Kamp Hollywood filmmaking summer camp set for The Studios at Las Colinas

It'll be serious fun for kids with an interest in making movies.

by John P. Meyer

If you know any young people, aged 8-18, with an interest in getting some hands-on exposure to the world of filmmaking, here's a way to get their feet really, really wet.

The Movie Institute -- a Texas nonprofit -- will be utilizing the facilities of The Studios at Las Colinas in Irving (400 E. Royal Lane) as headquarters for Kamp Hollywood, a summer day camp centering on movie production and acting.

The 2009 sessions will mark the 10th appearance of Kamp Hollywood, which was one of the first moviemaking camps designed for young people in the U.S. In addition to LOTS about moviemaking, participants will learn the importance of teamwork and discipline while operating in a nurturing, creative environment. All sessions are taught by industry pros.

Kids attending the camp (which runs Monday, July 27 - Sunday, August 2) will create and act in a video short. They'll receive a 100+ page workbook; a DVD including both their short and a video scrapbook of their camp; a festival-style graduation and wrap party (gotta teach those partying skills along with the rest!); and an industry Q/A panel.

Notables attending this year's Kamp include Bob Hudgins, Dir. of the Texas Film Commission; and Brad Maule, perhaps best known as Dr. Anthony 'Tony' Jones from TV's General Hospital. The Screen Actors Guild is likely to have a couple of representatives in attendance, as well.

Deadline for registration is July 13. Tuition cost is $650 ($550 for alumni), and there are two paid Kamp Hollywood scholarships up for grabs - more details on that here.