Do you love movies? Have you ever thought about making a movie? Do you know how?
If you answered yes to the first two questions, then the third question doesn’t matter. At the CCPL Film Club for Teens, we will teach you everything you need to know to make movies while you are actually making movies! No experience required! If you have questions, we’ll try to answer some here.
What happens at Film Club?
At Film Club, we meet monthly to learn about filmmaking. We also actively make films step by step from script to screen using the filmmaking process. We work together to form a story, or you can bring in a script of your own. Once we have a finished script, we start making the movie. Remember, this is YOUR film club.
Sometimes we even have special guests visit. We’ve had an advertising executive who makes nationwide TV commercials, a stunt coordinator, an actor from the HBO show “The Wire,” a casting director who has worked on Disney’s “Percy Jackson” series as well as “Top Gun: Maverick,” production assistants who have worked in franchises such as “Halloween,” “Predator,” and “Deadpool,” and many more!
What is the filmmaking process?
Everything starts with a script. This is a blueprint of the movie, and we need that to get started. After that, we go into preproduction. This involves production breakdowns and storyboarding. Then we move to actual production, where we film together. We’ll learn how to use the camera, how to direct, act, and everything else that takes place on the set. Then it’s on to post production, where we’ll go over editing, effects, music, credits, and even promoting the film by creating posters and flyers. And it all starts with a script…
Where can I see the movies that Film Club has made?
We have a YouTube playlist of films right here.
When and where is Film Club?
Film Club is at the Waldorf West branch at 10405 O’Donnell Place in Waldorf. We meet on the second Thursday of every month at 6pm. Typically, we meet in the meeting rooms downstairs, but you can always ask at the front desk when you get there.
Do I need to register?
Absolutely not! This is a drop in program, which means anyone can come in and sign in. You are not required to add any personal information, but if you do write down your email address, we will only send you Film Club related information about filming dates, etc. You can opt out of it at any time. We do not share your email with anyone else.
Does it cost anything?
Film Club always has been and always will be free. We only ask that if you start a production, you see it through to the end.
Who runs Film Club?
Bill Stea is the assistant branch manager at Waldorf West. Prior to that, he was a Teen Librarian for ten years, and a teacher for eight years before that. He has run a film club since 2014 at Waldorf West, and even ran a film club as a teacher for six years. He has taught screenwriting at multiple schools, including the College of Southern Maryland for teens and adults. He is also the cofounder and on the steering committee of the Southern Maryland Film Festival. He also happens to love movies.
What if I have more questions that haven’t been answered here?
You can contact Bill at bstea[at]ccplonline[dot]org .
Where can I learn more about filmmaking?
I thought you’d never ask! Here are some books about filmmaking you can find at the library!
Filmmaking for Dummies by Bryan Michael Stoller
Everything you ever wanted to know about making a movie but were afraid to ask … Lights, camera, action! We all have at least one movie in us, and the amazing and affordable advances in digital technology makes it increasingly easy to make your dream a reality and share it with the world. Filmmaking for Dummies is your definitive guide to bringing a project to life, from the comedy antics of loveable pets to the deepest, most meaningful independent film. Bryan Michael Stoller is your friend and guide, sharing his knowledge gained over 100 productions (directing and working with Dan Aykroyd, James Earl-Jones, Barbra Streisand and Drew Barrymore, among others) to show you how to take your movie from the planning and storyboarding stage, through shooting and editing, to making it available to your adoring audiences through television broadcast, streaming online or in movie theaters. For the do-it-your-selfer, the book includes tips on how to finance your project, a look at the latest software and apps, including advancements in digital technology, and for the passionate director, advice on how to hire and work with your cast and crew and find great scenic locations. Whether you want to become a professional filmmaker or just create great YouTube videos or nostalgic home movies, shooting with your smartphone or with consumer or pro-gear, this practical guide has it all. Learn how to compose your shots and when to move the camera. Make the perfect pitch to sell your story. Take advantage of helpful contacts and tons of new resources. Get up-to-date on the latest and greatest digital technology. Find the right distributor, or learn how you can be your own distributor! So, you really have no excuses to make your masterpiece. Get rolling with a copy of Filmmaking for Dummies today and start shooting for the stars!
Filmmaking by Todd Downey
Making a movie is a complicated process that takes a lot of hard work with special equipment. This thorough book explains all the necessary basics of filmmaking in way that’s accessible and easy to understand. A variety of famous filmmakers are presented in brief biographies to show the range of future film possibilities.
130 Projects To Get You Into Filmmaking by Elliot Grove
Brand new in Barron’s Aspire Series for students of various arts, this book offers expert guidance in the principles, practice, and techniques of filmmaking. Author and filmmaker Elliot Grove introduces students to the craft of making movies by explaining simple techniques and advising on use of readily available, low-budget equipment and software. He devotes special attention to–
- The Lingo: film industry vocabulary and money-raising techniques
- Getting Organized: necessary equipment and how to get it
- The Shoot: cameras, lighting, sound, storyboards, and more
- Looking Good: makeup, stunts, special effects, and more
- Post Production: the editor’s role, and much more
Additional chapters describe the role of directors and advise students on how to publicize, market, and distribute a film, how to choose a formal film course, and how to turn film training into a professional career. More than 250 color photos and illustrations.
Screenwriting for Dummies by Laura Schellhardt
Suspend your disbelief–you can make it as a screenwriter
Behind every blockbuster film and binge-worthy show, there’s a screenwriter–and that writer could be you! Turn your brainstorming sessions into dynamic scripts with the help of Screenwriting For Dummies. Create believable worlds with relatable characters, gripping dialogue, and narrative structures that will keep even the showbiz bigwigs on the edge of their seats. Once you’ve polished your product, it’s time to bring it to market. This book is full of advice that will help you get eyes on your screenplays so you can sell your work and find success as a screenwriter. From web series to movie musicals to feature films, this book shows you how to develop and hone your craft.
- Learn to think like a screenwriter and turn story ideas into visually driven, relatable scripts that will get noticed
- Study the elements of a story, like plot structure (beginning, middle, and end) and characterization (wait, who’s that, again?)
- Hop over the hurdle of writer’s block, and tackle other obstacles that stand in the way of your scriptwriting career
- Get insider insight into finding an agent and meeting with studio execs, plus alternative markets for your finished work
This updated edition covers the latest trends and opportunities–and there are lots of them–for today’s writers. Let Dummies help you map out your story and put your script on the road to production. Thank us when your work goes viral!
