The Process of Making Movie Magic - Summer Film Camp for 12-17 Yr Olds
A kid-friendly discussion regarding the fast-changing world revolving around Film & Television. We talk all things movies, plus the lights, camera, and action. including VFX, editing, music, photoshop, timelapse, stopmotion, & 3D CGI.
Eli Jarra
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(158)
Star Educator
What's included
20 live meetings
18 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students will be asked to take some pictures demonstrating some of the techniques learned in class using a digital camera. If the student so chooses, they can upload a few of their favorites for me to review.Class Experience
In this summer workshop, students will get a fundamental understanding of the process behind the scenes of a film set and learn what happens after filming has completed in the post-production phase of movie-making. Learners will also discover the four stages of movie-making and how to apply this new information to their own creations. Learners will have the option of doing a Show n' Tell in class showing off their efforts at various stages throughout the workshop based on the subject matter covered.
Learners are welcome to join in anytime. Each week, learners will have a broader understanding of the subject highlighted for that particular week. Below is a list of subjects we'll cover in the first few classes. Check back often as this list will continuously be updated.
There is no homework for this class and the only supplies you'll need are a pair of Anaglyph glasses (red/blue) for our 3D stereo class.
(link below)
Class topics & overview:
Introduction and overview of this class
Discuss the Four Stages of Movie-making
On Set Etiquette, Crew Positions, Lighting Department
Production Tools & Equipment, Production Set Designers, Prop Masters
Introduction To Cameras and the Camera Department
Camera Technology, Lenses, Shot Composition, Depth of Field
Introduction To Timelapse
Introduction To Stop Motion
Introduction To 3D Stereoscopic
Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR)
Aerial Cinematography, Slow Motion, Models & Miniatures, Astrophotography
Introduction To VFX
VFX Tools & Positions
Introduction To C.G.I.
Editing
Musical Scoring & Composition
Foley & Sound FX
Introduction To Photoshop
Mandalorian and Similar Virtual Production Shoots
55-60 minutes per class depending on questions asked. Ideal for ages 12-17.
We will also cover:
• taking a dive into the departments on set;
• learn about various crew positions associated with those departments;
• cover writers, directors, producers, lighting, camera, art, vfx and other
• departments with a peek behind the scenes on set.;
• showcase all camera types with demo of key camera components;
• lens dissection and the science behind the optics;
• introduction to depth of field and scene composition;
• discuss variable frame-rates (time-lapse, stop-motion, hi-speed/slow-motion);
• introduction of basic visual effects concepts;
• understanding of blue screen / green screen fundamentals;
• vfx methodologies and best practices;
• promote non-vanity style of filmmaking;
• inspire and encourage students to create their own productions;
Students are usually very curious about the process and we take time to
carefully address their questions as they arise.
There’s also some time taken to show how cameras work and best practices using
the various pieces of camera gear that might be accessible to kids in their own home
environment. It’s amazing to witness firsthand the creative wheels spinning in
these innovative minds and see how they can apply this new information to their
own creations.
Topics that are covered:
PRODUCTION:
• Process of Film / TV production;
• Essential crew positions and key roles;
• Breakdown of primary departments on set;
• Introduction to Cine cameras;
• Showcase most camera types (Cine, Dslr, Video, 3D, VR);
• Setup and assemble Cine cameras as demonstration;
• Basic understanding of the camera sensor;
• Showcase various lenses and explain how images travel through the optics;
• Discuss variable frame-rates (time-lapse, stop-motion, hi-speed/slow-motion);
• Camera dissection and assembly;
• Introduction to scene composition and depth of field;
• Breakdown of key lighting setups;
• Examples of light painting by adding color to your own creations;
• BTS – Behind the scenes breakdown
POST-PRODUCTION:
• Introduction to Post-Production;
• Discussion of the process after filming has completed;
• Importance of the Editing process;
• Breakdown of the Editorial, Color & Visual Effects departments;
• Introduction to Visual Effects;
• Understanding Blue Screen / Green Screen Fundamentals;
• Breaking down the VFX reel – showcase before/after shots;
• Introduction to Sound Mixing, Foley & ADR
This is on-Going Workshop takes deeper dives into all the topics mentioned in the Introductory class, giving the students a profound understanding of the process. If you feel uncertain as to how your learner might enjoy this workshop, please consider enrolling them in The Process of Visual Arts (sneak peak), a single-day introductory class covering many of the concepts illustrated above, allowing you to gauge their overall interest level in the subject.Learning Goals
STUDENT TAKEAWAYS:
• Inspire and encourage students to create their own productions;
• Promote non-vanity style of filmmaking;
• A better understanding of how cameras work;
• Expansion of their knowledge of Production and Post-Production;
• Visual Effects de-mystified;
• The ability to apply some of this newly learned information to their own creations!
• Their questions answered by an industry veteran of 25 years
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some of my sources may include visiting sites on the internet.
Below is a breakdown of each site that we will 'potentially' visit.
http://www.photopea.com
Website with Photoshop like tools for use with image editing.
I will teach learners how to edit their own photos using Photopea.com. Once there, learners will be able to follow along and edit their own photos using photoshop like editing tools available to the student via the webpage. No user account or registration is required.
https://roundme.com/@powrslave
Eli's 360 degree VR images
I will occasionally screen share to demonstrate VR image capture technology that I've used on shoots before.
