Director's Gold Program

May 29 – June 11

Apply now for an opportunity to direct your own film under the eye of a professional team. From writing, shot-listing, location scouting, working with talented actors, shooting with a professional crew, editing, and screening your film in a movie theater, this two-week program cannot be matched.

We accept directors to our program based on ability and passion.

Apply Now

COURSE OUTLINE

Develop script with mentor before program begins.
Arrive with a solid first draft of a 3-2-1 script to shoot. (3-2-1 format is 3 pages, 2 characters, 1 location)
Directors learn to focus on character, story and actor performance.
Learn to direct and rehearse with experienced actors (cast by MFI).
Attend lectures that will teach basics in camera, sound & lighting, and editing.
Shoot your film with an experienced cinematographer.
Edit your film under the guidance of MFI editors.
On the final day, sit back with popcorn to see your film on the big screen at the Greenport Movie Theater.

Program Schedule

8:00–9:00am: Breakfast, Daily Announcements

9:30–12:30pm: Workshops and study in the first week, shooting and editing in the second week.

12:30-1:30pm: Lunch

1:30–5:00pm: Workshops and study in the first week, shooting and editing in the second week.

5:00-6:30pm: Free Time

6:30–7:30pm: Dinner

8:00–10:00pm: Screenings/Lectures/Rehearsals/Writing Sessions

10:00–11:00pm: Free Time

11:00pm: Lights out

Screen your MFI Student Film as part of our local film festival at the Greenport movie theater on the final day! Our program includes two celebrity film screenings with Q&A.

Students will be supervised with a ratio of 5 students per 1 adult. Our counselors are all prior students, chosen for their ability to lead, and for their talent as filmmakers.

Course and offerings subject to change at owners’ discretion and based on faculty and guest artists’ availability.

HOUSING

MFI directors will be living on 52 acres on the Long Island Sound at Peconic Dunes in Southold, NY This unique venue provides various housing options amidst nature trails that criss-cross cranberry bogs and sand dunes leading to 1000 feet of private beach. The Dune Shacks are cabins with bathrooms. A shower house is just steps away. The two Sandcastle cabins are dorm-style living with three to a room and shared baths and showers.

We are excited about this new venue. A filmmaker’s experience can only benefit by living among nature. Living in nature and focusing on art provides the perfect opportunity to clear one’s mind from everyday chatter. Bonfires, sharing a meal with like minded individuals, and a pristine waterfront setting all help to bring our artists back to their basic nature.