Summer Academy Camps

Introductory Digital Film

Media & Communication

Lights, camera, action! Take a hands-on cinematic adventure where you don’t just watch movies, you create them! In this thrilling program, you’ll step into the shoes of a film crew member, tasked with writing, directing, and producing your very own original movie. Get ready to unleash your creativity and embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of storytelling. Guided by experienced filmmakers, each crew dives into the fundamentals of screenwriting, mastering the art of crafting compelling narratives. From storyboarding to understanding camera angles, acting techniques to directing prowess, you’ll be immersed in the multifaceted world of filmmaking. As a memento of your creative journey, you’ll receive access to a downloadable version of your short film, ready to be shared with family and friends. Get ready to be the architect of your own on-screen narrative.

Age:	11-15
Course Date:	Monday – Friday
Course Date Info:	9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Address:	UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel 1197 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30602 See map: Google Maps
Location Info:	Classrooms are located around campus, and students may travel by foot, bus or university vehicle to get to classrooms or other camp activities. More details will be available in the welcome email sent out three weeks before camp begins.
Cost:	Day Camp – TBA Residential Camp – TBA
Course Number:	1754

Prerequisites:
This course is designed to accommodate both absolute beginners and students with some prior experience with digital video. The camp emphasizes teamwork, grouping students into film crews based on their interests, skills, and desired roles, such as acting, directing, or camera operation. Many students attend this camp for multiple years since the camp’s structure continuously provides new experiences and opportunities for growth.

Instructor:

Meg Grey

Meg Grey earned an MFA in Dramatic Media at the University of Georgia and is very excited to return to the UGA Summer Academy program. Meg’s studies are focused on how interactive media and animation can encourage new forms of theatre and film for young audiences. With over ten years’ experience in educational programming, Meg’s teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a positive environment for creative exploration. She earned her BA in Physical Theatre and Performance from Louisiana State University in 2018 and has worked as a teaching artist all over the country, including The Alliance Theatre, Lake Dillion Theatre Company, Swine Palace, and now here at UGA. Her most recent UGA projects include designing media for Breathe, Alcestis, Putting the I in Me, and Gem of the Ocean.

Jeannie Thomas

Jeannie Thomas is a PhD student at the University of Georgia studying Theatre & Performance Studies with a Certificate in Film and Media Scoring. She received her MFA from UGA in May 2023, studying Dramatic Media. Her areas of interest include digital film editing, sound design, and virtual performance. During her time at UGA, she has worked as an editor on The Vitruvian Theory, St. Nicholas, Breathe, and Here’s Where I Stand, as well as director of photography on The Mountaintop, among other credits. Her work has been acknowledged by theatre and film festivals internationally, including the Shuler Awards, Best Actor & Director Awards, ATL Comedy Awards, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. This is Jeannie’s third year as a Summer Academy instructor.

What you need for camp:
Students should come to camp with a personal flash drive/hard drive and headphones with standard 3.5mm aux plug. Optional: students may also bring a personal SD card