By Danica Rivera

CP Filmmaking allows students to immerse themselves in the art of film and show production. Through this course, students are taught the fundamentals of storytelling in film and how to effectively produce it through visual media.

Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teacher Melissa Valenzuela helps students enhance their filmmaking and production skills through hands-on practice in editing and graphic design, exploring various camera shots and angles, and relating their creations to contemporary topics and issues. Although no prerequisites are required to take this course, a genuine interest in filmmaking and the ability to collaborate efficiently in groups is recommended. Students in this course are also expected to dedicate extra time outside of class to complete the film projects assigned.

The class utilizes professional-grade editing and design software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Students primarily edit their projects using Adobe Premiere Pro while also learning the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator. Moreover, students have access to an array of film equipment including digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, microphones, lighting setups, green screens, tripods, and more, all available for borrowing throughout the school year.

The course’s workflow consists of several stages: brainstorming project concepts, outlining scenes through scripting or “shot by shot” lists, initiating filming, having periodic checks of editing and footage review to ensure progress, and finally, presenting each completed film to the class for collective viewing and critique.

“Students are graded on meeting the [rubric] criteria as well as footage quality, lighting, audio, composition or framing, editing, setting or props, creativity, and craftsmanship,” Valenzuela said.

On April 10, students in the class had the opportunity to visit and tour Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. They embarked on an engaging studio tour that offered an up-close experience with sets and props featured in major motion pictures and television shows. During their trip, students unexpectedly crossed paths with young actor Iain Armitage who is best known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the hit sitcom series, “Young Sheldon.”

“Field trips to places like Warner Bros. Studio can be incredibly impactful for students interested in filmmaking,” Valenzuela said. “These experiences offer students a unique and immersive experience that can deepen their interest, provide valuable learning opportunities, and help them take the first steps toward pursuing careers in the film industry.”

The course not only sparks creativity but also sharpens students’ collaborative skills and critical thinking. Furthermore, the class sets the stage for students’ potential career paths through valuable hands-on experience with media technology that the class provides.

“Filmmaking has opened up more career paths that I had never thought of pursuing such as editing, behind-the-scenes production, and script-writing,” senior Natthaon Jaladwashalin said.