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 a short film. We're talking a knockdown, drag-out, killer short film written by a young, emerging screenwriter, and produced, shot and edited by your team. No experience necessary!

Once the films premiere online, your movie will go into a head-to-head competition with the other Fresh Films crews! Whichever film wins the most votes scores all the fame and glory.

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 13-18 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 this fall?
The Fresh Films Fall Break Crews will be producing in Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco from October 7 - 12th!

How is this different from your Fresh Films summer program?
The Fresh Films Fall Break program is very similar to our other Fresh Films programs (Fresh Films Spring Break and Fresh Films Summer). In all Fresh Films programs, TEENS REPLACE THE PROS! We create film crews across the USA and an all-teen crew works together to make a short film. Completed films premiere online for a world-wide viewing and voting.

The differences in the Fresh Films Fall Break program are:

• This program happens in Fall, not spring break or summer like our other programs. Duh!
• Filmmakers are responsible for their travel to and from the Film Crew Headquarters every day
• The all-teen crew will have 6 days to make their short film from start to finish. The film will be edited at the Fresh Films Staff members.
• Each year we choose different locations to shoot our Fresh Films short films. The Fall Break program will be producing films in Chicago, Los Angles and San Francisco

How do I enter to become a Fresh Films Filmmaker?
Fill out the online application. Applications for the Fresh Films Fall Break program are currently being accepted until September 13th.

You should apply for the film crew closest to your home (i.e. if you live in Milwaukee, you should apply for Chicago, not Los Angeles.) While you're welcome to apply for a spot in any city, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING DURING PRODUCTION. That's why we suggest you stick close to home!

And, when you fill out your application, we'll be asking you two questions. Be ready to answer those questions in a hundred words or fewer, because that could be your ticket onto one of our teen film crews!

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 Fall Break crews will be shooting in 3 cities to produce a short film in six days. If you're selected to be a part a Fresh Films crew, you will come to Fresh Films Headquarters in your production city, locations to be announced. 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 adult instructors, will teach you everything you need to know in an intensive, seven-day filmmaking boot camp.

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 crew, you are responsible for getting to and from the Fresh Films Headquarters and 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.

Who gets to write the script?
YOU, quite possibly. Scripts for the Fresh Films Fall Break program are written by young and emerging screenwriters. If you're more of a screenwriter than a filmmaker (or if you're a multi-talented allstar), check out the Fresh Films Fresh Writers program.

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 one of the Fresh Films. 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!

Can I apply as a crew member for any Fresh Films crews?
You can… but you'd have to pay your own way to get to the city, and you'd have hotel accommodations, too. Not to mention getting to and from headquarters and set! It's certainly been done before so if you have the means go for it!

Fresh Films does not pay for transportation or accommodations, which is why we encourage you to apply for the city nearest to you. If you're going to do it, make sure you mention in your essay that you could get to the city.

What is this online vote-off business?
It's great to make a film but who cares if no one sees it. Fresh Films will also teach all the filmmakers how to go out and market your film once its complete. Fresh Films will host an online premiere of all three Fall Break films and each film will compete in an online vote-off for the Viewers Choice Award at www.fresh-films.com. www.fresh-films.com.

What kind of prize do we get for winning?

You win the experience of a lifetime. Having been selected for one of 30 crew spots from the thousands of teens who enter, and get the six day Fresh Films filmmaking experience! Not to mention you now have a FILM to put on your resume.

If your film wins the Viewer's Choice Award, your crew will win major prizes. We're still cooking up the perfect prize for the crowning achievement, but last year's winning crew scored laptops and editing software.. .just sayin!

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.

How will I know if I am accepted onto a Fresh Films crew?
We will contact you via email and phone with more information!

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