Reel Works Virtual Summer Lab

The Summer Lab is a four-week intensive workshop for rising 9th and 10th graders to create experimental films.  Regardless of their prior experience level, students tell their stories through creative experimentation, understanding camera angles and composition,  creating an emotional experience through video editing, and even designing custom foley sound effects.

This year, we are offering both a live and virtual Summer Lab serving a total of 20 young filmmakers!

Student Lisa Iizuka shared, “I learned a lot about all of the components in filmmaking. It was fun to create all the small films and the games we play in the beginning of class are really fun!”

Students and peer mentors alike have found ways to keep this process of creative discovery fun in the virtual world.  Cinema-themed editions of classic games like Simon Says, Scattergories, Jeopardy!, and even scavenger hunts not only reinforce the new vocabulary and skills that they have honed, but also build meaningful relationships and trust among their fellow artists, whether in-person or remotely.  

Student Aaron Aponte shared, “I love how I am able to relate to others and I’ve been having fun doing the assignments and activities.”

By surveying over 130 years of cinema history from a myriad of cultures, artistic movements, and legendary filmmakers from all backgrounds, genders, and identities, our eager students have been able to create avant-garde, hilarious, moving, and through-provoking artistic statements.  Like every year before it, the Experimental Filmmaking Summer Lab has been an unforgettable and encouraging opportunity to show students that –– regardless of their young age –– they can create genuine art that speaks and connects.