Heights Middle School Shorts now has Two HMSS Camp Sessions:
HMSS® I – for current 6-9th graders
Camp runs from April through June
Students who enroll in HMSS® I will be assigned to film crew roles as part of separate Production Teams, each of which will be responsible for writing, directing, and producing an original film.
HMSS® Season 7 Film Screening
Screening for HMSS® I will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2027
HMSS® II – for current 6-12th graders
Camp runs from June 2027
Students who enroll in HMSS® II will be a part of a single Production Team that will write, direct and produce a short documentary film highlighting a subject of interest while also filming their experience on location.
Key dates and details:
- February 1 – March 31: HMSS® I & HMSS® II Application Period
- HMSS® I
- April (Saturday mornings): Story Writing Workshop. All students who submit film story ideas as part of their application to Heights Middle School Shorts will automatically be enrolled in up to 3 sessions for Story Writing class where they will refine and rework their short stories.
- April-May: (Saturday mornings) Screenwriting Workshops.
In the HMSS® Screenwriting Workshops, campers work together in Production Crews to turn their stories into screenplays and storyboards. Crew members – directors, sound designers, editors, casting directors, and others – can participate in the screenwriting process, providing the perspective of their assigned roles to screenwriters, who are responsible for creating the scripts and storyboards. - May: Audtion Day
Open to aspiring actors and extras of all ages from throughout the community, the HMSS® Casting Call will allow each Casting Director to interview and select the actors needed for their film production. - May: Table Read
At the table read, each production team will lead a read-through of their final script featuring the actors cast in their film. - First Week of June: Production Week
Films will be shot Monday – Friday from 11:00 am-3:00 pm following a production schedule designed by HMSS® Instructors. Each production crew will have 1-2 days to shoot their film. Crew members will take ownership of their areas of expertise during the shoot, including Directors, who are responsible for the creative direction of the film, and Assistant Directors, responsible for all production logistics. - Second Week of June: Post-Production Week
- Students assist the Editor Instructor to edit their films, design and create film posters and prepare for the film screening.
- April (Saturday mornings): Story Writing Workshop. All students who submit film story ideas as part of their application to Heights Middle School Shorts will automatically be enrolled in up to 3 sessions for Story Writing class where they will refine and rework their short stories.
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