Calling all aspiring film makers and creative minds at MIT! We are thrilled to unveil an exciting lineup of film production projects set to captivate our campus during this semester. This is your golden ticket to dive headfirst into the world of cinematic storytelling. Whether you're an experienced filmmaker or a novice with a passion for storytelling, we invite you to join us on a journey that will harness your creativity, expand your skill set, and foster collaboration.
Additionally, we're still open to more project proposals. If you have any creative filmmaking ideas, you can reach out us at mit-filmmaker-association-officers@mit.edu , and we will help you to find helpers to build up your team and offer FREE equipment rental support! (Based on the projects that we currently have, we will prefer narrative films for new proposals.)
Ongoing Projects
Project 1: A First Hello
Description. This will be a winterized MIT-edition remake of a summer-themed music video, as described here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IktHaO1Ms0-FOWSTR5ZxkzWsxQuukInUDPNd7ZimDs8/edit?usp=sharing
The goal is to make something pretty, for the sake of being pretty—and I love music videos.
Logistics. Most shots are independent of each other, and people can be involved for as little as one scene (1-3 hours of shooting). The plan is to gather interested people for each scene via this spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c4vDJT4r0lkNSd1brPIm9pgCMdFCzLoIqMuVlsmxhyI/edit?usp=sharing), then make some sort of groupchat or thread on the MIT Filmmakers Slack for that scene specifically, to set up a scouting date for crew and a shoot date for everyone.
Roles. (* = could be multiple people):
- Director: Scout locations with other crew. Direct cast during shoots.
- Costume*: Meet with cast to help with clothing choices based on context, source/borrow clothes if needed (e.g. finding all-black outfits for people).
- Hair & makeup*: Help people look their best on camera if they want it! (e.g. for shots where we see people close-up)
- Art direction*: For interiors where we have some control, arranging items and lamps to make things look interesting (e.g. if we're filming in a kitchen, or at someone's desk), and sourcing props (e.g. mirrors)
- Grip*: Set up and control light and fixtures on location when needed (e.g. our interior scenes)
- Colorist: Perform corrections and create the look/feel of the video
- Sound designer: In the perhaps unlikely case we do things in addition to stealing the original audio (e.g. recording and mixing in foley, musicians, replacing the voiceovers)
Project 2: MIT Pi Day video 2024
Description. Every year, MIT Admissions produces a short video announcing the release of regular action decisions a few days before Pi Day. You can see some of the past ones here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbBILbfgz5DYoXSJPM7PcpAHGd9lcRkWj. They rack up tens or hundreds of thousands of views each year. We’re producing the next one right now, and we’d love your help! Spoiler: it’s based on Oppenheimer :)
Logistics. We’re currently in the scripting phase and plan to tentatively start shooting by November. The shot list hasn’t been created yet, so anyone who joins can contribute! If you’re interested in any of the roles, contact me via email. I’ll make a group chat with people who are interested.
Roles. We are looking for
- Actors: someone to play the role of live-action Tim the Beaver, and perhaps people to play extras if needed.
- Grip: Set up and control light and fixtures on location when needed (e.g. our interior scenes)
- Sound designer: handle microphone setup, audio mixing
- Composer: produce original music for the video, or make a mashup of existing soundtracks.
Project 3: Echoes from Boston's Unheard
Description. Echoes from Boston's Unheard aims to shed light on the untold stories of non-local parents in Boston, who face unique challenges due to language barriers. Through intimate interviews and candid moments, we will explore their experiences, aspirations, and the profound impact they have on their families and communities.
Logistics.
- Location: Primarily in Boston and its diverse neighborhoods.
- Duration: Estimated to be a 20-30 minute documentary.
- Filming Dates: Tentatively scheduled over a span of 4 weeks in spring to accommodate various schedules and locations.
- Equipment: High-quality cameras, audio recording equipment, and lighting will be used to ensure professional production standards.
- Director of Photography: In charge of camera operations, framing, and ensuring visual consistency.
- Sound Engineer: Manages audio recording, ensuring clear and high-quality sound.
- Interviewer/Translator: Conducts interviews, providing translation services as needed.
- Researcher/Production Assistant: Assists in pre-production tasks, including identifying interviewees and coordinating schedules.
- Editor: Takes charge of post-production, editing the footage into a cohesive narrative.
Project 4: The Strange Vanishing of Doctor Zerlendi
Description. The Strange Vanishing of Doctor Zerlendi is a documentary-style narrative short story that explores the dangers of obsessions and losing yourself in your work, and the emotional impact this has on your loved ones. Here’s a log line: Medical doctor and occult enthusiast Dr. Zerlendi vanishes without a trace. Twenty-three years later, his emotionally-stunted adult son agrees to a brief, yet revealing, interview with an up-and-coming documentarian.
Logistics. There is a script written (currently waiting on a few reviews). No shot list yet, looking for more people to join the team first. Location also still needs to be determined, but 90% of the current script asks for one interior location.
Roles. We are looking for (* = could be multiple people)
- Actor(s): Someone to play the main character. The other roles are minor and can be played by members of the production team if they want to.
- Director of photography: In charge of camera operations, framing, and ensuring visual consistency.
- Grip*: Set up and control light and fixtures on location when needed
- Sound designer*: handle microphone setup, audio mixing
- Editor/co-editor*: assist with post-production and editing
Project 5: New to MIT
Description. The 1-2 minute cinematic short film will recount the story of a new MIT student arriving on campus for the very first time. The goal is to take the viewer on a journey to see MIT's flagship locations as well as the lesser known.
Logistics.
- Location: All over MIT's campus
- Equipment:
- Camera - Canon R6 Mark II
- Lens 24-70mm f/2.8
- DJI Drone Mini 3 Pro
Roles. We are looking for
- Director of Photography: Thought partner for shot selection, story telling
- Sound Person: Music Selection
- Actor walking around campus
Project 6: Apricity
Description. Apricity is a coming-of-age short film that takes place over eighteen hours before a group of students parts ways for winter vacation. After their flights are cancelled, they spend the night together exploring the emptying campus they live on and reflecting on their work and relationships.
Logistics.
- Location(s): On campus, on a bridge, dorm rooms, dining halls, stairwells.
- Duration: Currently estimated to be a 20-30 minute short-film adapted from an earlier original screenplay.
- Filming Dates: Scheduled over two to three weeks this November-December; some night shoots are needed for this film.
- Equipment: Film camera, microphone, and lighting equipment.
- Producer: Key coordinator, organizes finances and logistics.
- Assistant Director*: Prepares and enforces shooting schedule, manages and distributes important documents like scripts and call sheets.
- Director of Photography: In charge of camera operations, shooting, framing, and ensuring visual consistency through a chosen cinematographic language.
- Sound Engineer: Manages audio recording and mixing, ensuring clear and high-quality sound.
- Music Supervisor: Works in tandem with Director to select what music will accompany project, sources original music if needed.
- Production Designer*: Works closely with Director and Director of Photography to create the visual appearance of the film, including all sets, props, costumes, makeup, etc. Can be split into smaller, more specialized roles.
- Actors*: Be on the lookout for a casting call with more information on auditions, sides, and requirements.
And Finally, Subscribe to Film Production Calendar!
Link: [Film Production Calendar]
We believe that the next cinematic masterpiece could very well originate right here on our campus. Get ready to embark on a semester filled with lights, camera, and action!