NextLens Reel Skills

Meet film industry professionals who are from South Carolina, sharing foundational techniques in storytelling, camera operation, lighting, production design, sound and editing.

Learn more about how to submit your film to the 2026 NextLens Online Film Festival at https://scetv.org/nextlens 

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Lighting | NextLens Reel Skills
Lighting | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Lighting may seem like one of the great mysteries of filmmaking, but much of it starts with something every filmmaker controls — blocking. Charleston-based Director of Photography Owen Hamilton shares...
Camera | NextLens Reel Skills
Camera | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The camera is more than a tool — it’s the storyteller’s voice. Charleston Director of Photography Owen Hamilton explains how aspect ratio, framing, and camera movement shape how audiences feel a story...
Music | NextLens Reel Skills
Music | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Fort Mill filmmaker Thomas Torrey breaks down the critical role music plays in shaping the tone of a film. Whether it's an original score or a featured song, music can instantly transform the...
Design | NextLens Reel Skills
Design | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Columbia, SC native director and writer, Shayla Raquel, shares why production design is essential to visual storytelling. From sets and props to costumes, color theory, and even title cards, every...
Editing | NextLens Reel Skills
Editing | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Fort Mill filmmaker and editor Thomas Torrey shares how video editing is storytelling in motion, using images, rhythm, and pacing to shape emotion and meaning. From wide shots to close-ups, every cut...
Storytelling | NextLens Reel Skills
Storytelling | NextLens Reel Skills

Video

Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Columbia native director and writer Shayla Raquel reminds filmmakers that every great film begins with STORY. From character to conflict to transformation, STORY is the heart of filmmaking. Build your...