Monday, Dec 15, 2025
Racer Glickman, rising senior from Chicago with a deep passion for filmmaking, enrolled in the summer 2025 Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop to expand on her creative skills and connect with peers from across the globe. Drawn to both storytelling and collaboration, she embraced the program’s virtual format and discovered new ways of seeing, shooting, and shaping stories. We had the pleasure of collecting her reflections on the workshop.
The program includes pre-recorded modules plus scheduled live video meetings via the Smashcut platform. How did the flexibility of the program work for you?
I loved the pre-recorded modules because I could make my own time for a lesson without having to worry that I missed a lecture. I was a bit worried about this part because summer is a busy time, but these videos made sure I could access them from wherever I was. Whether I was a counselor at summer camp or at a family member's home, I always felt prepared for a lesson. Smashcut made it so easy to schedule meetings with my professor and crews. It was extremely helpful to have one on one meetings and get feedback because everything else was pre-recorded.
Please describe your experience working in online crews, especially collaborating across different time zones or regions?
I was in Chicago, one person was in New Jersey and the other in China and we had to make a music video together. I was nervous about finding a time that worked to discuss but because we were in constant communication with each other it was not challenging. We would schedule meetings in the late afternoon and discuss how to divide up the work. I loved working with people from around the world and if I had done a different program I wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity. Meeting new people and listening to their stories and experiences made the film making process more rewarding because we got to share our backgrounds.
How did the workshop influence your storytelling voice or filmmaking style?
I was really influenced by my crew and those who I was working with. Seeing peoples' environments from India to South Carolina made me want to create more documentary style films. I discovered that I need to be prepared for a successful shoot and I love creating stories about the ordinary moments in life.
Which part of the filmmaking process such as writing, directing, shooting, editing, did you connect with most, and why?
I love shooting and I was nervous that I would feel isolated doing it because the program was online. But the opposite couldn’t have been more true. Though you cannot recreate the feeling of being on a shoot with everyone's excitement, I found that online the best part was seeing what my other crew members had filmed and editing it together. I got to see how they angled the camera and their perspective on the world which opened my eyes. Then for the next film I created I wanted to challenge myself to do something different with the camera as they had done. Their work constantly inspired me to do something new.
What was your favorite project or moment from the workshop?
My favorite project was creating a music video. I loved editing it together with my crew because, though it was hard, we started to become friends and form a relationship. In doing so we were able to share more of our ideas and become vulnerable because we had built trust with each other.
As an intensive, asynchronous course, students need to stay disciplined. How did you manage to structure your time and stay motivated and connected throughout?
I like to be organized and for me I was so excited to wake up to new lessons every morning. I would watch the videos in the morning and then begin to tackle the projects in the afternoon. I would see the prompt and reach out to my crew even if it is just a “hello!” to get everyone to start connecting. I found that once the first contact was made with the crew everything was easier to organize and discuss. Sometimes the chats would be intimidating, but once we began talking I got so excited to work with them.
How have the strategies or routines you built during the workshop continued to benefit your creative work beyond the program?
I have definitely improved my communication skills especially when reaching out to those online. At my school I run a film club and this program has introduced me to so many activities and has reassured me of my love for filmmaking. I am also a lot more organized now. When I create a film I used to just start but now I have a thorough script and storyboards to guide my process and I learned all that from this program.
What aspects of the workshop stood out as the most helpful and what advice would you give to aspiring participants?
I loved working with others because I got to see the way in which they approached filmmaking. To anyone who is thinking about doing this program I would say just go for it. You do not need any experience, you just need to love making movies! That passion will guide you and help you to communicate with your crew. And that kind of passion is infectious, once people see how excited you are they won’t help but feel the same way.
Why the Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop and why at this time of your high school career?
I applied to the program because I love films. Watching them and making them. I wanted to get to know others who share this passion. This program is also guided by the best professors and T.A’s and they gave me such helpful advice. I wanted to strengthen my film skills and this was the necessary step to do that. As a senior in high school this is something I am passionate about and I wanted to see if I wanted to follow it in the future.
The Tisch Online High School Filmmakers and Screenwriters Workshops are offered every summer and fall. The workshops are open to all domestic and international high school students. The application is open for the summer 2026 workshops and the deadline is May 11, 2026. Learn more about admissions requirements and apply.
