March 31st - April 4th, 2025
Mise-en-scène is a French term meaning “everything arranged in the shot.” This program was led by industry professionals and included mentorship by emerging filmmakers who shared their experiences with the camp participants. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, students explored the concept of mise-en-scène while developing a vocabulary to discuss visual storytelling. They learned the fundamentals of filmmaking—including composition, framing, lighting, and camera movements—and gained insight into the various roles on and off set that bring a production to life.
Crew photo of campers, Film industry professionals and OA JET mentors on Thursday, April 3rd. Photo By Hannah Kyriakakis
OA Spring Break Campers—ages 12 to 18—jumped headfirst into the visual language of storytelling. Through thoughtful discussions, team activities, and hands-on learning, they explored how every detail in a frame—from color and lighting to texture and location—helps shape the emotional world of a film.
We kicked things off with a fun and reflective morning: breakfast, post-it note confessions about the movies that made us cry, and a conversation about how books tell us what characters feel, while films show us through visual choices. Campers then unpacked the concept of mise en scène—everything arranged within a shot—and began noticing the cinematic decisions that bring a story to life.
After a lesson from filmmaker and OA JET (Job Education Training) Programs Coordinator Jasmine Elmore, campers began crafting their mood boards centered around an era-specific snapshot.
Day 2 focused on Production Design and Camera, as campers broke down the script pages for each scene alongside industry mentors Prop Master Patrick Storey and Onset Costumer Elexiss Allison. Using the information gathered from their script breakdowns, they created art books for each department (Props, Set Decoration, Hair & Makeup, and Costumes). Next, they broke into groups, each assigned a different scene. From there, they re-read their script pages, imagined the visual look, and drew up storyboards to build their shot lists for Thursday’s shoot day.
Day 3 brought a field trip to the VCU Cinema Department for a behind-the-scenes look at the Film Industry Photography class working on the soundstage. Stunning lighting setups, industry insight, and a delicious lunch at The Commons courtesy of VCU Photo Film Department, which made for an unforgettable day, as campers got firsthand exposure to how a professional set operates and the nuanced roles of still photographers and crew within it. We send a huge thank you to the VCU Cinema Department for hosting us, and to Charlie Harris for the inspiring lighting setups that left a lasting impression. Afterwards, we returned to Oakwood Arts to prepare for the shoot—moving furniture, dressing sets, and finalizing details with Director of Photography Jasmine Elmore and Chief Lighting Technician Andrew Corbin.
Thursday was shoot day! With excitement in the air, campers stepped onto the set, ready to bring their visions to life. Guided by seasoned industry professionals and OA JET mentors, they transformed their pre-production planning into cinematic action.
Jasmine Elmore led the camera department as she collaborated with campers to frame each shot while managing a video village. Her mentorship gave campers hands-on experience with camera operation, shot composition, and the fast-paced rhythm of an indie set.
Film industry professional Andrew Corbin led the lighting team, introducing the G&E (Grip & Electric) crew to the fundamentals of location lighting. From how to set up and shape light to understanding exposure through a light meter, Andrew helped students see how lighting enhances storytelling and mood on screen.
Inside the Art Department, Professional Prop Master Patrick Storey and OA Apprentice Coby Flanagan (OA JET) guided campers in dressing the set and supplying props that supported the narrative and added authenticity to each scene. Experienced Costumer Gina Adler and Elexiss Allison (OA JET) worked closely with the cast, ensuring that wardrobe and costume continuity stayed on point, taught the campers how costume choices reflect character development and tone.
Additionally, Sound Mixer and OA JET Alum Jesse Smith taught the basics of location sound mixing and boom operating for the one scene that included dialogue. Afterwards, he moved into shooting behind-the-scenes footage of the final setup for the day.
Together, these departments created a dynamic, collaborative environment where campers not only observed but actively participated in the filmmaking process, gaining real-world skills and unforgettable memories along the way.
On Friday, we brought everyone’s hard work to the screen with an intense editing day with the Help of Mentor and OA JET Alum Jonah Hodari. In between editing sessions, campers were interviewed by OA Intern Antonio Smith about their favorite moments throughout the week. We celebrated with a reception where parents joined us for a screening of the campers’ short film, composed of three scenes. It was a joy to welcome families for the closing reception and share the creative journey these young artists took—from concept to screen in just five days.
We’re incredibly proud of each camper and extremely grateful to the staff, mentors, interns, and supporters who made this week possible. From lighting and camera to set protocols and teamwork, we covered a lot—and everyone showed up eager to learn and contribute.
As we look ahead to summer, we’re excited to begin development and pre-production on our next OA JET training film. We hope to see some familiar faces from spring break return to join us for the next chapter.
