In synchronization with the Miami Inner City Film Festival, and in accordance with the mission statement to make local High School Seniors an integral part of this event, the MICFF proposes the following teaching and training program for those local students wishing to participate. There are numerous benefits to be gained by those wishing to forge a career in the entertainment field, and by those hoping to work in other spheres.
1.A student participating in Performing Arts classes will find more confidence in public speaking situations. It is known that lawyers for example take acting classes to help their performances in opening and closing statements in courtrooms. Other public speakers such as future teachers, preachers, motivational speakers, politicians, and business people can also benefit from the drama class. It is expected that a student under achieving in basic reading and writing will show significant improvement in those skills through script reading in the performing arts classes, aided by co-operative learning and problem solving.
2.In these austere economic times one of the few industries that seem to be immune from the financial uncertainty is entertainment. Hollywood movies continue to show healthy profits, regardless of what the stock market is doing. While it is fair to assume that not all will work in this industry, there are other related fields that may have potential for a graduating student. Advertising for example, since similar skills are needed to produce a commercial as are needed to make a movie. Someone skilled in editing may want to work in the development of content for the gaming industry.
3.Most importantly the program promotes team work, a necessary trait for any person wishing to work in any company, in or outside of entertainment. We believe the skills to be acquired with our teaching and training program can benefit the participating student for a life time. It is with this in mind that we propose the initiation of this program. If our community is to grow and prosper, then it is imperative that we create or supplement the current high school curriculum in a positive manner that will give our young people the necessary skills to survive in a very competitive jobs market.
As per schedule, on May 9th,10th, and 11th, 2012, at 8:45am, students upon arrival at the Joseph Caleb Auditorium will be asked to work in small groups of co-operative learning stations. The main modules of learning will be:
1. Screenwriting.
Story structure.
Three act structure.
Turning points of a story.
Character development.
Antagonist vs protagonist.
Conflict resolution.
Screen format.
2. Production.
Camera basics.
Lighting techniques.
Sound Basics.
3. Performing.
Acting techniques.
Voice projection.
Prosody.
Script interpretation.
The groups will be rotated to allow each student time to participate in each of the three modules. The objective is to have each group create a short film, starting with writing a script, and producing it. A functional set will be erected on the lawn in front of the Joseph Caleb Auditorium, where students will receive hands on experience under the guidance of industry professionals and educators.
