CONTESTS

Does Kid Filmmakers sponsor any film contests?  Yes, we do.  There's Flying Popcorn! (see tab above) and Scarytale Shoot (see tab above).

PROGRAMS

Where are your year-round programs held? As a traveling filmmaking academy, Kid Filmmakers virtually goes anywhere in the United States! You'll find us at schools, libraries, community centers, film festivals, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, churches and movie theaters.

Are there any scholarships available? When Kid Filmmakers hosts a workshop, we offer partial and full confidential scholarships to deserving recipients. In cases where an organization has hired Kid Filmmakers, we do not handle the registration and any scholarships available are issued by the hosting organization.

Which program is most appropriate for 5-6 year olds? Sorry, but the youngest we'll accept is 9 years. We have found that many children under 9 do not possess the necessary attention or reading skills required to fully understand and contribute to the filmmaking process.

Does the Kid Filmmakers Club member discount apply to all year-round programs? Only for those programs hosted by Kid Filmmakers such as Summer Shoot, Animation Vacation, Kid Cinema and Film Factory. Individuals may join the Kid Filmmakers Club for just $25 per year. This entitles you to receive an official Kid Filmmakers Club membership card and newsletter, discounts on Kid Filmmakers events and programs, plus many more benefits. See Club for details.

I'm an events coordinator. How can I book a year-round program at my school, organization or film festival? Check out our program listings, then complete and send the Information Request form.

SUMMER

How long have you offered Summer Shoot and Animation Vacation? Summer Shoot debuted in 2002 and Animation Vacation in 2005. All are coed day programs.

What types of discounts do you offer? Kid Filmmakers Club members and returning filmmakers receive $30 off the registration fee. Multi-week discounts are available. Sorry--we do not offer sibling discounts at this time.

How can I get the Club Member discount? Individuals may join the Kid Filmmakers Club for just $25 per year. Members receive an official Kid Filmmakers Club membership card and newsletter, discounts on Kid Filmmakers events and programs, plus many more benefits. See Membership for details.

How do you choose the towns for your summer programs? Whether it's an historic seaport or a tranquil, woodsy retreat, Kid Filmmakers selects vacation-type "getaways" which offer unique, inspirational environments. Of course, no matter where they're located, our summer programs are carefully planned, top quality programs. Each is designed to be a fun yet educational experience.

What are the differences between the beginning and advanced filmmaking programs? On Summer Shoots, the major difference is that advanced filmmakers work on individual projects while the beginners collaborate on a group project. Beginners receive instruction in acting, directing, screenwriting, storyboarding, makeup and camcorder training. Advanced filmmakers already are familiar with those subjects and focus instead on editing, animation and special effects.

My child wants to attend a Kid Filmmakers summer program this year but the nearest one is in another state. How do we get one in our neck of the woods? Do you know of a facility (like a Boys & Girls Club, YMCA or residential campsite) which meets our Summer Shoot critera? (See description above.) If so, please ask them to contact us at (401) 294-4922 or via email.

What can you offer to kids who have already taken the beginning program? On Summer Shoots, advanced sessions are available to returning filmmakers who wish to work on independent projects and learn editing, animation, special effects and film scoring. Should no advanced shoot be offered in your area, filmmakers may work on independent projects at beginning shoots. If facilities include state-of-the-art computers with firewire, advanced workshops will be offered.

What are the hours of operation? Summer programs begin at 9 AM and end at 4 PM, with an hour for lunch and recreation. 8:30 AM is the earliest drop-off time and the latest pick-up is 4:30 PM. Filmmakers will not be released to any individual other than their parent or guardian without prior written authorization.

What is your Late Pickup Policy? Our staff are paid an hourly wage and are scheduled to leave at 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday. Kid Filmmakers charges a Late Pickup Fee of $5.00 per child for every 5 minutes late. All late fees are due and payable when you pick up your child/children.

What is the total number of filmmakers attending during the summer? Generally, we do not allow more than 40 registrants per location.

What is the Adult to Child ratio? The ratio is 1-8, although there may be more adults on days of location shooting. Adults may consist of Kid Filmmakers management, professional instructors, interns and/or volunteers.

How are your summer programs operated? Each program is overseen by the Shoot Producer. One of our hallmarks is that each subject--whether it's videography or screenwriting or anime--is taught by a different instructor, thereby giving filmmakers the benefit of many experiences. Filmmakers are required to wear identification badges each day. Badges will be distributed to filmmakers each morning and are expected to be returned at the end of the day. All pagers and cellphones must be turned off while workshops are in session.

What about lunches and snacks? To continue to offer affordable registration fees, lunch and snacks are not supplied; however, we do try to book facilities with snack bars or beverage machines. To help decrease hyperactivity and irritability, we ask that parents/guardians please limit the amount of sugary and caffeinated foods when preparing lunches and snacks.

