With the guidance of professional filmmakers, kids at Woodfield CC create their own stop-animation films through the “Director’s Cut Mini-Camps.”
Curtailing kids’ use of high-tech gadgets is something most parents struggle with on a daily basis. But at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Fla., that technical aptitude is being embraced, thanks to a new program for young members that pairs technology with creativity.
Seeking a way to appeal to member families with kids ages nine and up, Woodfield’s Children’s Activities Manager, Alison Petitt, came up with the “Director’s Cut Mini-Camps,” a series of programs held last summer and fall that allowed participants to create their own stop-animated film.
The Goal: Keep young members at Woodfield CC on-site and interested with hands-on programming.
The Plan: Teach kids how to make a live-action film, from concept to completion. |
“With more than 1,000 children living in Woodfield, we are always looking for unique programming to engage our younger members,” says Jennifer Reilly, Director of Cascades, the club’s building where children’s activities are held. “The Director’s Cut gave our younger members direct access to the technology that today’s generation craves.”
The program’s name comes from The Director’s Cut, a Canadian-based film company with offices in South Florida whose filmmakers assisted kids with using film and voice-recording equipment. These professionals also taught participants the art of creating a story line, including plot and character development, lighting and music/sound effects.
To help spread the word, the event was marketed via e-mail and flyers located at the club’s Kids’ Korner and other designated spots. The club also reached out to members who had attended previous Youth Night events. The cost for members was minimal: $15 per child in the November session and no additional charge for summer campers. “This program was not added to our youth programming menu as a revenue-generating mechanism, but rather as another benefit to our young members living in the community,” notes General Manager Eben Molloy.
During last summer’s “Toying Around” filmmaking session, participants ages 9-12 used small toys like Legos and action figures to create short films. A second session in November, “Rock Paper Scissors,” let kids incorporate construction paper and other art supplies in a stop-motion animated film. Each group’s films were shown at the end of class, and participants were given USB rubber bracelets containing their films.
Molloy was extremely pleased with the outcome of the Director’s Cut Mini Camps. “Parents were excited for their kids to have access to professional filmmaking equipment, and the children really enjoyed creating a unique film using their own voices, toys and artwork,” he says. Because of its success, Woodfield plans to offer another session this holiday season. “This would give members the ability to share this incredible experience by inviting their visiting friends and family to join in the fun of making their very own film,” adds Petitt.
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