THREES is our classic, time-tested filmmaking exercise. In order to learn the creative and financial value of working within restraints, filmmakers are entrusted with the opportunity to make a film in NO MORE THAN:
THREE HOURS
THREE PAGES
THREE ACTORS
THREE LOCATIONS
The secret to THREES is perfecting the script beforehand so that everything can be planned and executed with great efficiency. You’ll get to work with a professional Director of Photography/Mentor and a crew of your own peers.
A basic equipment package will be provided. Filmmakers will also get to work with talented actors, many of them professional. The filmmaker is responsible for any props or set dressing.
While some filmmakers might wish to use THREES as an opportunity to produce a final film, they should first and foremost think of it as an exercise where risk-taking is encouraged.
Pre-Production
You’ll work on your script until the very shoot date, but the structure of your film should be complete by the time you reach camp. Don’t worry if you’re not feeling perfectly ready, there are plenty of resources at camp to help you finalize your script. Ask your mentors and fellow campers for feedback and take notes at the guest workshops - they really do help!
About 36-48 hours before the first shoot, we’ll release the crew list. Your crew includes:
Director (you)
DP (your Mentor)
No more than 1 to 3 actors
Producer
Sound
Production
On the day of your shoot, everyone will assemble in the common area. You’ll pick up your mentor’s gear package with your crew. When you’re ready, you’ll make your way to your location(s) and shoot until 3 hours is up. Afterwards, you’ll drop the gear back off and give the storage cards to the editors so they can offload your media.
There is a strict limit on sticking to 3 hours. This is out of fairness and ensures that nobody gets less time on their projects because you ran over-time. Ask your Mentor about the best way to efficiently schedule your shoot.
If you’re worried about the time limit, don’t be! Here are some examples of some excellent 3 hour films that were shot with THREES.
The Big One dir. Henry Shriber
100 Beautiful Things dir. Molly Smith
Safety
Always prioritize the safety of yourself and your crew over the completion of your film. Your producer and mentor have the right to stop the shoot if they observe unsafe conduct.
Drink water and take breaks in the heat. Temperatures in Leavenworth can be over 100°F! There is always a risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Not fun!
Always wear closed toe shoes and protective clothing.
Never run, watch where you're going, and be mindful of your surroundings. Rough terrain can be dangerous, especially up on the hills.
If you see something unsafe or have any concerns, speak up and report it immediately. By looking out for one another we can keep a secure and productive film set environment.
Night shots
Filming occurs during daytime hours with no exceptions. Night shots can be accomplished with “day-for-night” post-processing or inside studio location.
Casting actors
Campers and staffers
The most common actors are your fellow campers and staffers. Occasionally, music campers also act, although we try to avoid this if possible so they can focus on their songwriting.
Local actors
In recent years, we’ve built a relationship with the local Leavenworth & Wenatchee acting community. These are professional actors who are volunteering their time to act for you!
Remember to always be respectful of actors. Be a courteous director and work within their limits. If there is any intimacy in your script, it absolutely must be consented to by your actors.
NOTE: Please try not to write with very specific actor ethnicities or ages in mind. While not impossible, it can be difficult and unlikely to accommodate.
Locations
At Tierra Retreat Center, nearly everywhere is a potential location for your shoot! Here are some location samples:
Woods
Grass field
Hills
Campfire
Car interior
Cabin / bedroom
Anything! We’ve turned locations into operating rooms, morgues, dream sequences, zombie hideouts, vampire camps, genie bottles, and more!
With permission from your mentor, you can also travel into Leavenworth to shoot. On occasion, we will have access to a house location, though this is not guaranteed. Keep in mind that any time spent traveling to special locations eats into your 3 hours!
View some of the location images here
Don’t burn our locations!
As with anything at camp, remember to be respectful to your location. If you’re outside, pick up litter and leave your location better than you found it. If you are shooting inside, do not write on walls, stain surfaces, or do anything that you can’t clean up. In the past, we have lost locations because campers have poorly treated the walls or did not clean up. If you’re being careless, your Mentor reserves the right to stop the shoot.
Props and costumes
Campers are responsible for bringing their own props and costumes to camp. Exceptions can be made for fresh/ perishable items that can be bought in town.
If you’re having trouble finding props or are traveling from long distances, contact Ben at the email below and arrangements can be made. We might have something you need!!
Weapons
Usage of weapons in films is strictly limited and allowed on a case-by-case basis. If you’re planning on using a weapon in your film, you must contact Ben or Max before camp. Do not bring prop guns, knives, or any other weapons to camp unless they clearly look like toys.
Editing + guide
You may edit your own film if you’re familiar with editing software, or get assistance from our editing Mentors. Our editors use Premiere Pro, though you may use whatever software you are comfortable with.
Please see our editing guide, tutorial, and practice clips here!
Storage drives
We highly recommend bringing a good hard drive to edit from and so you can take a copy of your project file home with you after camp.