New Filmmaking Programs for Teens at CSU's Film School

The Odyssey Program at Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts, created through the generosity of Lee and Ageleke Zapis, offers a range of programs for high school students (aged 13-18) interested in filmmaking. Through interactive workshops, film screenings, focused activities, and visits from special guest speakers, Odyssey participants learn storytelling, screenwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, editing and much more as they create their own original films in a fun and collaborative environment. From online after school programs for beginners to immersive in-person one and three week summer camps, the Odyssey Program provides experiential learning opportunities for young film fanatics of all skill levels.

The 2021 slate of programs includes a weekly online after school course on film fundamentals in the spring, with Tuesday sessions occurring via Zoom from March 9-April 27. In the summer, students can choose from a variety of in-person camp options, beginning with an experiential three-week camp from June 14-July 2, followed by three one-week intensive camps that focus on acting and directing (July 12-18), documentary production (July 19-25), and postproduction (July 26-August 1).

Learn more about program costs and registration at csufilmodyssey.com

Online in the Spring:

Odyssey Online After School: Film Fundamentals

March 9-April 27, 2021

Weekly Online Sessions -- Tuesdays, 4:00-7:00pm

This eight-week interactive online course teaches fundamental skills in in film analysis, story development, screenwriting, production, and postproduction. Meeting weekly via Zoom during an eight week period, students learn the fundamentals of film production through lectures and interactive activities conducted by an expert instructor from the School of Film & Media Arts. As part of the course, students will each create an original short film that will be screened at an online film festival, to be held on Tuesday, April 27.

While working on fun assignments designed to spark creativity, students will also hear from an array of industry professionals who will provide pointers and advice about careers in film. Past speakers have included Evan Miller, Executive Director of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, screenwriting partners Alex Sherman and Alyssa Lane (Bless This Mess, People of Earth, and Upload), production coordinator Mike Wendt, and film composer Paul Francis Zegarac.

Students also learn the fundamentals of film analysis by viewing curated films each week and breaking down their elements during instructor-led discussions. Online camp counselors will also be available during dedicated office hours to the guide the students through the creative process and an online discussion group allows students to connect with each other outside of class sessions.

In-Person in the Summer:

During the in-person summer camps, students see behind the scenes and learn how the film industry actually works through special guest lectures and site visits to real-world media environments. Outside of class, residential students get a preview of college life by staying in Cleveland State University dorms and experiencing Cleveland’s robust cultural offerings through scheduled trips and activities.

With access to the film school’s professional soundstages, Mac editing labs, and vast inventory of film production equipment, expert instructors aided by CSU film student camp counselors help students hone their skills while finding their creative community and making friends during these activity-packed experiences.

All meals are provided for residential students and breakfast and lunch is provided for day camp students.

Odyssey Program Experiential Three Week Summer Camp

June 14-July 2, 2021

Residential and Day Camp options

Live, eat, sleep, dream, and create films with the students and faculty of the School of Film & Media Arts at this immersive three-week summer film camp that teaches storytelling, film literacy, screenwriting, acting for the camera, directing, shot composition, cinematography, lighting, editing and much more in a fun and collaborative environment.

As The Odyssey Program’s most robust and comprehensive experience for young filmmakers, this three week camp offers workshops on a broad array of film topics, including film analysis, production techniques, set etiquette, screenwriting, sound design, editing, screen performance, set design, effects makeup, directing, and more!

Odyssey Intensive: Acting and Directing

Residential: July 12-July 18, 2021

Day Camp: July 12-July 16, 2021

Nail your next audition and learn to work with actors as a director at this new one-week intensive day and residential summer camp focused on the crafts of acting and directing.

During the week, students hone their skills in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes with interactive workshops designed to develop strong acting and directing technique. After learning core concepts, students will collaborate on scene studies that will be staged for the camera and filmed using professional film production equipment. Film screenings and special guest lectures add depth to the intensive curriculum.

At the conclusion of the program, students will be provided with an edited “reel” to add to their portfolios.

Odyssey Intensive: Documentary Production

Residential: July 19-July 25, 2021

Day Camp: July 19-July 23, 2021

Learn to tell stories from the world around you at this new one-week intensive day and residential summer camp that teaches the art of documentary production.

During the week, students will learn the fundamentals of non-fiction storytelling, become familiar with a variety of documentary styles, and acquire basic filmmaking skills through interactive workshops. Film screenings of exceptional documentaries will illuminate the form, as well as special guest lectures from industry professionals who will speak about their experiences in the field.

Working independently or part of a group, students will use filmmaking techniques they learn to create a short documentary film, which will be screened in a show on the final day of the program.

Odyssey Intensive: Postproduction

Residential: July 26-August 1, 2021

Day Camp: July 26-July 30, 2021

Learn how to mix creativity with technology and fix it in post with this new one-week intensive day and residential summer camp that teaches skills in postproduction.

With full access to the film school’s Mac editing labs and using Adobe Premiere and AVID, students learn how editing techniques deliver and enhance narrative with activity-filled workshops on a variety of topics related to postproduction, visual effects, and sound mixing and design.

Along with illustrative film screenings and special guest lectures from industry professionals, students complete several individual projects as they work to hone their postproductions skills.

Contact Odyssey Program Coordinator Valerie Temple at odyssey@csuohio.edu.