Education: See our latest course offerings in Western MA.

NEW! 1-week summer film intensive workshop for 10-14 year olds!

June 25-29th, 10am – 4:00pm

BCC South Campus, Great Barrington MA

The purpose of this summer film workshop is twofold: 1) For kids to experience what it’s like to work on a real movie crew from creation of an idea to the final edit of the project, and 2) for the group to produce a high quality short film championed in every aspect by everyone in the group. The kids will collaboratively film, preform as actors on camera, run the lights, the camera and the sound, as well as edit and market the film’s premiere to the community. On the final night, parents, friends, and the public will be invited to attend and the young filmmakers will participate in a Q&A with the audience. Each participant will walk away with a copy of the film and the experience of creating a professional quality film together.

Specific topics covered will include: story structure, screenwriting, character development, cinematography, sound recording/mixing, lighting, editing, sound design and marketing.

The course is being taught by writer/director/actor/educator, Patrick Toole. For the past two years, Patrick has taught filmmaking and animation at The Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY. He also co-created the After School Film Project at Chatham Middle School and numerous other after school film and theater programs for middle and high school students in Columbia County. Patrick has written/directed/edited over 30 short films and founded and curated several local film festivals, including Berkshire Shorts Film Festival. He is the founder of the Whitdiots Improve Troupe and Emergent

Ensemble Theater Company. Patrick studied film at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. All equipment will be provided.

Cost for the week long workshop is $325. Students will need to bring lunch. Registration available after May 1st.

 


Our current courses include:

Film Production 1 and 2 in Collaboration with Berkshire Community College

Open to students ages 16+

Film Production 1 is a non-credit workshop in collaboration with BCC

This introduction to film and video production provides a foundation in the principles, techniques and equipment involved in video production, from script to final edit. Students write, produce, direct, and edit individual short projects and participate in group projects.

Upon completion of this course students will be able to understand the basics of narrative, scripting, camera operation, direction, lighting, sound, and non-linear editing; demonstrate proficiency in camera operation including framing, exposure, focus and movement; demonstrate competency in non-linear editing software; and use the terminology of video production/post-production competently.

Film Production 2 is a non-credit workshop in collaboration with BCC

In this advanced beginner course, students will be supported in further developing their craft and skill in video and film production. Each student will direct a short film or video—either narrative, experimental, or documentary—and be assigned to crew on other students’ films. Upon completion of this course, students will have a short film to enter into festivals or use as a calling card for professional video production work. Come to the first class with a potential idea for your film.

Shoot a Movie On Your iPhone

This course has been taught in the Berkshires as well as in the Pioneer Valley at UMASS Springfield Center.  More dates and locations coming soon.

This course covers: basic storyboarding, camera techniques, editing, audio considerations, and how to share your movie.


Our Workforce Development courses have included

  • “Get A Grip” How to Be a Grip PA
  • The Art and Craft of Cinematography
  • Learn to be a Production Assistant.

For current BFMC offerings please contact the office.

These folks learned to “Shoot A Movie on Your iPhone” with BFMC