Julian Krinsky WHYY Film Production Academy

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Julian Krinsky WHYY Film Production Academy

The Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs: WHYY Film Production Academy allows students to experience the excitement of hands-on film production at Philadelphia’s award-winning public broadcast station WHYY. WHYY is the region’s premier public broadcaster, reaching more than 1.2 million households in the greater Philadelphia area. The station has been a resource for students of all ages for over 50 years and is known nationally as the producer of NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, and as the primary outlet for PBS programming such as “Sesame Street,” “Nova” and “The News Hour with Jim Lehrer.” For students looking to find their cinematic voice while working with top-notch industry professionals, the WHYY Film Production Academy is the perfect opportunity to bring big visions to the big screen.

Program Description

During the intensive three-week program, students explore all facets of film production — including scriptwriting, scouting locations in historic Philadelphia, directing, and post-production on self-made films. The film academy features classroom instruction, hands-on workshops and field experience. Participants learn how to operate a camera, light a scene and edit video and sound, while discovering how all aspects of filmmaking are interconnected. Students then apply their classroom knowledge using professional video equipment to develop and produce a short film. The program concludes with a film festival where students showcase their work.

In addition to the film program, students also enjoy trips to Philadelphia and regional hotspots. Trip destinations include New York City, Ocean City, Six Flags Great Adventure, and more.

Staff Overview

The Film Production Academy is taught by accomplished members of WHYY’s Learning Lab staff. All instructors have extensive media production experience and are skilled at teaching young people to express themselves through digital video. Drawing on their experiences as independent filmmakers and broadcast professionals, the instructors serve as “executive producers,” guiding students in the discovery of their abilities as directors, producers and cinematographers.

Setting & Accommodations

Students live in University of Pennsylvania dorms with other students participating in the program. UPenn is located in an area of Philadelphia across the Schuylkill River and just west of Center City. The campus is about a two hour drive from New York City and Washington D.C.

Students primarily eat at the UPenn campus dining hall. The dining hall features a main entree accompanied by salad, fruit, vegetables, and sandwiches. Students also visit local eateries like Starbucks, Einstein Bagels, Marathon Grill, and more.

Safety Standards

Julian Krinsky camps have a nurse, doctor, pediatric nurse practitioner, and trainer on-call at all times. In the event of a more serious illness or injury, a hospital is located less than 10 minutes from camp.