James Clemens Filmmaking Camp to start June 3

MADISON – Calling all prospective movie moguls! Aspiring filmmakers can gain a deeper understanding of the craft at the 2024 JETSpress Filmmaking Summer Camp at James Clemens High School.

Students at any school who will enter fifth through ninth grade this fall are eligible to attend the camp. Campers will report for sessions on June 3-7 from 9 a.m. to noon at James Clemens.

“We hope your child will enjoy this informative and fun camp exploring all aspects of the filmmaking process. Throughout five days, your child will experience writing, directing, filming and editing,” film and TV production teacher Clay Combs said.

JETSpress students from James Clemens will serve as camp counselors. (At James Clemens, students begin in the Arts Audio/Video Academy with “Introduction to TV Production” and then can advance to film with JETSpress.)

“JETSpress Summer Camp is meant to offer upper elementary and middle school students a glimpse into filmmaking. The camp is broken into several film crews. These crews are separated by age,” Combs said.

To begin the week, counselors introduce students to the three-act structure, proper script format and storyboarding. “Next, campers learn about camera techniques, audio and lighting with our industry-standard equipment,” Combs said.

“Finally, students learn the process of editing as they cut their footage into a memorable film. At the end of the week, I hope students walk away feeling accomplished and are proud of the movie they made. I hope they share it with their friends and family,” Combs said.

Campers do not need any experience. “The camp is taught by a dozen award-winning student filmmakers, several of whom began the program with our summer camp,” Combs said.

The first third of the camp covers all pre-production elements (brainstorming, scriptwriting, storyboarding, staging and blocking). The next third of time involves production, including equipment, camera use and technique, types of microphones and audio equipment, types of lights and lighting basics.

“The final third focuses on editing techniques. The final day ends with pizza and a short film festival showcasing all the films made throughout the week,” Combs said.

In past years, campers have produced music videos, slapstick comedies, dramas and, of course, horror films at JETSpress Summer Camp.

Camp fee is $75 and includes a camp T-shirt, download code for all student films, daily snacks, lunch on Friday with a screening of all camp films and a link to their movie. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the premiere of all films on June 7.

Prospective campers can mail a check (payable to James Clemens) to James Clemens High School, 11306 County Line Road, Madison, AL 35756. Or, campers can take the check to James Clemens front office on Monday-Thursday.

Deadline to register/pay is May 29. The camp will accept the first 50 students. To register, visit forms.gle/CzJtfKfL336PAsNm8.

For more information, call Combs at 256-216-5313, email ccombs@madisoncity.k12.al.us or visit Facebook/JETSpress JCHS.