Filmmaker Camp
Students in Filmmaker Camp will begin by analyzing what goes into making a great movie—the story, acting, directing, camera, sound and editing. Students will go from creating short films on mobile devices to working in groups writing, filming, editing and polishing their own longer-scale films. The week will end with a group screening in a theater on campus—family is invited to come!
Instructor Bio
Margo Sawaya
Margo E. Sawaya, Assistant Professor in film studies, is a filmmaker with a focus on writing and directing. She earned her MFA in Film & TV Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2019. She was the 2020 recipient of the Innovative Technology Award at the Entertainment Technology Center, where she worked as a Writer/Director. For the last two years she was a Writers’ PA for season 3 of the Netflix series Disenchantment. She is drawn to concepts that deal with the human condition, mental health and the intersection of cultures. After completing her undergraduate work in Film Studies here at Michigan State University, Margo has had a rich range of professional experience in the film industry.
What to Expect
- Create storylines
- Learn to shoot, light, and edit
- Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)
- 9:30AM-4:30PM, Monday-Friday
- Screening event on Friday at 4:30 in B122 Wells Hall
- All equipment will be provided
Costs, Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Program Fee: $495: includes all equipment, 1 group lunch, camp film is distributed to families through YouTube link
- Sack lunch to be provided by parents
- Financial Aid/Scholarship available.
Watch “MISFITS: Villainy for Hire,” the film written, filmed, and edited by the 2018 Filmmaker Camp students.