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 seven 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!

What is the Fresh Films REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema program?
Fresh Films started in 2004 as a summer program. And this year, the REESE'S Puffs^® cereal brand teamed up with Fresh Films to create our first ever Spring Break-timed Fresh Films program. We’ve called if REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema in celebration of the extraordinary ideas and talents that we’ve seen in teens. 

So, just like Fresh Films the REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema is a 7-day intensive week of filmmaking. Same filmmaking, just in a different part of the year (Spring Break, instead of summer!)

How do I enter to become a Fresh Films REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema crew member?
Applications are now closed. Stay Tuned on our mailing list to receive opportunity updates about our other upcoming programs.

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 making 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!

Where and when will Fresh Films REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema be produced?
The program will happen in Los Angeles, California and is currently scheduled from Sunday March 14, 2010 to Saturday March 20, 2010. 

Wait, how do I get out to Los Angeles, California? I don’t live there!
We’ll be flying you and your chaperone (i.e. mom/dad/aunt/uncle) to Los Angeles for the 7-day week of production. We’ll also provide your hotel accommodations and ground transportation once you’re in Los Angeles. You’ll need to get yourself to the airport, and pay for some of your meals while in L.A. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered. (Thank you — REESE'S Puffs^® cereal!)

This is this a filmmaking camp?
No horseback riding here! Fresh Films is an action-packed week of filmmaking, where you and your team will report daily from 9-5 Sunday-Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Thursday will be reserved for an all-day shoot! Check out the Production Sneak Peek.

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.

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 of the filmmaking know-how — from camera to continuity!

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

How much is this program going to cost me?
There are no tuition or application fees for Fresh Films. You will be provided hotel accomodations and flight travel to and from Los Angeles for you and your chaperone (ground travel if you live in the L.A. area).

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 our team of professional directors and producers, will work with you, showing you everything you need to know in an intensive, seven-day filmmaking experience.

You'll get tech training on all the equipment plus production training from producers who will show you how to arrange for film permits, craft services, actor auditions, 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, there’s no standing around on a Fresh Films set.  P.s. for more info see the Production Sneak Peek.

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 producer, director and technical director will work closely with your team, teaching you all aspects of those roles.

Who gets to write the script?
YOU, quite possibly. Scripts for Fresh Films are written by young and emerging screenwriters. If you're more a script person than a film person (or if you're a multi-talented all-star), 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 interns to create your film and learn the fundamentals of production, shooting and editing a short film in just 7 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. 

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, 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. Casting Calls will be held on the 1st Sunday of each production week. We'll post the casting call locations on our talent page. Stay tuned for times and locations.

What kind of prize do we get for winning?
First, there's being selected for one of 18 crew spots from the thousands of teens who enter, and getting the 7-day Fresh Films filmmaking experience! The crew’s film that garners the most votes will also win a $1,000 scholarship plus a Flip Ultra HD (or similar camera technology).

Who is eligible for the Fresh Films REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema program?
For the Spring-Break timed REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema program, entry is limited to teens 13-18 years of age as of March 1, 2010 who are currently enrolled in Junior High or High School or similar home-school or have taken High-School classes during the 2009-2010 school year, entrant must also be living in the continental U.S.

Hey, I’m over 18 (and/or I’ve already graduated High School) do you have any opportunities for me?
Absolutely. To name quite a few, we’ve got our Fresh Films summer program with filmmaking opportunities for 14-19 year olds. We need screenwriters and you can be up to age 24 for that. If you’re a musician, you can submit a soundtrack (no age requirement.)  And the producers behind Fresh Films produce a whole host of other creative programs for youth. Check out our other opportunities.
 
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.

Are you making this stuff up?
And yet, it's completely true! We'll prove it to you! Check out our past years in the film vault and behind the scenes.

How will I know if I am accepted onto a Fresh Films REESE'S Puffs Extraordinary Cinema crew?
We will contact you via email and phone with more information during the month of February.

Have a question you're sure we didn't answer? email us at info@fresh-films.com. Also, be sure to read the official rules.