Make Them SEE
I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera.
Gordan Parks, Filmmaker
SEE I The Soul Cinematic Universe is part of the United in Code Learning Platform. It is a free four-week mixed-media film arts camp for Cuyahoga County students (under 18). In 2024, the camp will be held with an online orientation in May ((2) Two weekends) and June/July. The Camp will be closed during the week of the Fourth of July.
SEE I SCU Class project will include cinematic Performance Motion Capture using Unreal Engine.
The program is open to a limited number of Cuyahoga County youth (under 18 years old) each summer, guided by seasoned accredited professionals experienced in filmmaking, narrative construction, acting, music, and facilitating creative expression. We are committed to making the camp free of charge to a majority of participants to maximize the number that may benefit. From Rokoko, Davinci Resolve, and Unreal Engine, to the latest Cinematic Camera technology, students will learn with tools on par with the assets utilized by seasoned professionals. Instruction will include SEL or Social Emotional Learning concepts such as how to deal with failure and working in a team-based structure. The environment is fun, yet challenging, and at all times seeking to empower the students with the vision to imagine… everything.
Led by experienced working filmmakers with award-winning credits (Amazon, Netflix, Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, and Cannes), each SEE student will learn storytelling through the medium of traditional film and Virtual Production in Unreal Engine, as they produce short stories that they will turn into short films. Each attendee will be part of a production team that writes and produces a film.
6 Shorts, One Epic Experience
SEE us @TheMovies
The culmination of the class is the presentation of the films at the prestigious Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival in September.
Download The 2024 SEE Brochure
If you can not view the Brochure below, you can download it here Download here.
TIMELINE
2024 PROGRAM Schedule
- February 4 – Select Enrollment Begins
- April 22 – Open Enrollment Begins
- May – Camp Orientation (Online over 2 Weekends)
- June 10 – 29 – Camp Runs (Training and Video Production)
- July 8 – 13 – Final Edits/Film Screening
- September 21 – Public Film Screening at The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival
Learn History…
While Producing Your Own Cinematic Short
ADVANCED FILM ARTS CAMP
2 Orientation weekends
4 Weeks of Camp (Lunch Provided)
4 Days a Week (Monday thru Thursday
2024 VIRTUAL FILM PRODUCTION CLASS
THE SUMMIT
In 1967, NFL legend Jim Brown, along with NBA greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell came together in Cleveland to support “The Greatest”, Muhamed Ali and his stance in protesting the Vietnam War, one of many historical moments in the Civil Rights Era.
SEE is proud to partner with the James Nathaniel Brown Foundation to introduce this important slice of history to today’s youth.
Students will be able to help craft a virtual film production short in which the audience learns about the life and history of the Cleveland Summit and its contribution to civil rights. Taking advantage of virtual technology, audience members can “experience” history in a whole new way.
Like United In Code, workshops are based on the foundation of a STEAM learning paradigm in which the theme is the Cleveland Summit and its rich, diverse history. Using Unreal Engine, from the makers of Fortnite, and Epic Games, students will participate, plan, and film a cinematic virtual experience allowing the audience to see the Summit. Through this, both the students and their prospective audience will learn a valuable lesson about a key historical moment in the nation’s history. Attendees will be assigned team-based roles that will give students the ability to work in groups and take part in team-building exercises. For example, while one student will assume the role of Cinematographer, another will be the Director. This allows students to gain experience in different film roles and provides a safe space for them to unleash their creative side. In this way, each student will take part in learning about film production, narrative construction, VR/AR technology, basic art design principles, and leadership skills.
MAKE THEM SEE YOU
SIGN ME UP
2024 Independent Film Shorts
SEE I The Soul Cinematic Universe is dedicated to the empowerment of the community by bringing awareness against injustice and violence and reducing the need for police activity. To that end, participants will have the choice of choosing from one of (3) three topics as the overall message behind their films. “Mediation” will center around resolving conflicts that offer an opportunity to discuss their community’s unique concerns and needs. “Violence Prevention” speaks to using evidence-informed strategies to reduce violence through community-centered initiatives that address trauma. Lastly, “Restorative Justice” allows participants to tell stories about healing by bridging the gap between community members who have been harmed and the people responsible for the harm.
What is Virtual Production?
A PERFECT PLATFORM FOR CREATIVE IMAGINATION
Virtual production is a fast-growing technique in the film and television industry. It offers filmmakers new ways to create engaging content with greater flexibility and efficiency. But what is virtual production? It combines traditional filmmaking methods such as motion capture and facial recognition with digital visuals. And this groundbreaking technology opens up exciting possibilities for directors and producers looking to produce something unique. This workshop will explore how it works, and the benefits that it offers to those creating content in today’s landscape.
SEE FAQs
Is SEE Free to attend?
Yes. If you are a resident of the City of Cleveland the cost of the Camp is Free.
Why do you ask for a video introduction?
SEE is focused on assisting our students in using film to enhance their voice. We want the students to leave equipped to use the tools we have given them. The intro video helps us get to know you.
Will I learn traditional Filmmaking?
Yes. Both Advanced concepts and basic film theory will be taught. Although, the classes are intensive and fast-paced.
It says Advanced, do I need experience in Filmmaking to attend?
Yes and No. A modest experience manipulating images and video on a smartphone will be enough to attend the class and grasp the concepts. But be prepared to level up!
How long will Camp run? Why does the camp only happen Monday through Thursday?
The Camp runs from June 10 – 29 which encompasses the Training and Production of the films. The class will return on July 8 and last until July 13 in which final editing and a private screening will occur for the students. To allow for family commitments, and school or college prep assignments, the camp will not meet on Friday. Although the students are free to work on their films during that period.
Production
How will the traditional shorts be shot?
The short films will be shot over the 3 weeks in June. The scripts will be provided by accomplished screenwriters and each filmmaker will have an opportunity to vie for key positions such as Director, Cameraperson, and Producer. The final week in July will allow the students to do final edits and screen the films amongst themselves.
What is the Virtual Production film?
The virtual production film is an animated production using CGI characters. Students will learn how to produce clips using Motion Capture and Facial Animation. The film will be assembled in Unreal Engine and rendered to Davinci Resolve.
Screening
What does screening the film at a film festival mean?
The films will be screened at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival. The festival will determine the screening times and the students, family, and friends are encouraged to attend.
Will the finished films be available to the students?
Yes. The finished films will be given to the students and full credits given. The films may not be screened in public without the permission of United in Code though.
ABOUT UNITED IN CODE
THE ART OF CODING
United In Code is a unique intensive multi-week campaign that uses the process of learning Python and C++ Coding through familiar art forms such as music and poetry. SEE I The Soul Cinematic Universe is the natural extension of this platform, combining traditional filmmaking with new technologies such as virtual filmmaking.
United In Code is dedicated to facilitating a safe, inclusive, learning-focused environment for all attendees through respect and equality.
We strictly prohibit discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying of any student based on the student’s actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
