There are certain people who are compelled to take the knowledge that they have obtained and spread it to others. Delgado Community College film student Stephen Herrera has decided to share his knowledge of film with a group of youth in a weeklong summer camp named Project: A Young Start.
The camp was designed to give kids and teenagers the opportunity to create their own short films or plays using cameras, sound equipment and editing equipment that will be provided for them. The directors, writers and actors will all be youth participating in the camp. Herrera is collaborating with Baton Rouge licensing company Reel Kids to provide instructors for the camp’s activities.
“The goal of this camp is to show these kids what it takes to be a part of the film industry,” Herrera said.
Herrera is the founder of his own production company, SH Productions, providing services such as cinematography, photography and disc jockeying. The company began as a DJ company until Herrera found an interest in film.
Herrera studied computer science and business at previous universities before deciding on a career in film. He is currently a junior in the Delgado Community College film program, but plans to transfer to the University of New Orleans to finish his education.
Herrera believes that the culture of New Orleans and the locations available are what make the city such a prominent place for Hollywood studios to film.
The complications of being a student, running a company and working have reduced the time Herrera has to work with the studios that come to the South to shoot motion pictures.
“You have to have a flexible schedule to work on a movie set,” Herrera said. “For college students, it becomes almost impossible.”
Herrera said that living in New Orleans presents many opportunities to work on a film set, but very few chances to work with any of the post-production aspects of a movie. He sees himself as a post-production worker rather than an on-set hand such as a director or producer.
Project: A Young Start will challenge campers with expected deadlines and materials to prepare them for the obstacles they may face in their future careers.
Herrera said the hard part of setting up the camp is securing locations to teach the campers and film material. The size of the location will determine the maximum amount of people enrolled in the camp. In order to fully envelop the students in the process, Herrera believes the maximum number of campers will be 60.
“Everyone will experience theater and television,” Herrera said. “They will film and act. Most kids are scared to try one side of the arts because they are accustomed to another; we want to show them every possibility.”
More information on Project: A Young Start can be found at www.projectyoungstart.com.
“Most kids are scared to try one side of the arts because they are accustomed to another, we want to show them every possibility.”