Hollywood Director Returns to UNF for Filmmaking Camp

Joanna Norris, Assistant Director

Department of Media Relations and Events

(904) 620-2102

Hollywood film director Joey Travolta, the older brother of famous actor John Travolta, returns this summer to the University of North Florida to utilize his movie-making expertise to conduct a film camp that lets kids on the autism spectrum learn side-by-side with siblings and peers.

The two-week HEAL Film Camp, in collaboration with UNF’s College of Education and Human Services, is sponsored by the HEAL Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Ponte Vedra Beach dedicated to supporting the families of children diagnosed with autism, and is being produced by FilmLab Productions. The camp will be held at UNF’s Student Union Monday, June 21, through Friday, July 2.

About 50 campers, ages 10 to 17, will write, direct, act, film and edit a 30-minute short film, which documents the kids’ day-to-day experiences during the camp and includes the making of a spoof based on a “Siskel & Ebert”-styled television show. Enrollment for the HEAL Film Camp is by nomination only. Nomination packets are available to educators and therapists in Duval and St. Johns counties. The 2010 presenting sponsor, MDI Holdings Inc. of Ponte Vedra, has made it possible for the camp to be offered at no charge.

Travolta worked as a special needs teacher in New Jersey before embarking on his successful film career, which includes numerous motion pictures and television shows including “Mel,” “Beverly Hills Cop 3,” “L.A. Heat,” and “Dumb Luck In Vegas,” among many others. “The HEAL Film Camp will give children with autism a forum to have a voice,” he said. “Filmmaking is a very empowering experience, and the camp will give these kids the invaluable opportunity to not only learn filmmaking skills, but also create art alongside typical children.”

Travolta’s crew of 11 producers, editors and directors will teach campers every aspect of the filmmaking art, from acting and storyboarding to blue screen effects and final editing, working in collaboration with Atlantic Beach-based FILMLAB Productions, who will provide creative and production services. The documentary film will incorporate interviews with children, parents and autism specialists, providing not only informative insight into autism, but a fun, interactive, educational experience for both autistic and typical peers participating in the camp.

When the film is complete, it will be used as a learning tool to help parents/care givers, educators, physicians, psychologists, special needs administrators and others more fully understand autism from the unique perspective of those affected by it. Campers will also produce a public service announcement to be distributed nationally to schools in order to generate more awareness about autism.

For more information about the HEAL Film Camp, contact FilmLab producer Karen Sadler at (904) 249-9333 or at www.filmlabproductions.com.

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