Location

New York, NY, USA

Program Description

This program is a six-credit, four-week intensive film boot camp in New York City. The program provides SMAD students the opportunity to spend three weeks in New York City and one week of online prep coursework prior to leaving for NYC. 

Students in the NY program have a choice of three courses and they choose two!

Each student will work in a group to write, direct, shoot and edit a short narrative film. Prior to leaving for New York City there is a required masterclass with a professional cinematographer on lighting and cinematography. Scripts chosen have mostly been workshopped in SMAD 251: Introduction to Screenwriting class. Scripts workshopped in this class will receive priority.

The lighting and cinematography masterclass is separate from the one week of online coursework.  Additionally, I have students meet to workshop their screenplays prior to departing from NYC. 

This program is intensive and while it is open to students who are non-SMAD, be mindful that making a film is a lot of work. Additionally, this is award-winning program; student's work have won awards at film festivals from this program.

See previous student work: 

• SMAD Student Stories
• 2024 Sizzle Reel
• 2022 Sizzle Reel
• 2019 Sizzle Reel
• 2018 Sizzle Reel
• STUDENTS' NARRATIVE FILMS FROM PROGRAM

See course itinerary below:

Predeparture online course work: May 26, 2025- May 30, 2025

WEEK ONE - PRE-PREPRODUCTION - Assignment of groups, selection of screenplays, shoot a test scene, cast and schedule for production.

WEEK TWO - PRODUCTION - Each group will shoot their films guided by Directors and they will also have a TEACHING ASSISTANT work with them within their group.

WEEK THREE - POST-PRODUCTION - Each group will edit their films or shoot final pick-ups. Film will be screened on the FRIDAY of that week and you can invited friends and family to the screenings.

Location Description

The program is housed at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It's the number one fashion industry in the world. The dorms are directly across the street where the program will be hosted.

Extra curricular activities which include lunches, dinners and a Broadway play.

Director

Imelda O'Reilly | oreillix@jmu.edu | School of Media Arts and Design

Accommodations

For the 4-week program: Accommodation will be provided. They are dorms which consist of apartments that the students share. It is dormitory housing at FIT. Students received a daily meal allowance. In addition, there are some group dinners and lunches. These include an opening and closing night dinner and also some weekly lunches.

Additional Items to Consider

One week of online instruction is required prior to departure, in addition to a required lighting and camera workshop at JMU.

Students are responsible for their own travel to NYC. In the past students have traveled to NYC together either by train or bus.

If students are not in SMAD, but interested in film, please apply. This is an intensive filmmaking program, and an attractive program for actors.

Applicants should have a passion for film and enjoy working in a group.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Prerequisites: SMAD 202 or talk with program director

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students

Open to non-JMU students