LIGHTS, CAMERA, LEARN!

FILM SEEN – GAIN ON SET EXPERIENCE!

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ALUMNI OR EMERGING FILMMAKERS

The “I & Me” Team is looking for emerging film industry members to apply to intern for a short film. There are a number of internships open within each film department (Camera, Production Design, Sound, G&E, HMU, Wardrobe, Production). Interns will be guided by crew members and will have the opportunity to learn while they work on set with additional educational support from crew members. Interns will be expected to arrive to set ready to work as supporting crew members. This will be a professional working set experience and there will not be any start-stop educational moments or dedicated lecture-based curriculum.

“I & Me” is a short fiction film based on the experiences of teens at a residential school in Idaho called Rocky Mountain Academy (RMA). While many parents sent their children there in hopes of rehabilitation, they would later find out that the school was the offshoot of a cult in California called “Synanon.” RMA utilized untested modes of therapy that often retraumatized children in their care. Many were unable to talk about it for years. Writer/Director, Elizabeth Chatelain’s sister, Sarah, was one of the former students at RMA. Sarah spent years in therapy and struggled with drug use after returning home from the school. Because this has been a long kept secret, it is our goal to bring these children’s stories to light, to educate others about what happened at RMA, and insure it never happens again. 

THE CREW

Elizabeth Chatelain

Elizabeth Chatelain

Director

Kyle Moe

Kyle Moe

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jon Steinhorst

Jon Steinhorst

PRODUCER

SCHEDULE

Dates

FILMING DAYS: We are planning for TWO, 10-11 hour-long filming days to take place between Wednesday, AUGUST 14th and Sunday, AUGUST 18th.

PREP DAY: Prior to the filming we hope for one Prep Day to set dress and decorate the space, load in equipment, pre-light, etc.

Hours of the Day

All of our scene work is set during day time hours. Most likely, our filming days would be scheduled between 7AM and 7PM but actual times will be determined by many details such as travel times to/from and angle of sun or position of windows for each setting. In standard industry fashion, a final shoot schedule may not be available until a few days before filming commences. The standard practice of distributing daily call sheets approximately 12-hours in advance will determine final call times on set. Intern applicants must understand they need to be flexibly available as the rest of the crew. If you foresee any conflicts with your availability, this one may not be for you.

Location

We plan to shoot at a cabin/lodge in Canyon, MN. Intern applicants must have their own reliable transportation to/from set.

DEPARTMENTS & POSITIONS

Applicants should be seeking to expand their existing experience and knowledge of a given department. You should not apply to a department for which you have zero experience. You will be expected to work on set upon arrival and should be familiar with basic departmental terminology.

Q

CAMERA

A Director of Photography (DP), also known as a cinematographer, is responsible for the visual aspects of a film. They work closely with the director to achieve the desired look and feel, selecting camera equipment, lighting setups, and shot compositions. The DP oversees the camera and lighting crews, ensuring that each shot meets the technical and artistic standards required for the film. Intern may work in a capacity similar to a 2nd AC (Assistant Cameraperson).

Q

SOUND

The sound department on a film set is responsible for capturing and managing all audio elements. They work to capture clear dialogue, ambient sounds, and other audio elements essential for post-production sound design and editing. Intern may assist as a Boom Operator provided they have previous experience.

Q

G&E

The Grip and Electric (G&E) Departments, two unique departments, combined here for efficiency, are responsible for the technical aspects of lighting and rigging. Together, G&E ensures that the film’s lighting setup meets the director of photography’s (DP) specifications, providing the necessary support and safety for all lighting and rigging needs. Intern(s) will work as a Swing to help move and position lighting and grip equipment.

Q

HMU

The Hair and Makeup (HMU) department on a film set is responsible for the appearance of actors’ hair, makeup, and special effects makeup. The HMU department works closely with the director and costume designer to ensure that all characters look appropriate for their roles and the film’s setting. Candidates must have previous HMU Artist experience to be considered. Intern may work to help the Lead Artist maintain looks.

Q

COSTUMES

The Costumes department on a film set is responsible for designing, sourcing, and maintaining the costumes worn by actors. They will also manage the wardrobe team and ensure continuity in costumes throughout the filming process. The Costumes department ensures that all costumes are ready for filming and that actors’ outfits align with the director’s vision and the film’s aesthetic. Intern may help manage organized inventory of costume elements and assist Designer in fittings. They may also perform necessary “runs” to acquire materials.

Q

PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ART DEPARTMENT

The Production Designer/Art Department is responsible for creating the visual elements that bring the story to life. This includes designing and constructing sets, creating props, selecting locations, and managing the overall aesthetic of the film. Intern will work as a general “Art Assist” to help move furniture and arrange elements that appear in frame. They may also perform necessary “runs” to acquire materials.

Q

PRODUCTION

The production team on a film set is responsible for organizing and managing the logistical aspects of filmmaking, ensuring that the production runs smoothly and on schedule. The production team ensures that the film is completed on time, within budget, and according to the director’s vision. Interns will work as a combination of Set and Office Production Assistants (PAs).

TO APPLY

To qualify to apply for this internship opportunity, you must be 18 years or older, have to have completed either a Minnesota Media Arts School class or workshop, either at Zeitgeist or the Minnesota Discovery Center, or you must have completed an UMFO workshop. You may qualify if you haven’t taken any previously listed classes or workshops but have proven experience working for industry related projects. You will have to send a portfolio or reel if this is the case.

Compensation/Registration
This is an unpaid internship, but we will provide a transportation stipend and set breakfast and lunch during shoot days will be catered. Interns will receive a film credit for their work.

Deadline to apply is August 5, 2024 at 5:00pm.
If you have any questions, please contact vera@zeitgeistarts.com.

