Applicants to the Film and Video Program must submit completed application and teacher recommendation forms and THE REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS, A through C, and either Assignment D or Alternative Assignment E:

A. Describe in 150 words or more the role you want filmmaking to play in your life, as well as your beliefs on what filmmakers have to offer to our culture at large. Also, describe what you think it takes to be a proficient artist.

B. Describe a favorite film of yours, in 150 words or more, that you feel is either underrated or overlooked. Discuss the theme and directorial authorship. What is the film saying about the world? Why is this film special to you? Avoid discussing your personal likes and dislikes. Instead, describe the work's content, what it is saying, and how this was achieved.

C. The CSSSA Film/Video program requires each student to complete 5 extensive projects in only 4 weeks. Give us, in 150 words or more, an example of something you have done before in school or in your life that required you to work hard and be very creative.

D. Submit only one film or video piece that you have created, with a maximum running time of ten minutes. Group projects, book reports and PSA’s are strongly discouraged! The screening committee will be equipped to view ONLY MINI-DVDs, full-sized DVDs or flash drives.

 ACCEPTABLE file formats for video submission: .avi, .mov, .wav, and .wmv. Please do not include files in a format that is native to the program you are using to edit video (if applicable). Auditions submitted on VHS, CD, Mini-DV, Hi-8, or on any other analog cassette tape will not be reviewed.

You must include the following items in addition to the film or video:

• A description of your project -- two sentences maximum.

• A short statement that describes your work. What was your intent?

• What was your project's budget, equipment used and what resources at your disposal?

• A description of your artistic practice, or your role in the project, (e.g., writer, director, cinematographer or editor)

REQUIRED INFORMATION ON ALL MINI-DVDs, DVDs and flash drives:

Your work will NOT be reviewed unless it is clearly labeled with (1) your name, (2) the title and running time, and (3) what you did on the piece; e.g., writer, camera operator, editor, or director.

E. ALTERNATIVE ASSIGNMENT: If you cannot submit a movie, you may instead tell a short story in ten shots or less. The written element of this proposal should include a paragraph-long description of the piece, as well as a detailed shot list with accompanying images. These images can be hand drawn or photographs. VERY IMPORTANT: The budget for your proposed video may not exceed $250.00 (two hundred and fifty dollars), and you must provide a short description of how and where you plan to use that money. Do not include any expenses for camera and related equipment or tape stock for purposes of this assignment. Keep in mind that this assignment is meant to give the faculty an idea of who you are as a filmmaker and what you might be capable of making while at CSSSA. You should demonstrate ability and creative practicality in visualizing your video. Note: If you choose this assignment, you must include additional elements that will help the faculty understand and evaluate your proposal. These may include two-dimensional art works, location photos, or short character studies.

RETURNING STUDENTS ONLY:

Previous attendees must submit original work completed after the summer session, which reflects your growth as a film or video artist. In addition you must submit a brief statement of your specific learning objectives and reasons for wanting to return to the school. If you previously attended CSSSA in an artistic discipline other than Film/Video, you must submit a recommendation from a CSSSA instructor in that department.

FOR ALL STUDENTS, PLEASE NOTE:

• Send us your film with your name clearly printed on both the container and the video. We do NOT assume responsibility for the loss or damage of submissions. APPLICATION VIDEOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED, SO DO NOT SEND MASTER COPIES OF YOUR VIDEO.

• Send your application and assignments to:

California State Summer School for the Arts
Attn.: Film/Video Department
P.O. Box 1077
Sacramento, CA 95812-1077