WRITING & DIRECTING
Monday and Tuesday, in the mornings, SOCAPA film students take their main Writing and Directing Classes. In Writing Class, students generate ideas, learn fundamentals of three-act structure, and workshop their scripts. In Directing Class, they learn the basics of film language, camera placement, and shot construction.

CINEMATOGRAPHY & SOUND
In the afternoons, students take technical camera and sound classes. In Cinematography Class, they are introduced to the 16mm film and HDV cameras that they will use. After in-class demonstrations, students conduct exterior shooting exercises and then come back and project the footage in class. In Sound Class, students learn to use shotgun and lavalier microphones and discuss the best strategies for recording high quality production audio.

EDITING & CRITIQUE
Wednesday is devoted entirely to shooting their first projects. On Thursday, students have their first Final Cut Pro Editing Class. The editing teacher gives a demonstration of the software and then the students cut their first films, under the direct supervision of their instructor, right in class. Extra editing time is available for those who need it. On Friday, there is an in-class critique of all the first films in the morning. In the afternoon, the students are back in their writing and directing classes, preparing for their second week projects. That night, the whole camp gathers in the theater to watch the first week "Showcase Screening" of all the completed student films.



MASTER CLASSES
At least once per session, SOCAPA invites a top young industry professional from the New York or Hollywood film or performing arts scene to come to campus and lead a master class for all students, regardless of focus. Some past guests include Writer/Director John Hamburg (I Love You Man, Along Came Polly, Safe Men, Zoolander, Meet the Fockers, Little Fockers), actor Luis Guzman (Traffic, Boogie Nights, Punch Drunk Love, Carlito's Way, Anger Management), actor Brendan Sexton III (Empire Records, Welcome to the Dollhouse), the four lead characters from American Teen, filmmaker Peter Sollett (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Raising Victor Vargas), actor Sarah Clarke (TV show 24, Thirteen) screenwriter Andrew Marlowe (Air Force One, End of Days, Hollow Man), director Morgan J. Freeman (Hurricane Streets), comedian Matt Walsh (The Daily Show, Bad Santa, Upright Citizens Brigade), and the cast of Hair and Spring Awakening on Broadway.



SHOWCASE FESTIVAL
On the final Friday afternoon of the three-week program, SOCAPA holds its "Showcase Festival" followed by a reception for friends and family. All the acting reels, photography slideshows, dance videos and student films are shown on the giant silver screen. In addition to the projected work, there are live dance performances, actor monologues, and a photography exhibit. We encourage you to invite your fellow collaborators, friends and family. Although we do have a final live performance/film screening of all the two-week work just for the camp, please note that students in the two-week program do not have a final showcase festival for friends and family.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Every evening, Monday through Friday, we plan an activity for the students, whether it be a barbecue on campus, a dinner in the city, a cool-off swim, a theater/musical performance, or a film screening. On the Saturday afternoons that are not devoted to shooting and performing, we organize a group excursion. This could include a trip to a museum, the beach or a show in the city. Past evening and Saturday excursions have included trips to Coney Island Amusement Park, live tapings of MTV's TRL, outdoor concerts (The Roots, OCMS, TV on the Radio, etc.), Universal Studios, Pilobolus Dance Group at the Joyce, Disco Bowling, Broadway Shows such as Spring Awakening, Hair, Rent and Avenue Q, Six Flags Amusement Park, Fourth of July Fireworks, Bryant Park Film Screenings, and off-Broadway hits such as Fuerza Bruta and Stomp, to name a few.

- Student Film Movie Posters Photographed and Designed by SOCAPA Photo Students [ see more ]