THEA 22
A Filmmaker's Workshop Winter 2025

his 4 week filmmaking workshop will culminate in screening of 6- 8 short films which are written. acted, directed and edited by students. The class is taught by actress Jessica Hecht and her husband director/writer Adam Bernstein . The project was offered in 2019,2022, 2023 and accommodated 30 WS students. We would love to offer it once again with a slightly deeper focus on writing and direction. The key to this project is collaboration in the creative process. Each week there will be approx 8 hours of in class time and 10 -12 hours of practical work outside of class. The week we shoot ( week 3) will be the most demanding. Supplemental reading and film viewing is recommended. We will offer a set of resource materials. The weekly structure is as follows: WEEK ONE : Fundamentals of filmmaking -The Writer’s Approach Our first week allows students to look at several examples of shorts films and experiment with writing prompts and improv exercises to build familiarity with how to structure a story. The week culminates in the formation of groups (4-5 students each) whose interest in a specific area of production has been noted. Scripts will be generated from these groups. All students participate as needed but will have more responsibility in one self chosen area. WEEK TWO: Fundamentals of TV and Film Direction The skills of screen acting vs acting on stage As scripts are being refined, participants will be schooled in basic shots, the director’s role and the actor’s preparation. Scripts are due by mid week, casting is completed by Friday WEEK THREE: Shooting a Film Groups are schooled in the organization of a shoot and the essential jobs of the crew. Films are shot over three days – a Final Pro vs AVID editing workshop completes the week. WEEK FOUR: Completing the Filmmaking Process. Films are edited and music added for the first 3 days of week. A public screening is organized to complete the workshop. Film discussion to follow.