Kids: Acting for Film
Ages: 10 to 13 (5th through 8th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $200

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 21 - Nov. 9Mondays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 21/28)Nov. 30 - Feb. 1Mondays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 15 - Apr. 5Mondays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmClass in Progress
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 26 - Jun. 14Mondays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you love acting? Do you dream of one day seeing yourself on the big screen?

Acting in front of a camera, lights, and crew is both fun and challenging and our Acting for Film class can show you what it's all about.

Using a variety of acting exercises and games, the students improve their craft and gain confidence.

Each week, students are given a new scene to learn and perform. Each performance will be filmed so the actors learn how to work with a camera, lights, and sound.

Additionally, we focus on the many skills unique to film acting: knowing your frame, your eye-line, your mark, and even tricks for making each take count.

Finally, during the last class, friends and family are welcome to attend as we watch a select group of our best performances.

Adults: Acting for Film
Ages: 18 and Up

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $300

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 21 - Nov. 9Mondays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 21/28)Nov. 30 - Feb. 1Mondays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 15 - Apr. 5Mondays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 26 - Jun. 14Mondays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you love acting? Do you dream of one day seeing yourself on the big screen?

Acting in front of a camera, lights, and crew is both fun and challenging and our Acting for Film class can show you what it's all about.

Each week, everyone is given a new scene to learn and perform. Each performance will be filmed so the actors learn how to work with a camera, lights, and sound.

Additionally, we focus on the many skills unique to film acting: knowing your frame, your eye-line, your mark, and even tricks for making each take count.

Finally, each actor will have their best work cut into a reel that they can use professionally.

Teens: Acting for Film
Ages: 14 to 17 (9th through 12th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $200

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 22 - Nov. 10Tuesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 22/29)Dec. 1 - Feb. 2Tuesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 16 - Apr. 6Tuesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 27 - Jun. 15Tuesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you love acting? Do you dream of one day seeing yourself on the big screen?

Acting in front of a camera, lights, and crew is both fun and challenging and our Acting for Film class can show you what it's all about.

Using a variety of acting exercises and games, the students improve their craft and gain confidence.

Each week, students are given a new scene to learn and perform. Each performance will be filmed so the actors learn how to work with a camera, lights, and sound.

Additionally, we focus on the many skills unique to film acting: knowing your frame, your eye-line, your mark, and even tricks for making each take count.

Finally, during the last class, friends and family are welcome to attend as we watch a select group of our best performances.

Filmmaking for Adults
Ages: 18 and Up

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $300

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 22 - Nov. 10Tuesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 22/29)Dec. 1 - Feb. 2Tuesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 16 - Apr. 6Tuesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmClass in Progress
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 27 - Jun. 15Tuesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you love movies and want to know how to create your own? Have you made a film and are looking to improve your craft? Our Filmmaking for Adults class can show you how to begin and make your own high quality film.

The course will cover all five stages of filmmaking: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and Release.

During our eight weeks together, we will write, shoot, and edit a short film.

Everyone gets a chance to be in front of and behind the camera, as we learn to work with the equipment (camera, lights, sound, and more) on our shoot.

Finally, we will discuss your personal goals, so that you are ready to hit the ground running with your own projects.

Filmmaking for Kids
Ages: 10 to 13 (5th through 8th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $200

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 23 - Nov. 11Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 23/30)Dec. 2 - Feb. 3Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 17 - Apr. 7Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 28 - Jun. 16Wednesdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Working together, the kids learn all about filmmaking by making films.

We start with screenwriting - the art of making up and telling a good story. Children are natural storytellers and we help them shape their stories into short films.

Next, we move on to the equipment, where each child gets a chance to be in front of and behind the camera as we shoot: short movies, documentaries, music videos, and even special effects with green screen.

Finally, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Introduction to Screenwriting
Ages: 18 and Up

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $300

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 23 - Nov. 11Wednesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 23/30)Dec. 2 - Feb. 3Wednesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 17 - Apr. 7Wednesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 28 - Jun. 16Wednesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you have a story stuck in your head that would make a great movie? Have you tried to learn screenwriting from a book and are frustrated with the progress you've made? Our Introduction to Screenwriting class can demystify screenplay format and three-act structure and show you how to get a compelling story on the page.

Throughout the course, we focus on different aspects of the craft. We watch scenes from Hollywood and Independent movies and look at the actual screenplays that created them.

We read from each other's scripts and learn how to idenitify what works, what doesn't, and how to improve.

Each week, there will be specific writing exercises designed to challenge and motivate you while you learn the craft of screenwriting.

Finally, once you have a completed work you're proud of, we'll talk about agents, screenplay contests, and how to get your script read and produced.

Filmmaking for Teens
Ages: 14 to 17 (9th through 12th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $200

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 24 - Nov. 12Thursdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 24/31)Dec. 3 - Feb. 4Thursdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 18 - Apr. 8Thursdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 29 - Jun. 17Thursdays 5:30 pm to 7:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Working together, the teenagers learn all about filmmaking by making films.

