Emerging post-production artists struggling with their Camp Kuleshov submissions now have a robust support system at their fingertips, thanks to the newly announced Camp K Coaches hotline. This service, offered by AICP, provides direct access to seasoned post artists ready to offer creative counseling and mentorship.
Named after the pioneering Russian film theorist Lev Kuleshov, Camp K aims to elevate the creative and craft skills of burgeoning talent, offering them a platform to reinterpret existing films in unique and inventive ways. This year, participants can vie for the coveted Lev Awards at the chapter level, with winners receiving a $1,000 prize courtesy of Musicbed | Film Supply.
For the 2024 competition, entrants have access to an impressive roster of coaches including Editors Chris Franklin and Val Lasser of Big Sky Edit, Jen Dean, Jay Nelson and Robert Ryang of Cut+Run, Susan Munro of Hybrid; Shaddai Berrón of Republic; and Sound Designer/Mix Engineer Joe O’Connell of Sonic Union as well as David Rubin of Cutters. Each coach is committed to guiding participants through the intricacies of their creative challenges, offering insights grounded in extensive industry experience.
“This expansion got us to think about tailoring coaching assignments more precisely,” Lasser said“And since we introduced the hotline, it’s grown every year, which is a testament to the transformative impact noted by numerous Camp K finalists, who found the mentoring experience to be truly game-changing.”
The coach selection process, Lasser adds, has become more clearly defined over time. “We’ve established formal guidelines for our coaches, but the most crucial requirement is their extensive experience as editors, mixers, graphic artists and music composers,” she remarks. “This challenge demands a discerning eye for the intricate details of each craft. Ultimately, coaches are there to critique, provide references, and act as a sounding board, rather than directing the campers on what to do.”
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Lasser notes the ability to tap into the insight and experience of the Camp K coaches is an important benefit for those taking part. The coaching hotline was launched back in 2017, she notes, not long after the Camp K competition went national with uniform rules and source films across all participating chapters.
“The Camp K Coaches hotline is more than just a resource; it’s a gateway to industry insights and professional growth. Since its national expansion, the hotline has seen increased engagement each year, underscoring the value of this mentorship in refining and enhancing the creative visions of our participants.”
This year, the competition also welcomes Susan Munro of Hybrid and Shaddai Berrón of Republic to its coaching panel. Both bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for nurturing new talent. Munro, a first-time coach, expressed excitement about the opportunity to guide emerging artists, emphasizing the program’s accessibility to all levels of support staff within the industry.
“Camp K not only challenges participants creatively but also prepares them for real-world scenarios they might face in studios,” Munro shared. “It’s about building confidence and understanding the nuances of presenting and defending your creative choices to clients.”
Republic’s Berrón, a former Camp K participant, highlighted the program’s role as a creative outlet for assistants whose jobs are predominantly technical. “Camp K encourages them to explore their artistic sides and develop a voice that’s often sidelined due to the technical demands of their roles,” she said.
Interested participants are encouraged to reach out via email to campk@aicp.com to connect with a coach. The competition’s guidelines, source films, and detailed information about each category are available on the official Camp K website at www.campkuleshov.org.
The deadline for submissions is set for September 20, 2024, at 11:59 pm PT.
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