Carmel Magazine

Local Filmmaker s Share Secrets with Students T his summer, young filmmaker and actor Clint Ward, launched an ambitious project to help even younger aspiring storytellers get a leg up in the movie business. Ward founded "California Academy of Film," a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging high school students to explore their own identity while expressing themselves through the art of motion picture. As an actor in both local theatre and CSUMB shor t student films, Ward was noticed by Clint Eastwood who went on to cast him in "Changeling," "Gran Torino," and "Jersey Boys." In addition to acting, Ward writes screenplays and is now the Director of the Screenplay Competition for the Carmel International Film Festival. Through these collective experiences, Ward was inspired to continue to broaden his reach within the film industry. "Eastwood has perfected the art of producing, directing, acting, and composing within each of his films," says Ward. "He's a prolific storyteller and a living legend in the movie business. You can't help but want to fol- low in his footsteps." At California Academy of Film, students will learn character develop- ment and screenwriting fundamentals, as well as the physical aspects of digital video film production, all while recognizing the power of collabora- tion and strengthening their own core values during the process. As a starting point, pivotal scenes from classic films such as "Pulp Fiction," "Rear Window," "The Usual Suspects" and "American Psycho" are screened and analyzed. Ward is partnering with Mitch Zotovich, CSUMB Film grad and owner of Modern Motion Films, in order to mentor students on the production aspects of filmmaking. Zotovich's most recent short film, "Lucky 13th," won Best Narrative Short Film at the 2013 San Luis Obispo Film Festival. "We plan on sharing our experiences with the kids and putting their creative minds to good use," Ward says. The films produced by the participants will be screened at the 2015 Carmel International Film Festival slated to take place October 21-25. See www.cali- forniaacademyoffilm.org for further information and to enroll in classes. —Michael Chatfield SHORTCUTS FILM (L-R) Students Kaitlin Sheppard and Jonathan Rome are participants in Clint Ward and Mitch Zotovich's California Academy of Film. J. Jesus Valdez and Forrest Esslinger are production assistants, and Luis Serrano is also a student at the after-school program. 82 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall

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