Recently, I had the chance to rediscover theatre. I went to see a play, for the first time since restrictions have eased here in the UK. This passed summer marked our one year of CineMavericks, and we were really busy with our summer virtual film camps and in-person school workshops. Getting back on track with teaching was important, but I realised that so was keeping up with cultural events here in London. For me, being inspired helps me inspire others. And I have to admit,

This week, I taught our signature Filmmaking Essentials class to a group of young people who are part of the Jack And Jill Leadership Program in the US: https://www.bcjjoa.com. As this initiative focuses on #youthempowerment, it was a no-brainer to use #BlackPanther as an example of a strong production that is both diverse in its representation, and inspiring in its messaging. Lensing Black Panther In terms of the way it was filmed, not only was this the first big-budget firs

Recently at CineMavericks, I have taken students through a few cinematic techniques, from jump cuts to using diegetic sounds as music. There are so many ways to tell a story, and getting to know the different tools that are accessible to us as filmmakers can really expand our imaginations. I wanted to share with you one of my personal favorites, which is the continuous shot. One of my early cinematic inspirations has been Terrence Malick's "The New World", an underrated live

This week at CineMavericks, we have been reviewing what makes our courses tick! After joining Outschool and holding 4 classes, we have taken the time to re-evaluate how virtual learning can really benefit creativity in young people. After going online this summer due to the pandemic, we have evolved into expanding our online offering, and even feeling that this format works better than a traditional film school that limits itself to one location (and a specific group of peopl

This week at CineMavericks, we have been giving virtual workshops to Birkbeck, University of London students! It's been really fun to work with learners logged in from all over the world, and in making their films we focused on the art of improvisation. Why it's important to YES AND: you listen and agree! You contribute! You are part of the solution! Improv Games When you're making films at home, with your personal devices, a lot of times you'll be acting in the films while s

That's a wrap on our Fall 2020 courses! Here at CineMavericks, students have really resonated with the idea of an archetype, and during our program we explore the "wild woman" archetype in classic folktales - and how this can be applied in developing characters for their films! So, it has inspired me to share with you a spoken-word poem about the female intuition, that is filled with wisdom and wonderful imagery. Have a listen! If I Had a Daughter Here are some of my favourit

I live and breathe #storytelling - and not just through our film school where we get to teach (and learn from) young filmmakers. On a daily basis, it is well-told stories that inspire me to make my own films, that help me become a better friend and person. When I was growing up, reading was my oasis, and diving into other people's worlds helped me understand mine. So I am starting weekly posts where I will share content (videos, articles, books, even recipes) that families -

I live and breathe #storytelling - and not just through our film school where we get to teach (and learn from) young filmmakers. On a daily basis, it is well-told stories that inspire me to make my own films, that help me become a better friend and person. When I was growing up, reading was my oasis, and diving into other people's worlds helped me understand mine. So I am starting weekly posts where I will share content (videos, articles, books, even recipes) that families -

While me and fellow mentors discuss classic storytelling structures in our July #filmmaking courses, I am inspired by the students to further reflect on some very important messaging in #Disney and #Pixar animated films, that displays well-rounded characters departing from the love-interest strereotype, and goes beyond the children's genre. Most good stories apply to real-life situations, and stem from complex personal experience. At CineMavericks, this is what we strive to t

Here is a sneak-peak into our week-long #summercamp! You'll see how we go from #script to #screen! In the filmmaking process, students learn all about different roles on a #filmset, and how they can collaborate as a virtual team to get their projects made. The CineMavericks Passion Projects! You'll see the two films that were made in our June session: The Biggest Party Distaster and The Last Magical Flower. In the production process, students learned about decision-making and

As our summer schedule fills up, Founder Flavia Casà discusses what CineMavericks Online Film School is all about! Our CineMavericks Filmmaking Mission! This summer, kids all over the world are connecting to CineMavericks! They make short films together, right from their home. We empower young people to gain confidence & communication skills through filmmaking. Now more than ever, visual content brings us together. Hear from the founder about how to join the club! The section

Formerly known as ClickPlay :) Here is a #trailer of our June course! The Online Screening You'll see how young people across the globe collaborated on scriptwriting & shotlisting, learned about important roles on a film set, practiced shooting their takes, and enjoyed a virtual screening of their films with friends & family! Our next courses in July & August are filling up, so sign up now: www.clickplayclub.com. #filmmakingcourse #onlinefilmschool #youthfilmclub #storytellin

#Filmmakers have successfully shot their films The Production As a group shooting from their respective homes, students learned about practical lighting, and how to manipulate exposure & focus on their smartphones. While embracing #mobilefilmmaking, we emulated a real film set as much as possible: while one person was shooting and acting, the other crew member was the #filmdirector and helping with #productiondesign! We were able to combine stories, drawing from the #parallel

The Art of Storytelling! A Global Group Our June course includes students from London, San Francisco, and South Carolina! It was amazing to get together on this call and spend time telling stories aloud. The power of storytelling is that it brings people together, forming communities and linking generations - and storytelling cannot be more relevant today, linking our virtual world. We studied #TheHerosJourney and saw how ancient story structures are present in contemporary c