It's a Wrap! Summer 2020 Youth Film Lab Concludes
Film Lab students and instructors chat with music supervisor and Lab mentor Tracy McKnight
This past Friday marked the end of our 3rd annual Summer Youth Film Lab, a completely free filmmaking bootcamp for teens.
Here's what the students had to say about their experience:
"I loved the program because it changed my perspective on filmmaking. I went into the program expecting to learn about how to shoot a film better or how to write better, but I learned so much more. I learned the value of collaboration with others, I heard some of the most prominent people in the filmmaking industry speak about how to succeed, I learned how to be a better filmmaker, but also how to be a better person."
"I learned that even when we are apart, as we are now, the value of teamwork in the creative arts cannot be understated, even to those who prefer to work alone. It is vital to the filmmaking process that we work together to find the best ways to tell our stories.”
"I learned how hard it is to make a film, even when you have lots of help from experienced professionals. There is nothing more important than standing up for yourself and your ideas when making a film. It’s your story, keep it that way.”
"I’m so proud of this years Youth Film Lab students who in the midst of a pandemic and after months of online learning, rose to the challenge of working online and in just three weeks were able to conceptualize, write, produce, direct and edit 10 very unique films.” said Megan Sperry, the Lab’s Program Director. “This would not have been possible without amazing instructors who motivated them daily, phenomenal mentors and the support of the Woodstock Film Festival."
"This year's film lab was a triumph and a testament to the importance of coming together in creativity and community even in difficult times.” stated Lab instructor Gina Abatemarco. “It was a privilege to work with young folks who are at the forefront of a changed world and teach them art and craft filmmaking so that they may lead the way forward with vision and heart!”
And one of the parents had this to say:
"We cannot thank you enough for what you have provided for Trudy and to the rest of the young people who participated in the Woodstock Film Festival Youth Film Lab, during this bleak moment. During your program, Trudy came out of isolation and found a phenomenal group of young people, a gifted mentor, and many inspiring industry professionals to fuel their dreams, support their work, and make them feel connected to a larger community and to their own creative voice. There were also multiple invaluable lessons that Trudy learned about revision, accepting feedback and applying it to their own work. As we all know, filmmaking is perhaps the most collaborative art form that there is - and being able to receive and apply feedback is essential to honing this craft and being successful. This safe space was provided because of your drive, commitment, and love. This came through in every interaction and Trudy heard it loud and clear. Thank you one million times over. You not only rescued this summer - Trudy is coming away with a piece of work, a new group of friends, a feeling of pride and fulfillment, and the confidence and drive to create and learn more in this medium.”
Over the course of 3 weeks, ten Hudson Valley high school students worked remotely under the tutelage of film industry professionals to produce original short films on the following themes: "Together & Apart", "The Best Day Ever", "Climate Change", and "Racism". Each student was provided with an iPad installed with cutting-edge video editing software, coordinating with program instructors via Zoom as they transitioned their projects through inception, production, and post.
Between each session, luminaries from all over the entertainment industry hopped online to speak with the students. This year's group included: actor Kelsey Grammar (CHEERS, FRASIER, HANK, BOSS), director Debra Granik (DOWN TO THE BONE, WINTER’S BONE, LEAVE NO TRACE), music supervisor Tracy McKnight (THE HUNGER GAMES, A WRINKLE IN TIME, FREE SOLO, SPACESHIP EARTH), editor Kate Sanford (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, THE WIRE), producer Peter Saraf (THE FAREWELL, A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (PHILADELPHIA, RAY DONOVAN, HOMELAND), as well as animators Joy Buran and Noelle Melody (HUMAN KIND OF, PECAN SANDIE, POTATOES FOR PADO).
Special thanks to everyone involved and congratulations to our new class of budding filmmakers!