Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts is presenting a four-week interactive online course this summer for students aged 13-18, teaching skills in film analysis, story development, screenwriting, production and post-production. As part of the course, students will also create an original short film that will be screened at an online film festival, to be held on Friday, August 7.

Each week, an expert instructor from the School of Film & Media Arts will deliver video lectures on a variety of film topics and an array of industry luminaries will also provide pointers and advice to the students through special video messages. 

Students will be given fun assignments to spark their creativity to then present their work via Zoom at the end of each week. Online camp counselors will also be available to the guide the students through the creative process.

Students will learn the fundamentals of film analysis as well as break down its elements during a mid-week instructor-led discussion. Special guests will also join the program including CEO Evan Miller and Production Coordinator Mike Wendt from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.

This is a structured month-long course with daily interactions and weekly deliverables. Classes will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and students are required to supply their own technology for the course.

It is made possible by a generous gift from Lee and Ageleke Zapis. It will be taught by FMA adjunct instructor Michael Suglio, creator and director of the “Short. Sweet. Film Fest.”

Suglio is a Cleveland native who earned a Master of Business Administration from Case Western University’ School of Management. He has produced and directed a feature film and several short films and music videos and serves on the Board of Directors of Independent Pictures, which hosts the Ohio Independent Film Festival.

Find more information about the course here.