Overview
George Mason University’s Film and Video Studies professors and guest faculty will help students learn how to build a strong foundation in fundamental screenwriting techniques for film, and to express their unique story ideas through character development, plot and dialogue. At the end of the week, students will present staged readings of their screenwriting projects for family and friends, which may be selected for use in the Summer Filmmaking Workshops!
Students are encouraged to also register for our two-week Summer Filmmaking Workshop for High School. Spots fill quickly!
Program Details
Ages: 13–18
Dates: July 6–10, 2026
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuition: $490
Location: George Mason Fairfax Campus, Art and Design Building
Program Faculty
Amanda Kraus
Instructor
Film and Video Studies Facuty
Read More
Amanda Kraus has been teaching college-level courses for 13 years in video editing, sound recording and mixing, and post-production. Ms. Kraus participated in curriculum development at Columbia College of Hollywood and course development at George Mason University. Ms. Kraus’ significant professional experience bolsters her teaching experience: 11 years serving as Senior Editor / Senior Producer and Director at GMU-TV. Ms. Kraus has managed the build and design of instructional Foley facilities (post-production sound recording), served as Assistant Engineer at Paramount Recording Studios and Director of Post-Production Operations at Sonic Surgery.
Her numerous television awards include seven Telly Awards, a Gracie Award, and Teacher of the Year at Columbia College Hollywood. Beyond her B.A. from Columbia College, Ms. Kraus earned a certificate from the Recording Engineer Program at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA where she also taught a Studio Basics course. She has taught an extensive range of courses: Advanced Editing, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Studio Basics (sound engineering), History of Film Editing, Producers Workshop, Principles of Editing, Video Production Workshop, ADR/Foley, Production Sound, Script Writing, Film Scoring, Final Cut Pro, AVID Editing, Sound Design, and Acting for Directors. Ms. Kraus has a BA in Film and Television from Columbia College, Hollywood.
Notes
- Mason Community Arts Academy reserves the right to use photographs or videos taken of participants during classes or programs for use in Academy publications and social media channels for promotional purposes only. See more about our Media Release Policy.
- Please note that group classes are subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not reached.
- Be sure to check our policies and procedures regarding registration, withdrawals, refunds, and more for summer group classes.
- All students will receive a Welcome Letter via email at least one week before the class starts with all necessary details.
- Tuition can be paid in full or split into a two-payment installment plan for a one-time $10 fee. Half of the total tuition is due at the time of registration with the remaining balance automatically charged on May 1. Registrations processed after May 1 require full tuition payment upfront. All registrations are subject to a $3.00 processing fee per receipt.
- Limited scholarship funds are available for families in need of financial assistance. To apply, please visit: https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/about-us/financial-aid/. For families in need of extended payment plan installment options, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For additional information, please contact the Academy at [email protected].
- For-credit programs only: A tuition refund minus a $125 cancelation fee will be given provided that notice is received by the Mason Community Arts Academy no later than one week before the program start date. No refunds will be granted after this date.