In its continuing mission to nurture emerging talent in short films and screenplays, the City of Maricopa’s Copa Shorts Film Fest is holding six cinematography and screenwriting workshops for aspiring filmmakers at three Central Arizona College campuses this September.

The six workshops, held Sept. 13, 14 and 19, are designed to help hone the talent of aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters. The workshops will be presented by film industry veterans.

The workshops lead up to the second-annual Copa Shorts Film Fest in the City of Maricopa, which will take place from Feb. 16-18, 2018. The Film Fest has received a tremendous national and international response for celebrating the talents of budding filmmakers and screenwriters.

In partnership with Central Arizona College, which has a robust theater and arts program, the workshops are specially designed for attendees to gain foundational skills in key filmmaking areas. Sessions include:

Wednesday, Sept. 13, at Central Arizona College’s Signal Peak Campus in Coolidge (near Casa Grande)

• Writing Your Screenplay, from 9 a.m. to noon: This hands-on session will provide the basics of screenplay development with a focus on creating a great plot that will have filmgoers on the edges of their seats, from opening to closing credits.

  • To Make a Great Film, Know Your Camera, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Led by photography veteran and Tempe Camera educator Guy Reed, attendees will learn basic techniques, including everything from camera aperture and composition to effective lighting and non-traditional capture, to get the most out of their camera for the best possible still and digital photography and video.

Thursday, Sept. 14, at Central Arizona College’s Maricopa Campus

• Write Your Screenplay – Characters, from 9 a.m. to noon: After discussing screenplay basics, attendees will take a deep dive into the whys and hows of developing memorable characters with hands-on practice included.

• Stay Legal, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Presented by entertainment attorney Stephen Wade Nebgen, (who has been heavily involved in the entertainment industry for 40 years, two decades of which have been spent practicing entertainment law), the session will focus on legal essentials of writing, producing and promoting films. This includes zeroing in on copyright, specifically plagiarism, infringement and exceptions, as well as how to raise funds for films.

Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Central Arizona College’s San Tan Campus

• Write Your Screenplay – Dialogue, from 9 a.m. to noon: Attendees will learn how to develop dialogue that jumps off the page and creates the kind of line that people quote and everyone knows. The hands-on session will illustrate how to develop a richer screenplay with the magic of subtext.

• Lights, Action, Sound, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: With more than 35 years of experience in professional television, video and feature films (totaling more than 7,000 projects), SWAT HD Production’s Steve Wargo will share the importance of lighting scenes and hearing characters. He also will offer valuable tips and tricks for low-budget filming.

“The City of Maricopa is home to many talented filmmaking industry veterans,” said Shelley Gillespie, executive director of the Copa Shorts Film Fest. “Assisting Valley filmmakers in developing and showcasing their talent is a critical component to their future success. That’s why these foundational workshops are so vital.”

The six workshops are open to high school age students and above. Space is limited, and is expected to book quickly. Pre-registration is required online at: copashortsfilmfest.org/2017/workshops/. Recommended materials and equipment are listed with each session.

Short film and screenplay submissions for the 2018 Copa Shorts Film Fest in Maricopa will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 13. Native American/First Nations’, and Veterans’ films will be showcased, as well as high school and college students’ films. Winning submissions will be presented at the Film Fest, which takes place from Feb. 16-18, 2018, at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center in the City of Maricopa.

Additional deadline details and associated entry fees, as well as complete film submission rules are available at copashortsfilmfest.org. A final program will be available online in January 2018, after film and screenplay reviews are completed.