This summer marked an exciting milestone as the Riekes Center successfully launched the inaugural session of our Summer Documentary Program, generously funded by the esteemed California Arts Council. Our primary objective in creating this program was to provide young talents between the ages of 13 and 18 with a unique platform to unleash their creativity through the art of filmmaking. Tailored as an intensive and collaborative endeavor, the program was designed to equip students with indispensable filmmaking techniques, empowering them to craft captivating documentaries centered around issues that profoundly impact their daily lives.
As we find ourselves past the halfway mark of this summer's program, we are thrilled to share some remarkable updates on its progress. Drawing participants from diverse corners of the Bay Area, including schools like Menlo-Atherton High School, Summit Charter, Design Tech, and others, including Riekes community partner, EPATT, this year's cohort exhibits an impressive array of talent and potential. Guided by seasoned industry professionals, the students embarked on their journey by delving into a rich pool of knowledge.
Under the guidance of our Riekes film program coordinator, Julio Deras, students learned filmmaking skills from industry experts. Cinematographer Will McNeil, helped students explore the intricacies of composition, interview setup, lighting, lenses, and cameras. John Jordan, a master of production sound, imparted crucial skills in on-set recording, microphone distinctions, pickup patterns, and the effective use of a boom mic. With the wisdom of Ben Mullin, a distinguished 5-time Emmy award winner, the aspiring filmmakers received invaluable insights into the world of a Director of Photography. Furthermore, Filmmaker and actor Brendan Thomas shared enlightening perspectives on the role of activism within the realm of media. The program has even more industry professionals in store, ready to share their rich experiences and expertise.
“[Brendan] taught me how to give actors a safe environment…and to edit like crazy, and only include scenes that directly push the narrative, to accept constructive criticism in my films, and to be creative in your filmmaking process.” – Student comment on Brendan Thomas
“Will definitely taught me a lot of fundamentals, like the lighting and where it's supposed to go and how to control the lighting. He taught me what type of versions of lighting there are and I found that very informative and helpful for the future.” - Student comment on Will McNeil
The students have already embarked on the production of their very own documentaries, exploring a wide spectrum of topics, from the pressing issue of gentrification to the critical awareness of mental health. Each student has embraced the responsibility of directing their respective documentaries, while their peers actively contribute to the filmmaking process, assuming pivotal roles such as sound mixers, cinematographers, and grips. It's truly a collaborative effort, with each student acting as a vital part of one another's film crew.
Throughout the course of the program, they have ventured both on-site at the Riekes Center and off-site to locations like the Menlo Park VA, where they conducted interviews and filmed a representative from Paws for Purple Hearts. Their creative endeavors have been further enhanced by the generous support of VideoFax, who provided top-notch equipment rentals, elevating the overall quality of their projects and experiences.
“This Documentary Film program has given these students the opportunity to be heard beyond the scope of their school and personal lives. Their courage to tackle universal themes affecting young minds today is something we are so proud to see. This is an experience that’ll help the students grow as young professionals throughout their high school careers and beyond.” – Julio Deras, Summer Documentary Program Director
As the program progresses over the next few weeks, the students will wrap up their filming and embark on the post-production phase, utilizing professional editing software to bring their visions to life. With immense enthusiasm, we look forward to a grand film showcase in the New Year, celebrating the exceptional talents and powerful stories crafted by these gifted young filmmakers.
