Hamptons Smart Phone Film Project Mentors Young Filmmakers

“We are surround by technology all around us,” noted Tracy Kolsin, Town of Southampton Assistant Youth Bureau Director. “The ability to record information instantly and communicate a simple thought to thousands of people all at once is now accessible by everyone.”

Southampton Youth Bureau, along with the new Southampton Multi-Media Center (SMMC), is hosting the Smart Phone Film Project, a series of digital filmmaking classes, held at Southampton Town Recreation Center. The workshops, which are open to students in 9th through 12th grade, will debut on Saturday, May 9th. Attendees will discover how to use smart phone video apps to create high quality films, complete with titles, sound, music, and special effects.

“We are inundated in information,” said Kolsin. “Anyone can record a video or take a picture. The Smart Phone Film project will teach participants how to record a project and edit it for film quality viewing.”

Experts from Southampton Multi-Media Center will lead the classes, which will cover digital literacy and videography, and also film promotion and distribution. SMMC, a non-profit launched earlier this year, is also hosting free digital literacy courses and demonstrations in digital filmmaking for youths on Southampton’s Shinnecock Reservation.

“This program will offer kids an advantage in becoming skilled utilizing technology to promote their cause in a competitive world,” shared Kolsin.

Both programs will teach participants about the use of smart phone filmmaking, editing and other post-production techniques, as well as show attendees how to promote their films professionally using social media and digital distribution. Students will also have the chance to develop local film projects and learn how to finance and promote digital films through social media.

Classes will be held Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Saturday, June 9th. Admission is free, but pre-registration at the Youth Bureau is required.

Southampton Town Recreation Center is located at 1370A Majors Path in Southampton. For more information, call 631-702-2421 or visit www.southamptontownny.gov.