’m working on a short film project, every step along the way will be fraught with unforeseen obstacles,” said Ms. Mitchell. “Production starts off okay, then I’ll get a little bit concerned— maybe a lit kit bulb blew, a shot looks under exposed, an actor skips a few lines and the 1^st AD tells me that we’re running behind schedule. Then, as I’m sitting with the editor, going over dailies, I’ll think –  hmm, it’s not that bad. Except, a few hours later, I’ll realize it’s actually worse than I thought! From there, it’s an uphill battle as we chisel away at the edit, refining it to the point where it’s a good story that we (as a crew) can all be proud of; then we release the film and move on to the next one. A few months later, I’m looking back at the old project and see all the now glaring mistakes, and I think to myself – next time, my film will live up to my standards!”

“Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out.” ― Martin Scorsese

“Let’s talk about the toughest parts of filmmaking and the ways that young filmmakers can prepare themselves for production obstacles and look at those experiences as progress,” continued Ms. Mitchell. “When you’re just starting out in film, the best thing you can do is get behind a video camera – any camera, and learn how things are perceived through a lens. If you’re in elementary, middle, or high school, find out if your school has a media department and express your interest in being behind the camera. Once you become comfortable operating a camera, calling the action and making decisions about where you want your subjects (those in front of the camera) to be placed, you are miles ahead of those who are afraid to touch a camera.”

Ms. Mitchell explained that since technology is ever changing, a student who is interested in cinematography may prioritize and continue to learn other film cameras. However, a part of the filmmaking process that is constant is pre-production. Hiring crew, breaking down the script, location scouting and rehearsal with actors are skills that will be relevant on no budget, small budget, or big budget films. A huge difference between very small film projects and million-dollar film projects is the amount of effort, time/money and precision put into pre-production. The summer workshop will put students through a spirited pre-production process where they will work collaboratively and with detailed guidance.

“Filmmakers often say that the editing room is where the film is actually made. Meaning, all things come together in the editing process; it can also be where all things fall apart,” confided Ms. Mitchell. “An editor’s job is to organize the footage in a way that tells a compelling story, one that hopefully makes the director happy. To do this, surprisingly the most important skill is not necessarily to master the technology—although that is a strong competitor— but to master the art of storytelling. Yes, the editor, like the scriptwriter and director, is also a storyteller. But, the editor has more visual and graphic tools at their fingertips. Scriptwriters say that superman flies— visual effects editors actually make superman fly. Editors have the important job of convincing the audience and making them forget they’re watching a film. The production workshop will provide students with the technology and beginner’s level skill to edit within Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere software.”

The upside to all the production conflicts and battles that a filmmaker may face is that there’s always opportunity to move on to the next production and improve. As technology and filmmaker tools becomes less expensive and more powerful every year, the internet makes it possible to get your films in front of the people who want to see them.

“Gritting your teeth and getting through those low points is how a filmmaker thrives,” said Ms. Mitchell encouragingly. “Learning how to navigate the peaks and valleys and use them to your advantage is what transforms a beginner into a pro!”

Two workshops are offered in July, one for ages 11-14 and one for ages 15-18. Due to the popularity of this program, at the time of this post there were only a few spots still available for this summer. Don’t delay in registering, even if you are only able to join the Waitlist!

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Why do screenwriter’s write? Screenwriting Workshop instructor Gabrielle Mitchell believes it’s because they have something to say, something important that has to get out; moments and memories that are screaming to be heard. Screenwriting students will not only learn the foundations of writing for film, but also techniques to improve their scriptwriting skills and the art of embracing the creative process.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou, from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

While writing for short film will be the primary focus of the Summer Screenwriting Workshop, June 26-30, all of the tools and engaging elements also apply to professional feature film scriptwriting. Fundamentals such as three act structure, log-line development, script outlining, and table reads will be covered at length. The program is open to ages 11-18, with participants grouped appropriately.

“There is essentially a void that needs to be filled when it comes to a writer’s heart,” explained Ms. Mitchell.  “But how do you write a screenplay? And how do you do it well? To become a scriptwriter, one needs only to sit down and begin, then begin again and again, until you are well into rewriting and on your way to completion. The magic of screenwriting is that it has the ability to transport you to impossible places and yet ground you in authenticity. As a screenwriter, you hold a great responsibility. Your words can lift hearts, shed light, be a catalyst for change and unmask cultural divides; there are no limits to the creative worlds that you can construct and deconstruct. Like any creator, a writer must foremost understand their tools.”

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Gabrielle Mithcell is a screenwriter and director of both narrative and documentary films. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude for her outstanding academic achievements in film. She is in her final semester of the Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies Film and Video Studies program at George Mason University. Along with her two Teaching Assistants, Mason Film & Video Studies students Robert De Cecco and Tiana Young, Ms. Mitchell is excited to share her knowledge and talents with the participants.

“One of the most important tools that a scriptwriter can invest in is solid, industry-standard screenwriting software,” said Ms. Mitchell. “The medium should never hinder the creative writing process, and therefore, students will work within Writer’s Duet, a free online scriptwriting software that is reliable and straightforward to use. Watching films for their storytelling technique and listening to how dialogue is spoken on screen is part of the observation and learning process for scriptwriters. We’ll watch short films and examine how stories are told through dialogue, cinematography and even silence. Students will develop their own stories, pitch their projects in front of ‘executive producers’ [Ms. Mitchell and her Assistants], and we’ll have fun with feedback, so that the students are comfortable with pitching. My hope is that by the end of the workshop, students are eager to go out and write more and more screenplays and are well-equipped with the knowledge to do so!”

Young creative writers will thrive in this vibrant, interactive setting. Space is limited – sign up now!

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