Intensive Filmmaking Workshop
Six Weeks: June 16 – July 24, 2008
An intensive, comprehensive hands-on workshop in which the problems and aesthetics of filmmaking are studied in practice as well as theory. Students learn the narrative film form and its collaborative nature by participating in the production process. By screening classic narrative masterpieces they will gain a sense of the medium's historical and aesthetic as well as develop a common vocabulary and point of reference with their fellow collaborators. The students will begin with seminars, readings and exercises that cover working with actors, script analysis, producing, camera, lighting, sound and editing and then move on to an actual production where as a group they make a small digital movie. Film professionals from various areas of expertise instruct and guide students in the application of industry standards to the exercises projects. The course is fully integrated with FILM S-203 to provide filmmakers with a pool of acting talent and enable students to move beyond the technological requirements of the medium. Required equipment: a digital video camcorder kit with appropriate accessories (including a tripod), and 10 digital cassettes. This workshop requires a full daily commitment of the student's time, including 5 hours of classroom instruction, 2 hours of screenings, 1-2 hours of reading homework and workshop projects outside of class time and on weekends. Enrollment limited to 16. M-TH 9:30am-12pm AND 2pm-5pm SCREENINGS 7pm-9:30pm / 2 CREDITS / TUITION: $ 4,800 |
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• The Intensive Filmmaking Workshop is full-time class worth two full Yale College credits. This course simply is not possible during the Academic year.
• Immerse yourself in the unique presentation and challenging experience of acting and filmmaking while living and studying at world-renowned Yale University. Both workshops use the state-of-the-art facilities at Yale's Digital Media Center for the Arts.
• The Intensive Filmmaking Workshop, in conjunction with the Acting In Film Workshop, is a realistic program mirroring the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process.
• Watch Workshops Video and Video Clips of past projects produced in the Workshops.
History of the Workshop
It has become a catch-phrase: “But what I really want to do is direct.” However, the truth is, there is very little instruction, particularly at the undergraduate level, in the art and craft of motion picture directing. Film directors often face actors completely unprepared. “… There are other directors I watch and wonder why they get out of bed in the morning, because of the stunning lack of homework they do.” – Anthony Hopkins. Sandra Luckow has been teaching film production at the Yale School of Art since 1997. In 2002, she developed the Intensive Filmmaking Workshop for Yale Summer Session because it was impossible to create the necessary focused environment during the academic year. Luckow also wanted to create something that exceeded her own MFA film school experience. She brought in her long time collaborator, Peggy Flood to illuminate the actor's world for the filmmakers. By 2003, it became clear that Flood could best serve the filmmakers by creating her own course for actors as well as working with the directors. Together Flood and Luckow have created workshops that provided students with a unique and invaluable opportunity: to learn a common language so that these new artists can communicate and be transparent to one another at the inception of the creative process.
Testimonials:
"...the practical hands-on approach shreds any myth of the glamor of
film-making
and allows the student to get an opportunity to actually create in the
medium. This is an invaluable experience, possibly under-appreciated by students
who
have no experience in the work-force, no less on film sets. The structure
of the
class was perfect. Everything theoretical, the tools of the director,
were
approached as practical techniques for the film-maker: theory became
outlines
of analysis."
Student Evaluation
"Sandra's an outstanding instructor, devoted and undoubtedly knowledgeable about her craft. She didn't hold anything back, what she knew is what she wanted us to know. This, in my eyes, makes her the best of instructors and I would recommend her to anyone wanting to take a workshop in film. She truly makes sure you leave the class knowing how to make a film, and giving you all the tools to continue further and deeper into the craft."
Student Evaluation
"Sandra is an excellent teacher and one of the most passionate and generous people I have ever worked with. Her biggest strength is her genuine desire to teach every single student as much as possible. She is not afraid to share personal stories of both her triumphs and failures as a filmmaker. She has a knack for pushing people and bringing out creativeness and leadership." Student Evaluation
"The way Sandra taught was amazing. She was everywhere, on each set during shoots. She loves teaching. That's the most important thing."
Student Evaluation
"I will never forget this experience, the people I came to know and work with, the outstanding instruction of Sandra Luckow, and just having been able to take my first small step into the world of filmmaking."
Student Evaluation
"I loved working with the Acting In Film Class and I loved the Intensive Filmmaking. While the hours were long, it was definitely worth it. Sandra Luckow has made a great class for aspiring filmmakers. She is passionate about film and has made me become so. I wish the class would have been even longer."
Student Evaluation
"I have been impressed with the content, quality and delivery of this course in Intensive Filmmaking which has been developed by Sandra Luckow. Having been involved with curriculum development and analysis within educational institutions in Australia, Great Britan and Hong Kong, I have a thorough understanding of the requirements and commitment involved in course development and delivery. This course provides a benchmark internationally. The expertise and passion of Sandra Luckow has impressed me throughout the entire six weeks."
Beverly Riddell
Student and Teacher at Chinese International School
"We enjoyed the three short films very much. It is a reflection upon yourself, Peggy Flood, your staff and students of your outstanding professional work. Our son Noah enjoyed so much working with you over the past years.
Sincerely,"
Jeff and Susan Cooper — Yale parents
"Our son, Charlie Morant, just finished the Intensive Filmmaking Workshop with Sandra Luckow. This was a wonderful experience for all of us. .We are so pleased with the intensity and expectations of this workshop. …we have been in this business and what Sandra is doing with these students is so similar to what goes on in the 'real world'. Charlie worked extremely long hours, never complained and had a lot of fun. Thank you so much for offering high school students the opportunity to pursue something they love during the summer. I will highly recommend this program to other friends who have a similar interest in filmmaking.
Kind regards,"
Mary and Ueli Morant — parents
