SATURDAY MARCH 22
The Vogel • Basie Center Campus • 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
Experience a new generation of New Jersey filmmakers at the Count Basie Center Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest. See this year’s official selections, learn about the field during our expert Q&A session, and more. This event is free with advance registration.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SCREENINGS
Group A – 10am to 12pm
(Films are listed in alphabetical order and not screening order)
• 30 Days Without You (Directed by Celeste Cruz and Giya Khurana, Monroe Township High School)
• A Very Hallmark Christmas (Directed by Ryan Matteo and Max O’Reilly, Communications High School)
• Alcroft Enterprises (Directed by Lucas Milan Aristimuno, Montclair High School)
• American Ghosts (Directed by Vaughn Battista, Rutgers University)
• Arrived (Directed by Andi Arroyo, Mina Bixby and Kayla Farine, Cape May Technical High School)
• CISNEROS (Directed by Traysten L. Korpi, East Brunswick Magnet School – School of the Arts)
• Drum Drum Drum (Directed by Katelyn Sandvik, Communications High School)
• Inspiration (Directed by Ryan Bemben, Hofstra University)
• Niña Linda (Directed by Ashley Morales, Rider University)
• Piggy Bank (Directed by Julianne Chen, Fort Lee High School)
• Rubber Ducking (Directed by Lance Albert Drake, Syndicate Film School/ Brookdale Community College)
• TAKEOUT (Directed by Justin Marinelli, School of Visual Arts)
• Terms of Reference (Directed by Sophia Consalvo, School of Visual Arts)
• The Fall Guy’s Fight (Directed by George Parker, Montclair State University)
• The Iron Ladle (Directed by Benjamin Cohen, East Brunswick Magnet School – School of the Arts)
• Till Death Do Us Part (Directed by Ashley Ringel, Hillsborough High School)
• You’re Gonna Win Some Money! (Directed by Michael Puma and Ethan Castro, Middletown High School South)
WORKSHOPS
10:30 am – 12pm
Combat Cinematography
Presented by: Gabriel Rosario (Fight Director)
Are you ready to elevate your fight scenes to the next level? Join us for an immersive workshop where filmmakers will learn the art of capturing dynamic fight sequences. This hands-on session is designed to equip you with the technical skills and creative insight needed to film compelling and visually stunning action scenes.
Work with Live Stunt Performers:
This workshop utilizes expert stunt performers so that filmmakers will be able to experience working on a fight sequence live and up close.
Choreography and Camera Work:
Discover how to collaborate with fight choreographers to plan and execute seamless action sequences. Learn the best camera angles and movements to enhance and intensify each shot.
Shooting for the Edit:
Gain insights into editing techniques that maximize the impact of your fight scenes. Learn how to maintain continuity, pace and rhythm to keep audiences at the edge of their seats!
Screenwriting: Crafting Authentic Dialogue and Compelling Scenes
Presented by: Lizzie Finn (Writer, Director, Producer)
Learn more about screenwriting in this engaging and interactive workshop by Lizzie Finn! This session will focus on developing your skills in creating authentic dialogue, building character dynamics, and structuring compelling scenes.
Building Unique Characters:
Participants will work together to create a dialogue driven scene for three characters, showcasing how different characters speak and interact. Learn about creating distinct voices and the importance of character development.
Scene Study:
Discover what makes dialogue effective and how it can reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension.
Collaborative Script Work:
Practice your collaborative efforts by writing in a group. This hands-on approach allows participants to see their writing come to life and gain feedback from their peers.
Structuring the Script:
Expand your thoughts about structure and other essential elements of screenwriting, such as setting, action, building tension, and conflict. Participants will learn how to construct well-rounded scenes that engage the audience and drive the story forward.
INDUSTRY PANEL
12pm – 1pm
With Special Guest Moderator Kyra Knox
Featuring:
- Tom Bernard – Co-President and Co-Founder of Sony Pictures Classics
- Molly Conners – Founder and CEO of Phiphen and Co-Founder and COO of Phiphen Post Studios
- Stephanie Dawson – WNET Group (Producer)
- Colleen Finnegan – President (Actor’s Connection NY/LA/ATL)
- Ramon G. Nazario – Founder of the Newark Latino Film Festival
- Jane Sinisi – Producer and CEO of Phiphen Post Studios
NETWORKING RECEPTION
1pm – 2pm
The Networking Reception is an opportunity for the Directors and teams of the Official Selections and Honorable Mention films to meet with each other and the industry panelists.*
Please RSVP to the reception by registering to attend the Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest.
