The filmmaking club is organizing Film Fest, an event that will allow members to create an original film in collaboration with each other.
Film Fest is a project where grouped club members will create a short film from start to finish within a 48-hour time frame. This includes writing, shooting, editing and finalizing the film. “I participated in a short film and it forced me to learn how to film under the pressure of having a timed shoot, a skill that all inspired filmmakers must have,” senior club president Miles Sklar said.
Film Making Club was formed last year by Sklar, in hopes of bringing recognition to the power of filmmaking. Film Club is the third club in the school’s theater department, followed by Drama Club and Improv Club. “We realized there needed to be more opportunities for creative people to film their own original content,” Sklar said.
The club is open to anyone in the school interested in building their skills and knowledge regarding film. The club meets every third Friday of the month, so it requires little commitment to be a member. “You get out of it what you put in. If you come to all the meetings, you will be a balanced filmmaker and better off because of it,” Sklar said.
Sklar, an actor himself, played his most complex character last year in the school play “Radium Girls.” Outside of school, Sklar played in the TV Series “Hurt” where he won the May 2024 Best Young Actor from the New Jersey Film Awards. “I really enjoy filmmaking, so I want to share my knowledge and experience with others,” Sklar said.
The main selling point of joining the club is the uniqueness of the club meetings. Sklar brings in guest speakers who have worked in the film industry and want to contribute to teaching the next generation of filmmakers the knowledge they have. “My favorite part of the club is the guest speakers Miles brings in that he has worked with and the tips that they teach us,” senior Manny Perez said.
Last year the club brought in Wyatt Unger, a writer/actor from Odenton who has worked in the film industry for the past 14 years. Within that time, he co-founded SHRUG Productions and has created over 35 short films, many of which have been featured in film festivals around the world. He has received multiple awards, including Best of Fest, Best Writing, and Best Actor. “I worked with him in a short 48-hour film and he is extremely talented and knows his way around acting, writing, and storyboarding,” Sklar said.
Filmmaking requires a blend of creative and technical skills, including directing, screenwriting, cinematography and editing. Strong collaboration and problem-solving abilities are essential to manage the various aspects of production and bring a story to life on screen. “I have attended every meeting over the past two years and through them I have learned a lot about different
aspects of filmmaking like lighting, script and character development,” senior Rendon Yerman said.
