Bullying, divorce, friendship, communication, working hard, sex and dating and the effects of the cyber world were addressed in projects by students of the FilMAD (Film, Movement, Art and Drama Program) Summer Camp and FilMAD's School Program during its recent 4th annual FilMAD Movie Premier hosted by C2it Productions.

FilMAD is designed for children and teenagers by Moya Thompson. The summer program includes classes in filmmaking, such as screenwriting, shot composition, photography, sound design, editing and camera work. The classes are supplemented with field trips, practical assignments, craft activities and classes in art appreciation, drama technique and movement.

The FilMAD School Program is newer, having just begun in spring 2014. In the most recent cycle, students from the camp along with students from T.A. Thompson Jr. School produced 12 short films ranging from seven to 16 minutes, along with two music videos and two tourism ads.

Program instructor Moya Thompson worked along with teachers from T.A. Thompson and Woodcock Primary for 12 weeks during one of their weekly English Language periods to teach grades students in fifth, seventh and eighth grades the basics of story development, character exploration, writing and film production.

Within the school program, students observe and critique short films, discuss character, setting, plot and themes and develop public speaking skills through conducting and participating in interviews.

Since its inception, C2it Productions has hosted four Summer Camps that has produced over 35 film projects written by Bahamian youth between the ages of seven and 17. Aside from the 2012 films that were based on fairytales, folktales and fables, the films are usually based on issues or situations personally experienced by the young writers.

In 2011 when the summer camp began, there were only five children on the first day. Over the course of that summer attendance grew to over 20 kids. Later that year in November, at FilMAD's first premiere, the Camp screened seven original films; five of its own students' film projects along with two additional projects from two other youth, who were not a part of the camp.

Each year the camp invites various guest speakers and filmmaking experts to work with the students Lavado Stubbs of Conchboy Films worked with the students for two days. He discussed his path to filmmaking and oversaw the direction of a music video the students shot with musical artist Bodine Johnson for her inspirational song "Push".

Sound designer Theo Miller taught the kids about the intricacies of sound design and the necessity for proper sound recording when shooting a film project. Photographer Torrell Glinton, drama coach Jovanna Hepburn, special effects make up artist Deborah Thompson, along with class instructors Tossie Strachan, Kaylen Jervis and Natasha Swann spoke to students. The summer students also got a lesson in lighting from Burton Wallace of The Movi Group, and worked behind the scenes at Cable Bahamas with the assistance of Alexia Coakley and Agatha Thompson.

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