Eric Limarenko, Central Michigan University, Associate Professor, School of Broadcast & Cinematic ArtsEver wonder why the Star Wars universe captured the imaginations of millions across generations and cultural divides? Discuss Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” and how that provided the template for the epic Skywalker saga. Discover proper composition, compelling color theory and good design, and learn about the inspiration behind some of the most iconic images in science fiction through the art of >Star Wars.

Justin Reifert, Assistant Professor, Cinema Studies, Oakland UniversityJoin us for a casual forum that offers local and Michigan-based filmmakers the opportunity to assemble, discuss the issues they face, and attempt to create sustainable careers for filmmakers in our state.This Film School session is FREE.

Amol Pavangadkar, MSU Media and InformationAmol Pavangadkar has produced and directed dozens of media projects, with international collaborators and federal agencies. In this workshop, audiences will understand the Indian approach to filmmaking as Amol introduces you to the culture, economics, production style, dances, colors, and music that make Bollywood Cinema such a fascinating and unique source of cinematic artistry and inspiration.

Justin Reifert, Assistant Professor, Cinema Studies, Oakland UniversityExplore how to combine narrative and documentary techniques to create new and interesting work that blurs the boundary between the two. Films like The Act of Killing, Tower, American Animals, Casting Jon Benet, and Kate Plays Christine, are used to explore how techniques such as narrative structure, animation, stylized reenactments, and others, could be employed in documentary to explore the nature of truth by revealing modes of production to the audience.

Pamela Guest, Casting Diretor/Actor; Robert Rather University of Michigan Film, TV & Media LecturerEverything you always wanted to know about Auditioning, but were afraid to TRY! Give it your best shot. We explain the auditioning process from the point of view of the Casting Director and Director. What are they after? Then you get to show us your chops. We walk you through a scene, help you with your character, and, most importantly, have fun.

Troy Hale, MSU School of JournalismIn order to earn a career in film, you need to earn the attention of audiences. In this session, Troy Hale, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, will teach you how to use your short films as you calling card and the importance of a reel as your resume.

Robert Rayher and Oliver Thornton, University of Michigan Film, Television and Media LecturersYou don’t need a big budget to produce your own pilot. Learn how U-M’s filmmakers have turned their attention to the small screen. Having already produced notable TV industry showrunners, U-M is teaching students how to break into the biz by creating a show of their own—from pilot presentation and script to finished project. Instructors and students from the pilot class (incl. the area's own Mario Cassem) answer questions and give tips on what it takes to bring your own pitch to life.

Heather Polinsky, Central Michigan University Director, School of Broadcast & Cinematic ArtsLearn about the copyrights that must be managed to produce a film or a Youtube video. Find out how to protect yourself against lawsuits and your how to protect your creative expressions from being exploited by others. You don’t need a lawyer to be copyright savvy. Explore music copyrights, story adaptation rights, trademarks and defamation laws and how they come into play in your filmmaking.

Stephan Leeper, Central Michigan University Associate Professor of Animation, Department of Art and Design with assistance from CMU animation students and in collaboration with Clayspace TCDesign, sculpt, and animate your own clay creations! We'll begin the workshop by brainstorming the stories behind our characters. From there we'll build them in clay and cast them in their own short films that will be shown on the big screen on Saturday before the Kids Fest shorts program! In this two-day workshop, students will learn a broad range of stop-motion tips and tricks that they will be able to use in their own animated productions at home. Ages 10 - 14. Limit 15 students. Tickets $20.