WFF Master Classes For Youth @ Digital NEST
Filmmakers invited by the Watsonville Film Festival will offer a series of Master Classes at the Digital NEST. The goal of our FREE educational workshops is to empower the next wave of emerging filmmakers by giving them first-hand insight into the basics of developing their ideas, acting, making films, and getting their work seen by audiences. All master classes conclude with the opportunity to network with invited filmmakers and fellow attendees.
Open to youth/young adults, ages 14-24
Master Classes take place Friday Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 8 at Digital NEST. Details below.
Master Class: Episodics
Gabriel Medina
Join local Film Producer Gabriel Medina as we discuss how to create episodic content for the web and TV, and his process for creating and producing Watsonville's Most Talented. This show featured local photographers and models competing in creative challenges and photo shoots across the Watsonville area. Gabriel is a graduate of Watsonville High and holds a BA from the UCLA Film, Television & Digital Media program. [Friday | 10/6 | 4pm - 5pm]
Master Class: Animation
Matt Pierce
Matt Pierce is a Monterey-based artist specializing in animation and filmmaking. He is a graduate of CSU Monterey Bay’s Cinematic Arts Program. Matt loves making fun, bold work and has a penchant for offbeat humor. As an animator, he has produced many short films. Currently, Matt is a Digital Arts and Animation Teacher at Millennium Charter High school in Salinas. In this class he will cover the basics of animation. [Friday | 10/6 | 5pm - 6pm]
Master Class: Narrative Filmmaking
Luis Camara
An accomplished filmmaker originally from Mexico City, Luis Cámara is a graduate of the American Film Institute. Luis is a longtime CSUMB Cinematic Arts professor and current chair of the Department. His latest film is Me estás matando Susana / You’re Killing Me Susana, the 2017 WFF opening night film. In this Master Class he will share his experience as a writer and director of feature narrative films. [Friday | 10/6 | 6pm - 7pm]
Master Class: Documentary Filmmaking
Tadashi Nakamura
Tadashi Nakamura is a multi award-winning documentary filmmaker, and is receiving the 2017 WFF Inspirational Filmmaker Award. He was named one of CNN's Young People Who Rock for being the youngest filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. His films have been broadcast nationally by PBS. He is a graduate of the UCSC Social Documentation MFA Program. [Sunday | 10/8 | 1pm - 2pm]
Master Class: Acting for the Camera
Brittney Buffo
Be inspired by Brittney Buffo, an actress, writer and teaching artist. She is co founder of Hara Motion Picture Conservatory, creating a cutting-edge curriculum derived from her personal experience and advanced professional training. Since 2006, Brittney incorporates her unique experiences as an actress and a playwright into teaching. [Sunday | 10/8 | 2pm - 3pm]
Master Class: Leading a Sustainable Filmmaker’s Lifestyle
Michael Buffo
Michael Buffo is a professional filmmaker and co founder of the HARA Motion Picture Conservatory, a nonprofit organization that serves youth through a dynamic after-school filmmaking program hosted at the Carmel Youth Center. In this presentation, participants will learn essential building blocks of a sustainable filmmaking career, how to make a compelling case for potential clients to say “yes" to make them a video and the three principles of expert composition. [Sunday | 10/8 | 3pm - 4pm]
Master Class: Short Films
Gabriel Medina
Join talented Producer Gabriel Medina as he walks you through the process of creating powerful documentary & narrative short films. Gabriel premiered his short horror film "Lurker" at WFF2016, and it enjoyed a subsequent festival run. He has also produced short videos and web content for a variety of local organizations. Gabriel is a graduate of Watsonville High and holds a BA from the UCLA Film, Television & Digital Media program. (Please note Alex Santana will not be presenting at this Master Class). [Sunday | 10/8 | 4pm - 5pm]