Budding filmmakers will get a kick out of a new summer camp retreat program in Camden, Maine. Developed by several documentary film teams, the retreat trains, supports and hones the skills of aspiring filmmakers.
The summer camp is hosted by the Tribeca Film Institute and Camden International Film Festival, with CNN Films serving as the retreat's sponsor, the Observer reported. For two years now, the summer camp is catering to diverse groups of American documentarians who don't have the resources to pursue the world of filmmaking.
Mentorship And Guidance From Film Industry Professionals
Participants of the retreat experience close mentorship from professionals in the film industry. Through the summer camp, aspiring filmmakers will have the opportunity to establish networking connections and to directly talk to notable directors, producers, editors and sales experts.
Some of the professional mentors involved in the summer camp are cinematographer and editor Marshall Curry, who has been nominated twice at the Academy Awards, as well as Submarine Entertainment co-founder Josh Braun. Attendees will receive outside lectures and walks, but all will be required to stay away from technology, social media and electronic devices for a whole week.
Qualifications In Order To Be Chosen
Not anyone can apply for a slot in the summer camp. Courtney Sexton, CNN Films' vice president of content development and acquisitions, and Amy Hobby, TFI's vice president of artist programs, handpicked the small group of budding filmmakers with the help of other prominent names in the film industry. According to Observer's report, participants must have already finished working on film projects or are currently in the post-production phase. Some of the attendees are chosen through their involvement in other TFI programs such as the All Access program, which provides mentorship, funding, training workshops and networking.
This year, half of the retreat's participants are women in an effort to put more females in the film industry. CIFF's Founder and Executive Director Ben Fowlie said the summer camp prioritizes domestic stories because it represents society's issues that are often unnoticed. The retreat also chooses films that are promising or require help, Sexton shared.
This month, film director, producer, screenwriter and actor Mark Duplass has joined singer John Legend and the AXE Collective to mentor budding filmmakers, PR Newswire reported. The creative mentorship program will provide participants the resources and platforms to showcase their work in assemblies such as the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival in September.
