By Elizabeth Rodeno –
Ventura’s talented crew of Future Filmmakers recently completed two fast-paced, week-long workshops at CAPS. The first week featured Live Action production with team members writing, acting, recording and editing their own production. The second workshop focused on Stop Motion production. Both week-long sessions included all aspects of media production including story development, scripting, storyboarding, directing, lighting, music production, editing and more.
Led by program director Ethan Messecar, a graduate of the CAPS/VUSD ECTV program with a film degree from UC Irvine, and supported by Ethan’s crew of engaging educators, the young filmmakers worked in small teams to create their own highly original productions. Each session concluded with a special “Movie Premier” for family and friends at CAPS. The overwhelming positive response by the young filmmakers and their families to the 2025 workshops assures that the Future Filmmakers program will return in 2026 with many repeating members from this year.
This month the CAPS Staff Spotlight falls on Gary Roll, CAPS Postproduction Supervisor. Gary joined the CAPS team in 2011, bringing the community his extensive expertise and creativity and his engaging personality to the Ventura community. When it comes to media production, Gary is a proverbial jack-of-all-trades, however his particular talent and passion is for video editing and training. In a recently produced CAPS 2025 video, Gary expressed his time and work at CAPS:
“I really enjoy what we accomplish here at CAPS. I manage all of the postproduction, edit multiple projects, help manage live productions and streaming and perform other tasks supporting our members and channels.
In addition to editing CAPS projects for the city and various clients, I’m also the lead trainer for teaching editing to members by conducting classes in small groups and one-on-one training sessions to help them learn the tools, programs, and techniques for effective editing. I’ve had the privilege of teaching well over 300 members in basic video editing. I enjoy helping CAPS members realize their own creative potential. I find the work especially rewarding when a member completes a project of their own, telling their story.
I’ve collaborated with the entire CAPS team to create hundreds of productions ranging from short form videos to ongoing series to a complete documentary. Film editing tools and programs are always changing, and while I’m continually learning, one thing remains the same. No matter what the tools are. It’s always about storytelling, and that’s the fun part.”
It is another very busy summer at CAPS. In addition to managing the summer program, the team is producing multiple projects for the community including new episodes of Ventura Voices for the City, the upcoming State of the City presentation, and informative videos for the Ventura Land Trust, Ventura Botanical Gardens, County Human Services and other clients.
There’s much more to share about CAPS Media resources, training, classes, programs, KPPQ radio, and other opportunities. To register for the free monthly orientation or learn more about CAPS go to capsmedia.org. Discover what CAPS has to offer when you join the CAPS Creative Community.