We look at Hollywood and Independent movies and screenplays, discovering how films are made. We create our own short scripts and learn how stories go from the page to production.

Next, we move on to the equipment, where everyone gets a chance to be in front of and behind the camera as we shoot: short movies, documentaries, music videos, and even special effects with green screen.

Finally, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Advanced Screenwriting
Ages: 18 and Up

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $300

Dates and Times:
Session 1Eight WeeksSep. 24 - Nov. 12Thursdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 2Eight Weeks (no Dec. 24/31)Dec. 3 - Feb. 4Thursdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm No Longer Available
Session 3Eight WeeksFeb. 18 - Apr. 8Thursdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmNo Longer Available
Session 4Eight WeeksApr. 29 - Jun. 17Thursdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you have experience writing screenplays, but you want to take your craft to the next level? Are you stuck in the middle of a script and can't find your way out? Do you have a story you believe in, but need help polishing for contests, agents, and producers? Our Advanced Screewriting class is designed to answer these questions and more.

Throughout the course, we focus on different aspects of the craft: story, character, dialogue, subtext, structure, arcs, etc. We watch scenes from Hollywood and Independent movies and look at the actual screenplays that created them as we learn tips from the pros.

We read from each other's scripts and learn how to idenitify what works, what doesn't, and how to improve.

Each week, there will be specific writing exercises designed to challenge and motivate you while you continue to learn the craft of screenwriting.

Finally, we pay particular attention on how to "market" yourself and your screenplays to contests, agents, and producers.

As a prerequisite for this class, you must have already taken "Introduction to Screenwriting" or you need to submit a writing sample for approval.

Blood, Guts, and Guns
Ages: 14 and Up

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructors: Chris Messineo and Chris Furlong

Cost: $150

Dates and Times:
1 DayJun. 26Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Do you love special effects? Do you want to film a realistic, but safe, action scene? Are you passionate about horror movies, or do you just want to bring the undead to life? Blood, Guts, and Guns is all about taking the mystery out of great-looking but easy to perform special effects.

In the morning, we focus on inexpensive and classic practical solutions as our victim gets punched, cut, stabbed, and hit in the head with a baseball bat.

After a break for lunch, we explore simple digital tricks as we burn, shoot, and rip the heart out of our prey.

Plus, as a special bonus, learn our recipe for edible blood with ingredients found in your very own kitchen.

Filmmaker's Camp for Kids
Ages: 10 to 13 (entering 5th through 8th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $400

Dates and Times:
Session 1Two WeeksJul. 12 - Jul. 23Monday - Friday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pmSpace Still Available
Session 2Two WeeksJul. 26 - Aug. 6Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Working together, the kids learn all about filmmaking by making films.

Every day the students work with professional gear as they learn the craft of filmmaking.

Each child gets a chance to be in front of and behind the camera as we shoot: short movies, documentaries, music videos, and even special effects with green screen.

Finally, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Filmmaker's Camp for Teens
Ages: 14 to 17 (entering 9th through 12th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $400

Dates and Times:
Session 1Two WeeksJul. 12 - Jul. 23Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 pmSpace Still Available
Session 2Two WeeksJul. 26 - Aug. 6Monday - Friday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pmSpace Still Available

Description: Working together, the teenagers learn all about filmmaking by making films.

Every day the students work with professional gear as they learn the craft of filmmaking.

Everyone gets a chance to be in front of and behind the camera as we shoot: short movies, documentaries, music videos, and even special effects with green screen.

Finally, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Teen's Filmmaking Intensive
Ages: 14 to 17 (entering 9th through 12th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $600

Dates and Times:
Two WeeksAug. 9 - Aug. 20Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pmSpace Still Available

Description: The intensive class is designed for the teen who loves the craft of filmmaking as much as the actual movies.

Students will be challenged to develop their own stories and three scripts will be selected for production. Cast and crew (cinematographer, sound, editor, director, and more) will be assigned for each short film we shoot, as the teens bring their vision to life.

As always, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Prerequisite: Prior NJ Film School class or instructor approval.

Kid's Filmmaking Intensive
Ages: 10 to 13 (entering 5th through 8th grade)

Class Size: Limited to 10 Students

Instructor: Chris Messineo

Cost: $600

Dates and Times:
Two WeeksAug. 9 - Aug. 20Monday - Friday 1:30 pm to 4:30 pmSpace Still Available

Description: The intensive class is designed for the kid who loves the craft of filmmaking as much as the actual movies.

Students will be challenged to develop their own stories and three scripts will be selected for production. Cast and crew (cinematographer, sound, editor, director, and more) will be assigned for each short film we shoot, as the kids bring their vision to life.

As always, at the end of the last class, we encourage friends and family to come and see the films we have created.

Prerequisite: Prior NJ Film School class or instructor approval.