Teen DocMakers Lab Yearlong Program

Now accepting applications for the Teen DocMakers Program!

Teen DocMakers is set to begin again in November, 2024.

Contact us if you are interested or have questions:

education@maysles.org 
and/or register using the form below. 

Classes meet at Maysles Documentary Center.
Class dates to be announced ASAP!

The Teen DocMakers Lab (TDM) is a free award-winning, year-round, after school and summer intensive film program where high school students work in small teams to make a short documentary. TDM’s curriculum is founded in the cinematic tradition of the Maysles brothers, direct cinema/cinema verité, and encourages exploration of new approaches to filmmaking grounded in the innovative films/makers of today. We are looking for youth who have a story to tell, and want to make moving and honest films about subjects important to them. 

ADDITIONAL PERKS

• Compensation for subway travel
• Student Membership to MDC, with free access to all public screenings
• Field trips and networking opportunities
• Food provided at every class

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

TDM’s curriculum covers the documentary filmmaking process from start to finish. Working in small peer groups, you will learn how to operate a camera, lighting, audio equipment and state-of the-art editing software. The curriculum covers the process from concept to shooting: shot lists, story-boards, shooting scripts, visual composition, directing and editing. 

WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT?

We are looking for students ages 13-18.

ARE THERE ANY GEOGRAPHICAL REQUIREMENTS?

Everyone is welcome to apply; however, we do give preference to students from Upper Manhattan, Harlem, and the Bronx.

WHAT TYPE OF STUDENT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Students who thrive in the TDM curriculum love film and filmmaking and have a genuine interest in developing their ability to articulate and see more clearly the world from an empathetic and critical perspective. Standout applicants show an exceptional capacity to prioritize and commit to their projects. 

HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?

Everyone must complete the application by the deadline date. Select applicants will be asked to interview with Maysles Documentary Center staff. Based on the quality of your written responses and interview, we will make a decision on who will be selected.

IF SELECTED, WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?

Selected students are expected to commit to *all* dates of the program and work collaboratively with other peer filmmakers throughout the duration of the session. While no prior experience or equipment is needed – we expect all students to demonstrate a high level of competence to maintain their standing in the program. Additionally, we expect and require students to meet outside of scheduled class sessions for pre-production, production and post-production activities. 

WILL THE PROGRAM BE IN PERSON OR ONLINE? 

Sessions for the TDM program will take place in person, although in-person meeting is subject to change based on current Covid-19 rates in NYC. We require all participants to be fully vaccinated and share proof of vaccination before the start of the program. Mask wearing is optional but preferred. Students will practice social distancing and will have masks and hand sanitizer available to them.

For other questions, please contact: education@maysles.org with “attn: TDM” in the subject line.