My website at roundme.com/@powrslave contains sample VR 360 degree images I've taken in the field.
This will be only be used as visual examples in a screen-share session in class. No user account or registration is required.
http://nearpod.com
Kid games and trivia based on lessons learned in class.
This Outschool approved online source allows us to play games that challenge what we learned in class. It is quite possible that we won't utilize this resource based on our camp schedule. No user account or registration is required.
Supply List
Anaglyph 3D glasses (red & blue) on Amazon $10 https://amzn.to/3CEwgiy Access to a camera. Any digital camera will do, even a cell phone camera will be fine. Students will be asked to take some pictures using some of the techniques discussed in class. Students can upload one or two of their favorites for me to review.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
ABOUT ME:
Meet Eli Jarra, Senior Artist and VFX Supervisor in Los Angeles.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Eli graduated from Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts with a degree in Broadcasting. Over the span of his 25 year career, Eli has contributed to over 150 projects, including feature films – Avengers: Infinity War & Endgame,
Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain America: Civil War, Oblivion, Black Panther, Television series – Veep, True Detective, Big Little Lies, Survivor, Mad Men, Mozart in the Jungle, Grey’s Anatomy, Eastwick, Smallville.
Eli's work on Smallville has garnered him multiple VES Award nominations and two VES Awards: one for Outstanding Compositing in a Broadcast Program and the other for Best Matte Painting in a Live-Action Broadcast Program. He is a member of the Visual Effects Society, Academy of Television Arts & Science, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and The Planetary Society.
One of Eli’s funnest moments was working with Will Smith on Hitch. He says working in the new ACES color format on Oblivion and shooting high frame rate 3D stereo on dual Red cameras rank at the top of his greatest professional accomplishments. He is thankful to be able to work with the most talented and inspiring individuals in the industry.
Eli is excited to be developing content specifically designed for immersive technologies and is actively participating in the latest VR movement. He cites MC Esher, James Cameron, and Roger Deakins as his artistic influences and he would love the opportunity to work with Alex Proyas, Michel Gondry, and Gaspar Noê.
The best advice Eli has been given and embraces every day is “don’t make decisions when you’re angry”, “ignore the naysayers”, and, “happiness is having something to look forward to.”
Eli’s recent feature credits include:
• Jumanji 2
• Guardians of the Galaxy 2
• Captain Marvel
• Black Panther
• Thor: Ragnarok
• The Revenant
• Ant Man
• Dolphin Tale 2
• Avengers: Age of Ultron
• Captain America – Civil War
• Noah
• Avengers: Endgame
• Avengers: Infinity War
• Spider-Man: Homecoming
• Social Network
• The Internship
• Oblivion
• Ant-Man and the Wasp
• The Revenant
• The Amazing Spiderman
• The Internship
• SpaceJam
INTRODUCTION:
Hello! My name is Eli Jarra.
My job often brings many challenges and rewards when working in Film & Television. It's something I've been doing for a long time and something I find very rewarding. As people would inquire into what I did for a living, I found they were intrigued by hearing about the behind-the-scenes of some of their favorite movies or TV shows.
A few years ago, in 2013-2017 I started speaking about some of these experiences to the kids at Pinecrest Schools here in southern California. The presentations quickly evolved into more elaborate breakdowns of the various departments.
Kids found this not only compelling but extremely inspiring as well. Since then, I continue enriching students with the process of what it takes to get a movie to the big screen.
I encourage students to keep an open mind about what they’re learning in regards to the importance of teamwork and professionalism on-set. By breaking down and simplifying the process, my goals are to give them the confidence and courage they need to implement some of this new information into their own creations. I plant a seed of curiosity where they can imagine themselves as a writer or director, or perhaps a cinematographer filming on camera or setting up lights, maybe seeing themselves building something special in the art department.
I try and cover the many different roles on set and well as in post-production where I discuss editorial and sound, color and visual effects. These are the departments that are instrumental to completing the project once production has wrapped.
At present, I speak to a variety of age groups, starting from 4th grade all the way to high school. I have also done a master class with the Animayo animation festival and WonderConn.
I find presenting and teaching to these young minds quite rewarding, sometimes even more so than the actual movie work itself!
That’s why I created the class “The Process of Visual Arts”.
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CLASS POLICIES:
1) Age Range:
My Process of Visual Art classes are ideal for students between 4th through 8th grades. I’m open to high school learners if they fall within an age range of five years.
2) I aim to keep classes close to the scheduled amount of time, however, classes with low enrollments or especially talkative students may run a few minutes under or a few minutes over.
3) If a class does not meet the minimum enrollment requirements, I will contact the parents and learners to confirm they want to continue class 24 hours before class is scheduled to begin. I will teach the class unless the parent or learner requests to transfer to a more-full section.
4) Classes will begin at the scheduled time, even if all learners are not in the classroom (unless there appears to be a technical issue). I will not contact absent learners during class time so I can focus on the learners who are present. However, I will contact absent learners after to transfer them to another section.
5) If no learners are in the classroom, I will wait 10 minutes before exiting the classroom. In this situation, I will contact the families after I have left the classroom to transfer learners to a new section.
6) Due to the copyrighted nature of the material I will be presenting, I will NOT be able to provide classroom recordings afterwards. I’m really sorry about that, studios make it very difficult to publically release their intellectual property even for educational purposes.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$495
for 20 classes2x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
1-10 learners per class
