Summer Media Institute (SMI) 2008 kicked off yesterday at 9:30 in CCTV's studio. Twenty-three youth from the ages of 14 to 18 began their six week journey, but who will remain? ... everyone. The day started off with introductions followed by awkward silences as new and returning faces filed into the door and into the studio for an orientation. SMI was explained by the CCTV staff working as instructors and questions were answered about what working here would be like this summer.

The instructors explained that we were going to be split into three groups for the summer (or more like two and a half): beginners, advanced, and documentarians. The placements were made by prior experience or participation in the program, or for the two documentarians Julie Pan and myself, by the amount of time we are going to miss this summer. After the groups were explained and people found the right one, they split off to go talk about what was to come project-wise this summer.

The beginner group's projects are similar to those of years past, a personal narrative followed by a final project, however the advanced group is doing something completely different. Their job is to create a documentary about the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program that can be used to show other kids what it is like to work for in the summer. Both groups' projects will be good and will also allow for each member to grow to whatever the next level is for him or her.

This separate group orientation was followed by an introduction to the new cameras (YAY!) for each group. Everyone is excited to use them in whatever project or group they are a part of, and along with the new flip cameras as well, this summer should prove to be full of embarrassing moments from the SMI community in the highest quality and/or convenience ever.

The day ended, and students began to leave, trickling out into the Central Square Sauna to walk, ride or drive home. As the summer continues so will the action and learning here at SMI and this blog will be your window into what's happening here everyday. Through words, pictures, and videos you will be able to witness what we are doing and join us on our six week journey as we learn to create, appreciate and understand media in a new way.