Filmmaker is center’s artist of the month

Acclaimed filmmaker Debra Zarne is the June artist in residence at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.

A Milwaukee native, Zarne discovered her passion for film at an early age after seeing Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” in theaters. Childhood trips to Shorewood Players performances and family movie outings to classics such as “The Wizard of Oz” helped spark a lifelong love of storytelling through theater and film.

Today, Zarne has created seven feature-length films and more than 30 short films, many of which have screened at film festivals and earned awards.

Her work spans comedy, documentary, music videos and experimental film, and she has also written award-winning screenplays.

Before pursuing filmmaking full time, Zarne earned degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Law School before practicing real estate law. She left her legal career to attend film school at the University of Southern California, where she earned a master of fine arts degree in film production.

Zarne will be at the center to write, outline, create storyboards and edit video projects and answer questions from 3 to 5 p.m.  June 2 and 5 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9, 12, 16, 19, 25 and 30.

Zarne will also lead a workshop, “Filmmaking with Your Smartphone or DSLR” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 23.

Participants will learn techniques for creating compelling videos using a smartphone or DSLR camera. The course topics include resolution selection, composition, lighting, use of tripods and gimbals, storyboarding and editing.

Through screenings and discussion of Zarne’s short films, attendees will gain insight into her creative process, special effects techniques and experimental filmmaking approaches.

Students should bring a smartphone and notepad and pen.

The cost is $46 for center members and $56 for nonmembers.

For more information or to register, contact the Cedarburg Cultural Center at (262) 375-3676 or visit www.CedarburgCulturalCenter.org.

The center is at W62 N546 Washington Ave.