Ready, set, action! If you have a budding filmmaker, they will not want to miss this exciting opportunity.

The James. R Halsey Foundation recently announced the launch of two exciting new filmmaking courses designed to help your young moviemaker learn the basics of film. Both courses will kick off on Wednesday, February 1st. Throughout the course, attendees will learn how to create a short film from pre- to post-production. The films will focus on bridging the gaps between generations and socioeconomic barriers in our society. If your child would like to get started, registration is available online here: Register – Let’s Film. The courses will be broken into the following two categories:

• Let’s Film Jr.: Let’s Film Jr. is an introductory class for children ages 10-14. The course will explore various concepts, including scriptwriting, lighting, sound, acting, and editing. This course is broken into 10-week sessions, with the first starting this February 1st and concluding on April 5th. If your child cannot make it to this first session, a second course will start on October 4th. Each session will run from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
• Let’s Film: Let’s Film is a year-long course for youth ages 14-18. The course is specifically recommended for youth with a strong interest in film and movies. Some critical skills young filmmakers will learn include script writing, conception, lighting, sound, acting techniques, and editing. These classes will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm starting February 1st. Through these classes, budding directors will gain the skills to create the next box office sensation.

Through the Let’s Film and Let’s Film Jr. courses, young creatives can work with local professors to learn the ins and outs of film and media. Students will also understand historical perspectives of topics being discussed and work with industry professionals to obtain hands-on skills. By the completion of this course, students will:

• Get involved with their community.
• Allow youth to have a voice in their community
• Obtain job-readiness training for a career in film and media
• Build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment
• Provide an alternative to sports and allow students to feel part of a team

Workshops like this are just a portion of the James R. Halsey Foundation’s incredible work to uplift and promote the arts. The Foundation engages youth ages 14-18 and provides students with a safe, nurturing environment to explore the arts. In addition, students are encouraged to foster an interest in creativity and are taught the necessary life skills to thrive in business and the arts.

Their mission statement states, “we believe that art — specifically filmmaking is therapeutic and provides a common language that allows us to expand our minds, bridging the gap between generations and breaking down socioeconomic barriers.” In addition to the practical knowledge, youth can enjoy transformative experiences they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

If your future filmmaker is ready to get behind the camera, register today. If you’d like to learn more about the James R. Halsey Foundation, additional information is available here: JRH Foundation – Home. In the words of the organization’s founder, Joseph A. Halsey, “don’t underestimate the power of the arts and creativity for their healing power and ability to change lives.”