Local 4-H Youth Get Inside Experience with Film Industry through National 4-H Film Festival
Amy Rhodes, 4-H Educator for the University of Maryland Extension, Wicomico County 4-H Program ventured off to Branson, Missouri with three local Wicomico County 4-H members, Laura Nelson, Shadi Jahelka, and Michelle Digby, from the 4-H Media Club to expand upon their interest in film making. They were among the 45 festival goers developing advanced filmmaking skills at “FilmFest 4-H” held July 31- August 3. This inaugural 4-H National Film Festival brought young filmmakers from seven states to learn about filmmaking, train with industry professionals and connect with their peers. Representatives attended from the states of Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada and Wisconsin.
“Filmmaking is a great avenue to develop self-expression, problem-solving, critical thinking and other life skills. If a young person wants to explore a career in the film industry, meet people who work on projects they recognize, learn how the industry works and ask lots of questions, what better venue is there than a film festival?” said Wicomico County 4-H Educator Amy Rhodes of Salisbury, MD.
Youth attended workshops lead by film industry professionals, covering such topics as lighting, sound, acting for the camera, television documentaries and stop-motion animation. As they covered professional practices, several presenters offered strategies to accomplish many of their techniques on a teenager’s budget. “My favorite part would be the workshops from professionals who are in the business,” said Laura Nelson.
Workshops were offered on "Quality on the Set" (lighting and sound) by David Houlle (nominated for his work on "Up in the Air" with Paramount Pictures.
A workshop was offered on creating video documentaries by award-winning producer and photojournalist Russ Weston. He has worked with National Geographic, "Unsolved Mysteries," "World of Wonders," Martha Stewert, Oprah and "War Stories." Weston is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the National Press Photographers Association.
Instructor Stephen Siwinski offered assistance with script writing. He has created productions for PBS and advertising campaigns for the Chicago Cubs, Toyota Prius, Sears, Kellogg's and Kraft Foods.
Aaron Holdmeyer, a filmmaker and animator from St. Louis, Mo., instructed a claymation/animation workshop.
Scott Arthur Allen offered a workshop on acting for the camera. He is a successful actor, acting coach, casting director and past president of the Talent Managers Association and sat on the National Association of Artists Managers (NAAM).
“It provided an opportunity for youth to showcase both the creativity and technological skills to tell stories or address local issues. I plan utilizing the information from the Film Festival in my own 4-H program and my community in Wicomico County” said Rhodes.
“I’m sure next year will be even better and I look forward to seeing FilmFest 4-H 2012.” explained Laura Nelson. “It was awesome!” said Michelle Digby, who plans to use her new knowledge of lighting and sound techniques in her next project. “I learned about different techniques, the history of audio in movies and special effects, as well as tips on documentaries and more” said Shadi Jahelka, “I will definitely be applying my new knowledge to future movies! I had an amazing time.”
Jahelka won second place with her entry titled “Musical Chairs” and Digby won third place for her entry titled “Sweet Dreams” for entries in the narrative category. “It was an honor to have 4-Hers given this opportunity and recognized for their talents in such a way” said Rhodes. These films and many more can be found on the 4-H website http://Wicomico.umd.edu/4-h .
“I’m bringing 4-H to new audiences and adapting to the interests of youth who are technology bound, that’s why I started the Arts, Communication and Technology (ACT) program last year. We have just wrapped up our second year of summer programming in media arts and it was once again a great success. The kids love seeing their work displayed on our ACT website (www.act4hmd.org) and sharing things with friends.
“I would like to start an annual film festival showcasing youth work, we look forward to working with community partners in joining us on this event.” said Rhodes. “We are expanding on our media club and want new members to join; those interested should call 410-749-6141 and speak to Mrs. Rhodes”
“Filmmaking is a great avenue to develop self-expression, problem-solving, critical thinking and other life skills. If a young person wants to explore a career in the film industry, meet people who work on projects they recognize, learn how the industry works and ask lots of questions, what better venue is there than a film festival?” said Wicomico County 4-H Educator Amy Rhodes of Salisbury, MD.
Youth attended workshops lead by film industry professionals, covering such topics as lighting, sound, acting for the camera, television documentaries and stop-motion animation. As they covered professional practices, several presenters offered strategies to accomplish many of their techniques on a teenager’s budget. “My favorite part would be the workshops from professionals who are in the business,” said Laura Nelson.
Workshops were offered on "Quality on the Set" (lighting and sound) by David Houlle (nominated for his work on "Up in the Air" with Paramount Pictures.
A workshop was offered on creating video documentaries by award-winning producer and photojournalist Russ Weston. He has worked with National Geographic, "Unsolved Mysteries," "World of Wonders," Martha Stewert, Oprah and "War Stories." Weston is a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the National Press Photographers Association.
Instructor Stephen Siwinski offered assistance with script writing. He has created productions for PBS and advertising campaigns for the Chicago Cubs, Toyota Prius, Sears, Kellogg's and Kraft Foods.
Aaron Holdmeyer, a filmmaker and animator from St. Louis, Mo., instructed a claymation/animation workshop.
Scott Arthur Allen offered a workshop on acting for the camera. He is a successful actor, acting coach, casting director and past president of the Talent Managers Association and sat on the National Association of Artists Managers (NAAM).
“It provided an opportunity for youth to showcase both the creativity and technological skills to tell stories or address local issues. I plan utilizing the information from the Film Festival in my own 4-H program and my community in Wicomico County” said Rhodes.
“I’m sure next year will be even better and I look forward to seeing FilmFest 4-H 2012.” explained Laura Nelson. “It was awesome!” said Michelle Digby, who plans to use her new knowledge of lighting and sound techniques in her next project. “I learned about different techniques, the history of audio in movies and special effects, as well as tips on documentaries and more” said Shadi Jahelka, “I will definitely be applying my new knowledge to future movies! I had an amazing time.”
Jahelka won second place with her entry titled “Musical Chairs” and Digby won third place for her entry titled “Sweet Dreams” for entries in the narrative category. “It was an honor to have 4-Hers given this opportunity and recognized for their talents in such a way” said Rhodes. These films and many more can be found on the 4-H website http://Wicomico.umd.edu/4-h .
“I’m bringing 4-H to new audiences and adapting to the interests of youth who are technology bound, that’s why I started the Arts, Communication and Technology (ACT) program last year. We have just wrapped up our second year of summer programming in media arts and it was once again a great success. The kids love seeing their work displayed on our ACT website (www.act4hmd.org) and sharing things with friends.
“I would like to start an annual film festival showcasing youth work, we look forward to working with community partners in joining us on this event.” said Rhodes. “We are expanding on our media club and want new members to join; those interested should call 410-749-6141 and speak to Mrs. Rhodes”
