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!
**Some films will have an R rating and tackle heavy subjects. International films may be subtitled.
(Class size: 10-20)
Grades: 9 – 12
Dates: 4 Saturdays: 4/18, 5/2, 5/9, 5/30
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Cost: $60 / Members: $54 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Club Leader: Ryan Moore
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: Saturday 4/11
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $70 / Members: $63 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Ryan Moore
Teaching Assistant: Kayleigh Nardella + Steven Lew
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: 6 – 8)
Grades: 8 – 12
Date: Tuesday: 6/16
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $50 / Members: $45 (Member Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Ryan Moore
In this hands-on filmmaking workshop, students will learn 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 to edit 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!
Taken High School Filmmaking already? That’s okay! Each class makes its own original films for high repeat value. (Class size: 7-12)
Grades: 9 – 12
Session 1: 7/6 – 7/10 and 7/13 – 7/17
Session 2: 7/20 – 7/24 and 7/27 – 7/31
Session 3: 8/3 – 8/7 and 8/10 – 8/14
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $800 / $770 Members (Discount for Film Lover + Members)
Instructors: TBD
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! During lunch each day you’ll screen and discuss a film in our cinema. (Class size 7– 12)
*Rising 9th graders have the option to join High School Film.
*Rising 6th graders have the option to join Movie Magic!
Grades: 6 – 9
Session 1: 7/6 – 7/10 and 7/13 – 7/17
Session 2: 7/20 – 7/24 and 7/27 – 7/31
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $900 / $870 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor Session 1: Marie Spiegeland
Instructor Session 2: Steven Lew
Students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting from format, to techniques, to story structure. Students will analyze the work of successfully produced screenplays to learn what it takes to write for film and television, as well as receive valuable feedback from their peers and their instructor as they create their own original short, feature, or television scripts! (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Continue your writing in Screenwriters Workshop in Session 2!
Grades: 8 – 12
Session 1: 7/6 – 7/10 and 7/13 – 7/17
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $550 / $520 (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: John Rotondo
This course is designed to help students master the craft of acting specifically for on-camera work. We will explore the craft of acting in a safe, fun, and engaging way, and we’ll also look at the ways in which on-camera acting is different from stage acting. Class activities include improv games, monologues, scene study, and basic acting techniques –all geared toward helping discover and empower the performer inside you! Each student will have the chance to get in front of the camera every class, and for those who are interested, there will also be an opportunity to work behind the camera to understand the dynamic between the actor and the director. At the end of the workshop, students will have their own personal audition tape. (Class size: 7-12)
Grades: 8 – 12
Session 1: 7/6 – 7/10 and 7/13 – 7/17
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $630 / $600 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
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, High School Screenwriting, or screenwriters with a working knowledge of screenplay formatting. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Grades: 8 – 12
Session 2: 7/20 – 7/24 and 7/27 – 7/31
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $550 / $520 Members (Discount for Film Lover + Members)
Instructor: Evan Dickerson
This course is designed to help students master the craft of acting specifically for on-camera work. We will explore the craft of acting in a safe, fun, and engaging way, and we’ll also look at the ways in which on-camera acting is different from stage acting. Class activities include improv games, monologues, scene study, and basic acting techniques –all geared toward helping discover and empower the performer inside you! Each student will have the chance to get in front of the camera every class, and for those who are interested, there will also be an opportunity to work behind the camera to understand the dynamic between the actor and the director. At the end of the workshop, students will have their own personal audition tape.
(Class size: 7 – 12)
Grades: 9 – 12
Session 2: 7/20 – 7/24 and 7/27 – 7/31
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $630 / $600 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
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)
Grades: 10 – 12
Session 3: 8/3 – 8/7 and 8/10 – 8/14
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Final Screening: 8/14
Cost: $1,250 / $1,220 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Early Bird (Sign up before 6/1!): $1,150
Instructor: TBD
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 performing on set to editing the final short film, 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
Session 3 Option A: 8/3 – 8/7
Session 3 Option B: 8/10 – 8/14
*Both Weeks, A&B have the same curriculum.
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $450 / $420 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
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 – 10)
Grades: 9 – 12
Session 3: 8/3 – 8/7
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $275 / $247.50 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
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 – 10)
Grades: 6 – 8
Session 3: 8/3 – 8/7
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $275 / $247.50 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
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 – 10)
Grades: 4 – 6
Session 3: 8/10 – 8/14
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Cost: $200 / $180 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Rob Asaro
Dive into the world of sketch comedy with this beginner-friendly class designed to unlock your creative potential and bring your funniest ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian, writer, or just someone who loves to make others laugh, this course will provide you with the foundational skills needed to craft engaging and hilarious sketches. Learn about comedic structure and format, explore different sketch genres and style, and workshop your ideas. (Class size: 8 – 10)
Grades: 8 – 12
Session 3: 8/10 – 8/14
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $275 / $247.50 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: TBD
Looking to bring your films to the next level? Learn the art of cinematography to give your films a sleek, professional look. Students will discover how to use the camera to tell their stories, along with the technical know-how to get their films shot. From lighting, to lenses, to color theory, this hands-on workshop will provide knowledge and techniques that aspiring filmmakers need to improve their craft. Classes shoot with the SONY FX3 cinema cameras! (Class size: 7 – 12)
Grades: 8-12
Session 3: 8/17 – 8/21
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $400 / $370 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Wilhelm Kuhn
A director’s job is to visualize the script, and manifest it from the page to the screen through craft, creativity, and communication. In this workshop, students will learn the tools of directing — from how shot choice, lens choice, camera placement and movement, lighting, sound, and performance all combine in ways to articulate the narrative beats of a scene; to working with actors and understanding how to find the truth in a performance through actionable direction. Students will work on small exercises to sharpen their directing skills, study and analyze the creative decisions made by independent and Hollywood directors, and take turns putting on their director’s hat of choice and shooting a scene in class. (class size: 7 – 12)
Grades: 8-12
Session 4: 8/17 – 8/21
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $400 / $370 Members (Discount for Film Lover+ Members)
Instructor: Ryan Fitzmartin
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.
