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TRansitional Programs

Filmmaking for Young Adults

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    PRIVATE SESSIONS

    Individually mentoring creative expression through filmmaking. Empowering unique perspectives.

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    Workshops

    Foster collaboration, storytelling, and practical skills in young adults in transitional programs.

A young man with curly hair wearing a red long-sleeve shirt, looking down while pushing a shopping cart outdoors against a white brick wall and a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A young man with curly brown hair and fair skin, wearing a red shirt, standing outdoors on a sunny day with a blue sky and scattered clouds, in a residential neighborhood with houses and trees in the background.
A person in a red shirt pushing an empty shopping cart along a sidewalk next to a gray brick wall on a sunny day.

Our filmmaking workshops invite young adults in transitional programs to work together to create original short films. Through a step-by-step process—storytelling, scriptwriting, filming, and editing—participants explore creative expression while building teamwork, communication, and confidence. The program concludes with a celebratory screening that showcases their collaborative work and personal growth.

Course OUtline

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Course Structure

Week 1: Welcome to Filmmaking

  • Introductions, icebreakers, and group agreements

  • Overview of the filmmaking process (story → script → shoot → edit → screen)

  • Watch and discuss short films for inspiration

  • Creative warm-up: “One-minute life story” exercise

Week 2: Storytelling & Idea Development

  • Brainstorming session: themes that matter to the group (friendship, identity, independence, challenges, dreams)

  • Introduction to story structure (beginning, middle, end)

  • Small group storytelling: share a personal story and adapt it into a scene

  • Choose project ideas for group films

Week 3: Scriptwriting Basics

  • Learn script format and dialogue writing

  • Group writes short scripts (1–3 minutes each)

  • Peer feedback and script polishing

  • Assign roles (writer, director, camera, actor, sound, etc.)

Week 4: Visual Storytelling

  • Introduction to shot types, angles, and storyboarding

  • Hands-on camera practice (framing, movement, focus)

  • Storyboard group scripts together

  • Practice filming short, silent scenes

Week 5: Production Skills

  • Introduction to sound recording and lighting basics

  • Camera/sound team practice with equipment

  • Actors rehearse while crew films short practice scenes

  • Prep for main film shoot

Week 6: Filming (Part I)

  • Group shoots first scenes of their short films

  • Rotate roles so everyone gets hands-on experience

  • Review daily footage together and reflect

Week 7: Filming (Part II)

  • Continue filming remaining scenes

  • Encourage creative collaboration and problem-solving

  • Wrap up principal photography

Week 8: Editing & Post-Production

  • Introduction to basic editing software (cuts, transitions, sound sync)

  • Work in small groups to edit their films with guidance

  • Add music, titles, and finishing touches

  • Peer review and discussion of rough cuts

Week 9: Showcase & Celebration

  • Final edits completed and screened for peers, staff, and families

  • Reflection circle: What did we learn about storytelling, teamwork, and ourselves?

  • Celebration of achievements with certificates or mementos