In this one-day, hands-on workshop, students will learn how to generate ideas for their films, and will be introduced to the fundamentals of filmmaking including: shot composition, camera angle, shooting, lighting and sound. With an emphasis on practical, guerilla-style filmmaking, students will discover how to bring their ideas to life! This is an excellent class for students who want to test the filmmaking waters before committing to a longer workshop. (Class size 7– 15)
Ages: 10 – 14
Date: Sunday: 1/11
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $70 / Members: $63 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Ryan Moore
Teaching Assistant: Kayleigh Nardella + Steven Lew
Step into the director’s chair and become a filmmaker for a few days of movie magic! In this creative, hands-on class, students in grades 4–6 will learn the basics of storytelling, camera work, and collaboration as they bring a short script to life on screen. From setting up the camera and lights to performing on set, everyone will have a role to play! It’s teamwork, creativity, and storytelling—all rolled into one unforgettable filmmaking experience! (Class size: 7-12)
Grades: 4 – 6
Dates: 5 Thursdays: 2/19, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cost: $200 / $180 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Kayleigh Nardella
TA: Chloe Naphy
In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to generate ideas for their films, and will be introduced to the fundamentals of filmmaking including: shot composition, camera angle, shooting, lighting and sound. Students will learn to work together, taking on the many jobs involved in filmmaking as they create a short film of their very own. Act, direct, shoot, light, edit! The class will culminate with a screening of their short films in our own Cinema505– family and friends are invited to join!
No experience is required, however, this class can be repeated since each unique film presents new challenges and opportunities to develop and sharpen your filmmaking skills. (Class size: 7-12)
Grades: 6 – 8
Dates: 10 Wednesdays: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $550 / Members: $520 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Steven Lew
Teaching Assistant: Charlie Hudson
“It taught us so much in such a little amount of time. It was a perfect balance between talking and doing activities.” – Middle School Filmmaking Student
In this hands-on filmmaking workshop, students will learn and practice the art of filmmaking from script to screen. Students will work together as a film crew to generate ideas, work with actors, and master camera, lighting, and sound techniques. Students will also learn the basics of editing in Adobe Premiere Pro. In each class, students will work both behind and in front of the camera, in both exterior and interior locations, so that they can gain as much experience as possible. Final films will be screened for friends and family in Cinema505 on the last day of class!
No experience is required, however, this class can be repeated since each unique film presents new challenges and opportunities to develop and sharpen your filmmaking skills.(Class size: 7-12)
Grades: 9 – 12
Dates: 10 Saturdays: 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Cost: $800 / Members: $770 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: TBD
Teaching Assistant: TBD
“I really liked that it involved everything. Screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, editing, everything. I also like that it was a very positive environment that made it really fun.” -Teen Student, High School Filmmaking
Already made a few short films? Want to take a class with other experienced students? In Indie Filmmaking, work with a crew of peers under the guidance of experienced instructors and teaching assistants to make some awesome shorts. These films can be used as sample works when applying to a college film program, a stepping stone towards building a competitive portfolio.
If you are a motivated high school filmmaker who is interested in creating a polished short film in collaboration with your peers, then this workshop is for you!
Some filmmaking experience is required, and students should be comfortable writing and editing on their own. Apply below! (Class size: 7 – 10)
Dates: 10 Sundays: 2/8, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $1,150 / $1,120 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: TBD
Teaching Assistant: Steven Lew
“I really liked that it involved everything. Screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, editing, everything. I also like that it was a very positive environment that made it really fun.” -Teen Student, High School Filmmaking
Love movies? Love talking about them? So do we. Join us for a relaxed, conversation-driven film club where we watch and discuss a wide mix of films—from timeless classics and bold art house gems and new indie releases during the Montclair Film Festival! Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or a full-blown cinephile, this is a space to share thoughts, ask questions, and see films through new eyes. Just great movies and even better conversations. And- for at least one of the films we’ll have a special guest filmmaker come to talk about the film! (Class size: 10-20)
**Some films will have an R rating and tackle heavy subjects. International films may be subtitled.
Grades: 9 – 12
Dates: 4 Saturdays: 2/7, 2/21, 3/7, 3/21
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $60 / Members: $54 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Club Leader: Ryan Moore
Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting from formatting to basic story structure. Students will analyze a short film, screenplays, and do some prompt-based writing to solidify the fundamentals. This class is perfect for anyone who wants a low-commitment way to see if screenwriting is for them! It’s also a great introduction (or refresher) for students interested in joining Screenwriter’s Workshop. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Grades: 8 – 12
Date: Sunday: Wednesday 1/14
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: $50 / $45 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Ryan Moore
This workshop is for screenwriting students who want to take their screenwriting ability to the next level. Dive deeper into aspects of pace, tone, and character. Read and workshop your screenplays in a writers room format, receiving feedback from their peers and their instructor. This is a great class for students coming from High School Filmmaking, or screenwriters with a working knowledge of screenplay formatting. (Class Size: 6 – 10)
Looking to learn the fundamentals before jumping into Screenwriter’s Workshop? Take a look at our Screenwriting Crash Course!
Grades: 8 – 12
Dates: 6 Tuesdays: 2/17, 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $250 / Members: $225 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: John Rotondo
“The Montclair Film screenwriting class was the first screenwriting class I ever took and I just recently pressed “Accept” to be a dramatic writing major at NYU TISCH. Thank you for being the first experience to spark my interest!” -Kianni Keys, High School Screenwriting Student
The fundamentals of improvisation are the fundamentals of life. Listening, agreeing, forwarding action, taking care of your partner and so much more! You’ll be introduced to those lessons as you play games as well as create characters and scenes using a variety of improv and creativity exercises. You can’t do anything wrong, no experience necessary! Number one rule is to have fun! (Class size: 7 – 12)
Grades: 6 – 8
Dates: 5 Mondays: 2/9, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $250 / $225 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
Montclair Films is committed to providing access to our education programs for all students. Financial assistance is available to all qualified students!
Don’t see the class you want? Help us make it happen: Film Academy Class Request
For More Information Contact: [email protected]
Join over 1,500 happy members who get early access to events and screenings throughout the year.