DULUTH CLASSES

Located at Zeitgeist’s Film Lab (222 E Superior St, Suite 306). Classes are designed for those aged 16+. All experience levels are welcome!

Summer Filmmaking Workshop & Exhibition:

Video Production Filmmaking

  • Dates/Times: July 22 – 26 from 12:30pm – 3:30pm

  • Location(s): Denfeld High School, Zeitgeist Media Lab, Zinema

  • Available To: All ISD 709 grade 9-12 students.

  • Instructor: Matt Dressel
  • Cost: FREE

This workshop focuses on preproduction and production for a short film. Students will work as a team to learn how to tell a story with essential film equipment, including camera, audio, and lighting. Students will fill production roles, set up a plan, and turn the plan into action. Students can expect a lot of hands-on experience and the opportunity to use their creativity! The workshop will be held at Denfeld Monday through Thursday, and at Zeitgeist on Friday to work on editing the footage in our MN Media Arts lab using industry-standard programs. The student projects will be presented at a student film showing at the Zinema movie theater at the Zeitgeist Arts Building. Family and Friends are invited!

*This workshop is designed in partnership with Anne Parish’s Summer DASH program to reach students attending Summer School at Denfeld and to be particularly accessible for students who are looking for Attendance Recovery Credits.

Accessibility Accommodations:

  • Transportation: Both Denfeld and Zeitgeist are located on major DTA routes. DTA bus passes provided upon request.

  • Registration: Registration is available at zeitgeistarts.com as well as through the DASH program website for 709 students to register for free. Or students/parents can call or email our registration coordinator for assistance.

  • Meals: Hot lunch included with registration provided by Denfeld.

Intro to Indie Video Production

  • 9/10 – 10/29
  • Tuesdays 6:00pm – 8:30pm
  • Registration is $75
  • Instructor: Matthew Dressel

Experience the process of making a film from conception to pre-production and all the way to post. Each class will be a different module: Screenwriting, Lighting, Sound, and Composition until the class collectively shoots and edits a film together. Come ready to pitch your ideas for a practical short film!

Meet the Instructor: Matthew Dressel

Matthew Dressel is an award-winning screenwriter and producer at Skin of the Peach Productions. His last screenplay Daniel’s Gotta Die was produced by Darius Films in Toronto and released in theaters. His short films have been featured in textbooks, exhibited in theaters, and featured on programs like The Best Short Films in the World. At any given point in his life, he is five seconds from making a Simpsons reference.

CHISHOLM CLASSES

Located at the Minnesota Discovery Center. Classes are designed for those aged 16+. All experience levels are welcome!

Post Production Part 1: Premiere & Adobe Suite for Video

  • 9/12-9/14
  • Thursday – Friday 6:00pm – 8:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm – 4:30pm
  • Registration is $75
  • Instructor: Justin Joseph Hall

The Adobe Suite is a must for anyone interested in the Post-Production industry. Learn the basics of making a professional video in the software bundle with teacher Justin Joseph Hall in a two-part course. Justin has been a Post-Production creative on projects acquired by HBO, which received awards at The Emmys, TriBeCa Film Festival, & Brooklyn Film Festival. His class will focus on best workflow practices beginning and finishing a project, so you can have confidence that you’re maintaining the industry quality that you could deliver to major streaming and television networks. The class will allow you to ask a professional Editor any questions you have about Post-Production and will cover an introduction to using Adobe Premiere and Encoder, as well as skim through auxiliary programs like Photoshop, and After Effects.

Post Production Part 2: Basics of Resolve and More Adobe

  • 9/19 – 9/21
  • Thursday – Friday 6:00pm – 8:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm – 4:30pm
  • Registration is $75
  • Instructor: Justin Joseph Hall

Resolve is the most widely used Color Correction software in the film and television industry. It’s also a very popular free editing software. We will be covering the basics of bringing in footage to edit in Resolve and learn basic color correction techniques from teacher Justin Joseph Hall. Justin is an Editor and Colorist who’s used Resolve to deliver to HBO and other television clients. The class discusses what is great about a Resolve workflow and compares it to the Adobe Suite. Learn the advantages of Resolve over the Adobe Suite and vice-versa in this three-part intensive class.

Meet the Instructor: Justin Joseph Hall

Justin Joseph Hall is an award-winning, multilingual Director and Founder of Fourwind Films and Quatre-Vents, a Post-Production company based in Hibbing, MN. He’s worked as a lead creative on projects acquired by HBO and that received awards at The Emmys, TriBeCa Film Festival, & Brooklyn Film Festival.

Justin’s held positions as Editor for networks such as NBCUniversal, PBS, & History. He helped pitch and develop the Axios (2018-2021) as Senior Editor for the Emmy-winning documentary series. He edited Abuela’s Luck (2018) which was picked up by HBO and is now slated to be adapted into a full-length feature. His mastery of post-production and the visual arts has awarded him opportunities to work for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Discovery, Major League Baseball, & BMW to name a few.

The Zeitgeist Minnesota Media Arts School, in partnership with the Minnesota Discovery Center, is an affordable option for the Northland’s diverse creative community ranging from filmmakers, graphic designers, multimedia artists, and theatrical artists to learn, work, create, and connect. With teaching hubs in Chisholm and Duluth, we will add important contributions to the regional film ecosystem. 

Our goal is to empower, support, and educate Northland community members ages 16+ as active participants in shaping our culture, and engage diverse communities to rethink the way we view film, art, and local storytelling. We provide access and a platform to work, learn, create, and experience filmmaking and media production in our community. 

Benefits include access to iMac computers loaded with creative design and editing software, meeting rooms, multi-media studios, film/video equipment for on-site photo/video shoots & projects, digital tools, and more.

Zeitgeist is made possible with your help

MN MEDIA ARTS SCHOOL SPONSORS