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Today there is no denying that narrative films are not only ‘art’—not often good art, to be sure, but this applies to other media as well—but also, besides architecture, cartooning, and ‘commercial design,’ the only visual art entirely alive. The ‘movies’ have reestablished that dynamic contact between art production and art consumption which, for reasons too complex to be considered here, is sorely attenuated, if not entirely interrupted, in many other fields of artistic endeavor. Whether we like it or not, it is the movies that mold, more than any other single force, the opinions, the taste, the language, the dress, the behavior, and even the physical appearance of a public comprising more than 60 percent of the population of the earth. If all the serious lyrical poets, composers, painters, and sculptors were forced by law to stop their activities, a rather small fraction of the general public would become aware of the fact and a still smaller fraction would seriously regret it. If the same thing were to happen with the movies the social consequences would be catastrophic.

                                                                                                                                Erwin Panofsky
“Style and Medium in the Motion Pictures,” 1947

Moving Pictures can’t promise you a Hollywood ending, but it can help get you ready for your close-ups, tracking shots, story conferences, sound mixes, and final wraps. You’ll acquire an understanding of lighting, cinematography, production design, continuity, dramatic structure, location scouting, editing and a host of other concepts and skills essential to film making. Before the credits roll on your very own class productions, you’ll be conversant with deep focus, montage, cinéma vérité, auteurs, neorealism, mcguffins, and even grips and gaffers.

In addition to classroom instruction adapted from the UH introductory film curriculum, you’ll collaborate with other students in scripting, acting, filming and editing short narrative “features,” using video and digital technology. You’ll also become a more knowledgeable moviegoer—each day concludes with the screening of a narrative or documentary film of special interest, introduced and discussed by members of the UH and Rice faculties or MFAH staff. All student productions are shown “out of competition” for an audience of parents and friends on the final afternoon of the workshop.

The workshop presupposes no prior background in filmmaking—just an act of interest. However, the instruction and projects are sufficiently challenging to engage students who may be more experienced in filmmaking.

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MOVING PICTURES is open to Houston area students entering grades 10, 11, 12 or college. Tuition is $550, including all equipment, materials and supplies. Scholarships are available but only for students demonstrating financial need. This program is meant to be enjoyable, but it is also academically challenging and requires focused effort and commitment. Keith Houk, Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Houston, is program director and principal instructor.

To apply: 1) fill out the student section on the attached PDF form; 2) have a teacher or counselor complete the recommendation section; 3) mail or fax it, along with an official transcript reflecting your grades and most recent Stanford Test scores to:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 21 May. Early applications are encouraged. All applicants will be notified by 26 May; early applicants will be notified sooner.

If you have questions or need additional information, call 713.301.4882 or e-mail movingpictures@wonderworkshouston.org

For more information: movingpictures@wonderworkshouston.org