YOUTH FILM LAB
Generously underwritten by the NoVo Foundation, the Woodstock Film Festival’s annual Youth Film Lab is a free, three-week intensive filmmaking bootcamp for 12-15 Hudson Valley teens that provides participants with the equipment and expertise to create their own original films.
Lab students are guided through every stage of the filmmaking process, from inception to production and post-production, in a series of individual courses taught by film industry professionals and program instructors. At the end of their three weeks, the students’ completed projects are presented to family and friends, later screening at the Woodstock Film Festival in the fall.
We want to thank the NoVo Foundation for underwriting the Youth Film Lab over the past 8 years. We also thank the many parents and family members who put their trust in us, and the many talented students who participated in the Lab throughout the years, so many of whom have gone on to successful higher education and professional jobs in the film and media industries. We are proud of each and every one of them!
After 8 years of support, the NoVo Foundation cannot continue underwriting the Lab. The festival is taking a hiatus from the Lab while it looks for new funding sources in order to continue the important work of the Lab into the future!
A highlight of the Youth Film Lab is the diverse roster of guest mentors that participate year after year. Hailing from all corners of the entertainment industry, these accomplished filmmakers, producers, editors, and actors provide students with creative guidance and unique insights gleaned from their distinguished careers.
Past Youth Film Lab mentors include: actor Kelsey Grammar (CHEERS, FRASIER, HANK, BOSS), director Debra Granik (DOWN TO THE BONE, WINTER’S BONE, LEAVE NO TRACE), music supervisor Tracy McKnight (THE HUNGER GAMES, A WRINKLE IN TIME, FREE SOLO, SPACESHIP EARTH), editor Kate Sanford (THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, THE WIRE), producer Peter Saraf (THE FAREWELL, A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE), screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (PHILADELPHIA, RAY DONOVAN, HOMELAND), as well as animators Joy Buran and Noelle Melody (HUMAN KIND OF, PECAN SANDIE, POTATOES FOR PADO).
The Youth Film Lab has recently completed its 8th year.
“My participation in the Woodstock Film Festival Summer Youth Lab made me realize how much I want to pursue film as a career! Through the program, I was able to explore many facets of film production all while having fun. I got to meet industry professionals who shared their experience, and work with mentors who gave us a realistic perspective on the process. Although I had directed short films before, I got to direct one with the program that I was really proud of, which sparked my interest in the job as a profession. I’m grateful for the experience and connections I’ve made through the Woodstock Film Festival’s Summer Youth Lab. Now, I’m getting ready to start a Film & TV production BFA at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and I couldn’t be more excited about my future.”
