Filmmakers Workshop

The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University runs an intensive month-long filmmaking program for rising seniors. Admissions standards are rigorous, as is the program. But for a budding filmmaker it presents an amazing opportunity.

Learn about documentary, experimental, and narrative approaches to film. Through hands-on instruction using Tisch’s professional digital camera and sound equipment, you can see your ideas come alive on screen.

The curriculum for the Summer Filmmakers Workshop for High School Students, offered through the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television, is similar to that of the undergraduate degree program. It combines intensive professional training with a comprehensive understanding of the techniques and theories behind the art of film and video production. Prior experience in film or video is not required.

Note: The Tisch Summer High School Program is not a leisure camp. While the average program runs daily, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, including academic classes, professional training, and/or studio and production time, students will often be just as busy in the evenings and weekends which also include curricular events and opportunities to work individually or collaborate with peers on assigned projects.

Want more information? Check out the website.

How do I expand this narrative arc? If you’re interested in art and photography and want to expand your summer experiences into the school year, consider H trying to become the Director of Photography or Official Photographer at your school. Expand your role beyond a single event and cover games, academic competitions and other school events as well. You could also consider the same role for your community.

HOT TIP: This is a great program for a teen that is very interested in the arts and filmmaking. It’s also a great opportunity to explore this area if you’re early in your high school years or you think you might want to try filmmaking but don’t intend to include the program on your college application. Keep in mind that you’ll get more bang for your buck out of your summers if the programs you choose fit into a larger narrative arc.