Summer Stage Film Students Show Films During Premiere Night Friday

Summer Stage Film students will screen 19 original short films at Camden County College Friday night.

Film Premiere Night takes place at Dennis Flyer Theatre on Friday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $10 for children12 and under/senior citizens. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or purchase at the door. For more information, please call 856-227-3091.

This event marks the culmination of a seven-week program during which students participate in the entire process of creating a film.

This includes pitching the idea, screenwriting and story boarding, and shooting and editing.

There are 21 participants in the program this year. Two groups are collaborating to create their films.

This year’s films include a variety of genres: comedy, drama, horror, and the program’s first-ever short-film musical.

“This has been a great experience. It’s a lot of fun to watch your idea become a film,” said Alana Weeks, a first-year participant from Gloucester Township. “Our director and staff help you along throughout the process. I’ve learned so much about things including camera shots, angles, and editing. I’m really excited for the premiere to show others my film. I hope they appreciate all the hard work we’ve put into our films.”

Joseph Bottino Sr., of Gloucester Township, directs the program. He is a Radio, TV, and Film major at Rowan University.

This is his first year as director after participating in the program from 2006-2010. He joined the staff in 2011.

“In addition to overseeing the process of film creation, throughout the summer, I try to teach lessons that have been taught before by adding my own original spin,” Bottino said. “We have recently purchased an equipment upgrade, which allows us to teach aspects of film production that we have not gone into in years past, such as lighting. We also showcase movies and study scenes with the hopes that the campers will begin to look at film with a different set of eyes.”

The attached photo was provided by the Summer Stage Film program: Alanna Weeks shoots her short film as part of the Summer Stage film program.