What equipment does my child need? Each filmmaker should bring their lunch, snacks, a three-hole binder, pen and medication (if applicable). While many participants do bring their own camcorders, it is not mandatory since group projects must be shot on Kid Filmmakers camcorders for formatting/editing purposes.

How is discipline handled? We take filmmaking very seriously. So if you are aware of any behavioral problems (bullying, bigotry, obscene language, etc.), please do not enroll your child in Kid Filmmakers. Kid Filmmakers does not tolerate running, fighting, profanity, food throwing or disrespect toward the facilities or any individuals. After several verbal warnings, it may be necessary to contact the parent or guardian. We will release any filmmaker for bad behavior and no refunds will be issued in such case. Should property damage be caused by any filmmaker, the parent or guardian shall be held liable.

What are the instructors like? Our instructors are hired because they are professionals in their field, work well with children and have extensive filmmaking experience. Of course, all staff must pass a Background Criminal Investigation.

What if my child becomes ill? Before a child is accepted by Kid Filmmakers, a medical form (i.e. emergency contacts, physician, medications prescribed, known allergies, etc.) must accompany their registration. In the case of illness or accident, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately. Should a child become ill during a summer program and is not able to return that week, a credit will be issued.

Under what circumstances may my child leave the Kid Filmmakers premises? Filmmakers will not be allowed to leave the premises for any reason without prior written authorization from a parent/guardian or unless accompanied by a Kid Filmmakers staff member.

What about field trips? What kinds of transportation are used? In the event a shooting location or special event is not located on premises nor within walking distance, special vans or buses will be used by responsible, licensed drivers.

Can I watch my child make movies? Thank you for your enthusiasm but please keep in mind that each summer shoot is a working movie production unit. To minimize disruptions, we ask parents/guardians not to visit for extended periods while the shoot is in session.

How long are the summer projects? Each film crew will produce a movie not to exceed 10 minutes.

What happens if my child's equipment or supplies are damaged at the shoot? Sorry, but Kid Filmmakers is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles. To avoid mishaps, please protect and use identification accordingly.

I heard that an activity was cancelled. Why is that? Sometimes (due to work schedules, transportation problems, illness or technical difficulties) Kid Filmmakers may need to substitute an activity at the last minute. We're in the movie biz so Kid Filmmakers reserves the right to reschedule or cancel dates, times, locations, instructors, subject matter and activities without notice.

Who owns the copyright for movies made during a summer program? Kid Filmmakers reserves the right to make copies or screen any collaborative works which were created during Summer Shoot or Animation Vacation for entertainment, promotional or fundraising purposes. Advanced filmmakers retain sole ownership of their individual projects.

What if I don't want you to use my child's photo on your website or brochures? Kid Filmmakers is proud to display photos of its summer program participants. Should you wish to omit your child's image, please check "No" under the appropriate heading on the registration form.

Are there any scholarships available? Kid Filmmakers offers partial and full scholarships to deserving recipients. These scholarships are designed to cover the difference between what a family can pay and the actual fee. Only one scholarship per family is available. All awards are confidential.

I'm not sure if my registration will arrive before you reach your maximum capacity. So my child does not end up on your waiting list, can I reserve a space now? Sorry, it is our policy not to accept verbal registrations. The quickest way to ensure a space is to pay with credit card via PayPal. Once payment is made, Kid Filmmakers will receive an immediate confirmation from PayPal. You'll still need to submit your registration and medical forms by snail mail.

Is there a refund policy? We reserve the right to cancel any program before its start date. If a cancellation should occur, you have the option of a complete refund or transfer to another program. Since space is limited, we do not offer refunds if your child 1) decides he/she doesn't like the other filmmakers, 2) has missed one or more days of the program or 3) is dismissed because of behavioral problems.

How can I tell if my child is going to enjoy your program? If your child truly wants to make movies and can work well with other kids, chances are he/she will love our programs.

What surprises kids most about Summer Shoot and Animation Vacation? Two things--that a short, 10-minute movie can take an entire day to shoot and that we really do stand by our "kids do it all" policy. If a staff member asks the director a question like, "Where do you want the camera for the next scene?", it's up to the director to make that decision. The kids are responsible for what happens in their own movie.

Can I get references? Kid Filmmakers enjoys an excellent reputation; however, we invite you to contact the Newport County Chamber of Commerce for verification. (We're listed under "Austen Sharp LLC.") You may also request references from parents of Summer Shoot and Animation Vacation attendees by contacting Eleyne Austen Sharp, Executive Director, at (401) 294-4922. (We respect the privacy of our references and do not promote their names or telephone numbers. Upon request, we will ask a parent to call you.)

I love your programs! How can I show my support? Kid Filmmakers appreciates your testimonials and assistance at Kid Filmmakers events, as well as donations for equipment, printing and supplies! To make a donation, email us at kidfilmmakers@yahoo.com.