In the FILMMAKERS INTENSIVE Odyssey participants create their own original films in a fun and collaborative environment. Through interactive workshops and activities, CSU Faculty teach students the art and craft of filmmaking from start to finish — included is screenwriting, story structure, acting for the camera, directing, shot composition, storyboards, pre-production, casting, location scouting, cinematography, lighting, editing, sound effects, and scoring.

In addition to writing and directing their own film, all students will assist other students with their projects as part of the cast or in production roles. At the conclusion of the program, students will be provided with a copy of their film short for their portfolios and submission into film festivals.

Residential students get a preview of college life by staying in Cleveland State University Residential Halls and all campers are invited to experience Cleveland’s robust cultural offerings through scheduled weekend trips and activities.

All meals are provided for residential students, and breakfast and lunch are provided for day students. Day campers attend sessions Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and are invited to All Camp Weekend Activities.

Classes and workshops include:

• Film Analysis: By watching films comedies, dramas, action, indies, and streamers (PG content) students analyze specific scenes and shots to see how they affect an audience and how they were constructed (lighting, color, graphics, editing, performance, directing, camera movement and lens choice).
• Screenwriting 101: Learn the nuts and bolts of writing and formatting a script and developing characters and story structure. Each student will have access to their own account in the screenwriting program Celtx.
• Act Up! An introduction to screen performance techniques – essential for actors, directors, editors, and cinematographers. Learn to be rather than act on the set – and to trust your transparency rather than indicating how you feel.
• The Art of it All: Learn preproduction skills such as location selection and decorating sets, choosing wardrobe and props, dressing hair, makeup – even special effects makeup.
• Settiquette: Learn how to behave on set, set safety, crew positions, and how to call and slate shots.
• Directing on Set: Rehearse your actors in scenes, create storyboards, block the camera, and shoot the script! Everyone collaborates and supports each other’s projects.
• The Cutting Room Floor: Learn or hone your editing skills, building scenes, creating energy and pacing to let the audience absorb the emotion with the film school’s Mac editing labs and using Adobe Premiere.
• Sounds and Scores: Learn how to capture clean audio from your actors and tweak it in post. Learn how to build environmental sounds that brings your film to life and add musical themes to cue the audience’s emotions.
• Screening the Film:  Complete your film for an open screening at the end of the program.

All meals are provided for Residential students, and breakfast and lunch are provided for Day students. Day campers attend sessions Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and are invited to All Camp Weekend Activities.

Residential: $3200 Sunday, June 14 – Friday, June 26, 2026
Day Camp: $2400 Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 26, 2026

This program was made possible by a generous gift from Lee and Ageleke Zapis.

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