SCREENINGS
Group B – 2pm to 4pm
(Films are listed in alphabetical order and not screening order)
• Breaking Pointe (Directed by Shannon Miller and Gianna Bravaco, Independent Artist)
• Círculo (Directed by Marlee Marte, East Brunswick Magnet School – School of the Arts)
• Depraved (Directed by Josias Ortiz, East Brunswick Magnet School – School of the Arts)
• Eat It (Directed by Sophie Burden, Holmdel High School)
• Elder’s Crossing (Directed by Ethan Castro and Mike Puma, Middletown High School South)
• Followers (Directed by Sophia Consalvo, School Of Visual Arts)
• FRANK (Directed by Kurt Fleischer, Ringling College of Art and Design)
• Funny Seeing You Here (Directed by Justin Marinelli, School of Visual Arts)
• Good Enough (Directed by Sabrina Zoe Geffner, School of Visual Arts)
• Grief (Directed by James Ketley, Alex Miller, Middletown High School South)
• Into the Spotlight (Directed by Desiree Osborne, Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology)
• Just Like Heaven (Directed by Andre Paras, Howell High School)
• Loverboy (Directed by Colin Christopher Hankenson, Montclair State University)
• Midnight Madness (Directed by Bea Wernerbach, Middletown High School South)
• Rotting Unseen (Directed by Jacob Kelly, Montclair State University)
• Solitary (Directed by Michael Puma and Ethan Castro, Middletown High School South)
• The Making of ‘The Better Man’ (Directed by Ray Violett, Howell High School)
• The Start (Directed by Charlotte Mathias and Juliana Harary, Communications High School)
• The Weight of Goodbye (Directed by Kimberly Higgs, Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology)
• The Wiccan (Directed by Jayden De Jesus, East Brunswick Magnet School – School of the Arts)
• UNSEALED (Directed by Erika Ordonez, Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology)
• Vampire (Directed by Caroline Sheridan, Park Ridge High School)
• You’re Gonna Pay For That (Directed by Michael DeMar and Caroline Sheridan, Park Ridge High School)
WORKSHOPS
2:30-4PM
Combat Cinematography
Presented by: Gabriel Rosario (Fight Director)
Are you ready to elevate your fight scenes to the next level? Join us for an immersive workshop where filmmakers will learn the art of capturing dynamic fight sequences. This hands-on session is designed to equip you with the technical skills and creative insight needed to film compelling and visually stunning action scenes.
Work with Live Stunt Performers:
This workshop utilizes expert stunt performers so that filmmakers will be able to experience working on a fight sequence live and up close.
Choreography and Camera Work:
Discover how to collaborate with fight choreographers to plan and execute seamless action sequences. Learn the best camera angles and movements to enhance and intensify each shot.
Shooting for the Edit:
Gain insights into editing techniques that maximize the impact of your fight scenes. Learn how to maintain continuity, pace and rhythm to keep audiences at the edge of their seats!
“Your First Steps” – Career Building and Production Assistant Workshop
Presented by: Stephanie Dawson (Producer, WNET)
Kickstart your career in the film industry with this workshop on how to break into the industry as a Production Assistant. This class will serve as a gateway into finding jobs, working on sets, providing practical insights and pathways into starting your career and building lasting relationships.
This session will be led by Stephanie Dawson, a producer with experience in scripted, unscripted, feature and series film and television.
Preparing for the job:
Get to know about building your kit and how to find work in the industry. Find out about New Jersey’s film industry’s apprenticeship and internship opportunities through NJ Film Academy and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.
Understanding the Role:
Learn about entry level positions, the responsibilities and expectations of a Production Assistant and different kinds of Production Assistant roles in production.
Set Etiquette and Communication:
Understand the importance of professional behavior, effective communication, and teamwork on set. Learn how to navigate the environment and how to build strong relationships with everyone on set.
Career Pathways:
Gain insight into career pathways and opportunities for growth within the film industry. Learn how to network effectively and make a positive impression on potential employers, while building a foundation for a long term career in the business.
Screenwriting: Crafting Authentic Dialogue and Compelling Scenes
Presented by: Lizzie Finn (Writer, Director, Producer)
Learn more about screenwriting in this engaging and interactive workshop by Lizzie Finn! This session will focus on developing your skills in creating authentic dialogue, building character dynamics, and structuring compelling scenes.
Building Unique Characters:
Participants will work together to create a dialogue driven scene for three characters, showcasing how different characters speak and interact. Learn about creating distinct voices and the importance of character development.
Scene Study:
Discover what makes dialogue effective and how it can reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension.
Collaborative Script Work:
Practice your collaborative efforts by writing in a group. This hands-on approach allows participants to see their writing come to life and gain feedback from their peers.
Structuring the Script:
Expand your thoughts about structure and other essential elements of screenwriting, such as setting, action, building tension, and conflict. Participants will learn how to construct well-rounded scenes that engage the audience and drive the story forward.
AWARDS CEREMONY
4pm to 5pm
