Film, Journalism & Media Arts

Acting for the Camera Develop skills actors need to work in Television and Film. Learn how to interpret a script, build a character, and hit your mark for a scene that is blocked for the camera shots. Explore physical and vocal aspects of character development. Learn how to adapt acting from stage to the camera. Actors are assigned a scene to memorize and prepare for filming. The scenes are double cast so the actors get to see other actors making different choices with their roles. Class meets with Directing for the Camera.

Animation Learn the core concepts of animation production in this experiential course. Each student will have a computer and drawing tablet to practice computer-based and hands-on-techniques. Learn the fundamentals of drawing motions, character design, timing and syncing in animation, and cleanup. Go to our student work page to view examples.

Broadcast Journalism This course introduces you to the field of broadcast journalism and related legal, ethical, and technological issues. Develop interviewing, reporting, and writing skills. Produce a brief radio documentary or a television field report for your portfolio.

Digital Photography Explore and learn the powerful photographic techniques to make the most of your digital camera. Abundant opportunities to hone your digital photography skills by capturing images of plants, animals and the environment; to city sites, individuals and chance encounters. Assemble a portfolio and have the opportunity to publish your images.

Directing for the Camera Refine your basic visual vocabulary and learn essential skills to break down a script, tell a visual story, and communicate your ideas to those behind and in front of the camera. Team up with student actors to create visual portfolios.

Documentary Filmmaking This interactive hands-on class focuses on the core skills for making great documentaries: how to determine a good story that needs to be told visually, how to film compelling interviews, how to capture dynamic real-life on location scenes, and how to shoot effective b-roll footage while making the most of a limited budget and time. Students will research, write produce and edit a final mini-doc and post it to the web.

DSLR Photography DSLR cameras are a game changer. Place the creative power of photography and video in your hands. Ignite your creativity, have the clout of communicating a story in true multimedia fashion. This course will expand your abilities and vision in producing a short film, documentary or multimedia story.

Entertainment Communication Television, film, theater, music, sports, fashion, gaming…It’s all entertainment today. Learn from experts in the field and understand the importance of messaging. Why are ratings important in television? How do you promote a film? Could you represent a celebrity—be it an actor or athlete? What is that red carpet all about? Who gets $$ every time you hear a song? Is the gaming industry the next big blockbuster? An inside look and what you need to be successful in the entertainment industry.

Graphic Design This course introduces you to the powerful potential of Adobe Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC and InDesign CC, where you will learn the tools for manipulating digital images for book covers or movie posters and for creating vector graphics for powerful branding packages and logos. Learn the basics of color and graphic design theory that will communicate your message through both streamlined graphic art and complex digital photo manipulation.

International Communication We live in a 24/7 world. Whether you are a company, a media outlet, a foreign government, or a non-governmental agency (NGO), learning how to communicate and articulate your message is crucial. This class will help you understand the importance of recognizing other’s differences and how to communicate effectively. Students will hear from diplomats, foreign service officials and experts from various global nonprofits ( i.e. Amnesty International, the UN Foundation, or the United Way.) You will develop campaigns as well as small videos about the work of international organizations.

Professional Newswriting See what it takes to write a news story for print, broadcast, and the web. Get practical instruction in effective writing techniques for your school newspaper, neighborhood newsletter, or website. Learn how to distinguish between news and promotional writing. Hear professional journalists talk about their careers and visit a local newsroom.

Scriptwriting & Video Production Write an original short script. Produce a video, including shooting, sound recording, and nonlinear editing on Final Cut Pro, all in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. No prior experience required; students grouped by ability. Equipment provided.