We're in the process of developing a summer program for kids in an urban area to learn about filmmaking. If anyone out there has experience with similar programs (there seem to be a lot of them out there these days), I'd appreciate some advice, especially on developing the curriculum and mistakes to avoid.

By the way, if anyone has any gear they would like to donate to this cause, please e-mail me. The parent organization is a registered non-profit and I'm told any donations would be tax deductible.

Thanks in advance.

My friend's 13 year old son took one in San Francisco.

I remember the teacher saying that teaching the softer, creative skills took the most time and effort about 90% of the class.

He said that the technical side was very easy to teach, because the students would teach themselves and each other the intricacies of the equipment, very quickly, and without much supervision.

Thankfully he was a drama teacher so he had a lot to offer in that department.