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Fresh Films FAQs

 

What is Fresh Films?
Fresh Films is the only national filmmaking program where the teens replace the pros. You and a team of teen filmmakers will have six intense days to make your film. No experience necessary!!

 

Is this a camp?
No horseback riding here! Fresh Films is an action-packed six-days of filmmaking, where you and your team will report daily from 9-5 all days of the week. Shoot day will be reserved for an all-day shoot!

 

Who is eligible for Fresh Films?
You must be between the ages of 13-19 during production.

 

I have no experience in film. Is that a big deal?
There is absolutely no experience necessary to be on a Fresh Films crew! You just need to have a passion for filmmaking and a willingness to make a film with a team of teen filmmakers. We'll fill you in on the rest! Just let us know in your application!

 

Where and when will Fresh Films crews be filming?
The Fresh Films Feature program will be producing in Chicago during Fall 2011. To take advantage of days off, we’ll work across two weekends, producing the film on November 5-6, and November 10-13. You must be available all production dates to participate in the program.!

 

How is this different from your Fresh Films summer program?
The Fresh Films Feature is just like Fresh Films — where teens are responsible for all aspects of the production. The only difference here — is that you'll be creating a short film, that is actually 2 scenes from our Feature film script. The film can stand alone — but we’ll also use it to pitch funders on helping us produce the full-length script!

 

How do I enter to become a Fresh Films Filmmaker?
Sign up for our mailing list and you'll get exciting announcements and other opportunities delivered to your email inbox.

 

Do I need to live in Chicago to be on the Film Crew?
No. You can live in any city, any state... but here's the catch: you must get to Chicago. Fresh Films will not pay for your travel or accommodations.

 

Do I HAVE to answer the 100-word essay questions on the application?
Yes! It's how we determine your passion for filmmaking and choose our crews.

 

Can I enter for my friends?
Not if you want to run the risk of them make the crew instead of you. We evaluate each filmmaker on their individual entry, so encourage your friends to sign up on their own – it's really easy!

 

So wait, I am going to Hollywood to make a film?
No. Fresh Films Feature is producing in Chicago this November. If you're selected to be a part a Fresh Films crew, you will come to Fresh Films Headquarters at 1807 W. Sunnyside in Chicago.  You will be responsible for getting to and from production headquarters and the shoot locations.

 

So you're gonna give me money to make my film?
Sorry, no film grants. But we will teach you the producing, directing and editing skills you will need to create your own short film.

 

What do I have to buy?
Nothing! There is no purchase necessary to submit to apply to be a filmmaker or to submit your screenplay to the Fresh Films program.

 

How much is this program going to cost me?
There are no tuition or application fees for Fresh Films. But, you do have to arrange your own transportation to and from the production headquarters and film shoot. Fresh Films does not provide transportation or housing.

 

What happens during the Fresh Films production week?
You're going to learn how to make a movie, then you're going to make one! Interns from previous Fresh Films seasons along with professional filmmakers will teach you everything you need to know in an intensive, six-day filmmaking production..

 

You'll get tech training on all the equipment, business training from producers who will teach you how to arrange for film permits, craft services and so much more. Industry training will walk you through the process of arranging auditions, making callbacks, and rehearsals.

 

You'll make a shot-by-shot storyboard for your script, and on shoot day, you'll get in there and actually make that film. When the shoot is over, you'll return to headquarters and start editing your masterpiece. Every crew member will work on every aspect of the film, so when you're finished, you'll be able to really say, "I made this movie!"

 

If you want to know how we smash all this action into one week, check out the production schedule on our
Production Sneak Peek Page!

 

I don't have a car. Are you gonna drive me to the Fresh Films Headquarters?
No. If you are chosen to be on the Fresh Films Feature crew, you are responsible for getting to and from the Fresh Films Headquarters and to the shoot location.

 

I already have a crew including actors. Can we make my film?
Sounds like you're well on your way – congratulations! Fresh Films, however, is a team-oriented experience, from start to finish. Our program isn't designed to produce any one filmmaker's vision. But, we certainly hope you go on to make your own short films!

 

Can I be the director?
No one filmmaker will be selected over another to serve in any crew position for the duration of the production week. As a Fresh Films Filmmaker, you will rotate through several crew positions, including camera, sound, assistant director, etc. Our instructors will act as the producer, director and technical director of the films, but they will work closely with your team, teaching you all aspects of those roles.

 

What equipment are we gonna use?
Get ready to start drooling! You will be handed HD camera equipment and provided professional editing stations where you'll be teamed up with Fresh Films grads to create your film and learn the fundamentals of production, shooting and editing a short film in just six days.

 

I want to be on the crew AND act in the film. Is that possible?
Sorry, no. We LOVE multi-taskers, but if you're selected to be on the Fresh Films crew, we will need you to participate strictly behind the camera. Unless you're George Clooney, odds are you won't get to be in front and behind the camera!

 

I just want to act in the film. Do I have to be a professional actor?
There is no experience necessary to audition and act in our Fresh Films! Whether you star in your high school's musical or your family's Christmas talent show (how embarrassing!), all actors (union, non-union or enthusiastic newcomers) are encouraged to come to our open casting calls to try out for a paid role in one of our films.

 

We'll send out an eblast with casting call information sign up here!


Where will the film be shown?
The Fresh Films Feature “teaser” will be shown online at fresh-films.com. We will spread the word to media, bloggers and potential funders. We encourage all participating film crew members to tag, like, share and promote the film as well. Because the more people who see your work, the more likely we’ll get funding to produce the full-length teen-created feature film! 

Are you making this stuff up?
It's completely true! We'll prove it to you! Check out our website to view last year's films.

How do I intern with Fresh Films?
Interns are chosen from our Fresh Films alumni. Once you've participated in the Fresh Films program, you will receive information on how to apply to be an intern for the following year.

What about the Fresh Films Summer program, do you still go to different cities each summer and make short films?
What about the Fresh Films Summer program – do you still go to different cities each summer and make short films? The original Fresh Films short film program runs every summer, engaging teen creatives to make short films in just 7-days. The original program launched in Chicago in 2002, then across the U.S.A. starting in 2004 We generally produce 6 or more film each season – and produce each film in a different city. The short-film "tour" is traditionally in the summer, although we have produced during Spring and Fall Break too! Stay tuned for more information!


Have a question you're sure we didn't answer? email us at info@dreamingtreefilms.com.

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