Filmmaking Workshop

Each summer, Meadow Brook Elementary students make their film debut with a glance into professional production from Oakland University.

The Meadow Brook Elementary Filmmaking Workshop offers elementary-aged students the chance to learn about and produce films, while also allowing OU students the opportunity to give back to the community and spread their love for film storytelling. Teaching ignites an early spark in these budding film enthusiasts and helps OU’s film scholars realize the knowledge and skills they have gained.

The youth outreach workshop was founded nearly a decade ago by the Director of Film Studies and Production Adam Gould and Associate Professor of Film Kyle Edwards. The film workshops have seen continued excitement and engagement ever since through a partnership with Before & After School Enrichment Services (BASES) and Rochester Community Schools.

Zach Tse, CAS ’19 and ’21 — who currently works in OU housing — is an alumnus of the university’s film studies program and lead instructor for the workshop this year. He’s coordinated five workshop days throughout five weeks, where kids produce six different films and gain foundational skills to continue their talent.

“The most exciting part is just seeing the kids light up when they realize they can do this,” Tse says. “They can make films.”

Each day of the workshop builds upon the last, beginning with a single-shot silent film to a 2-minute film with thoughtful dialogue and pre-production coordination. This format allows kids to see film production in pieces and eventually put them together for a polished final film. While Tse and a team of OU film student volunteers guide the process through tools and technique, the kids choose their story, making unique films each year.

“My biggest priority in the program is making sure to spark these kids’ imagination and give them the tools that they can use to go forward and create,” Tse says.

Discover more community engagement opportunities at oakland.edu/community.