The Library’s Master Shot Film Club offers a space for teens ages 12–18 to meet, connect with other aspiring filmmakers, and work on high quality short films.
Founded in 2013 with Paris-based actor, writer, filmmaker, and acting coach Clarence Tokley, the Master Shot Film Club (MSFC) was created to provide a space for teens to explore all aspects of film-making, including the development and production process, script-writing, camera work, directing, acting, and editing. The club is open to teens ages 12–18 in the Paris area who are fluent in English, by application. All teens between the ages of 12–18 (or those turning 12 before 31 December 2025)—Library members and non-members—are welcome to apply. Participation in this club is free if accepted.
The club runs from September through June, and members meet once a month at The American Library in Paris. Meetings are facilitated by Clarence Tokley, with the support of the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. Meetings are held one Saturday a month from 17h00-18h30, at The American Library in Paris. Each meeting includes time to talk about film, and time to work on projects or film challenges.
Applications will be open from 1 March 2025 through 31 July 2025 at 22h00 for the 2025–2026 Master Shot Film Club. The link to apply will be available on this page. Teens between the ages of 12–18 are welcome to apply. Space is not guaranteed, and only a limited number of teens will be selected. Applications are screened by the Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager and Master Shot Film Club coach Clarence Tokley. All applicants will be notified about the status of their application mid-August.
About Clarence Tokley:
Clarence Tokley is a Paris-based teacher, filmmaker, and writer. A native of New Jersey, Clarence attended Rutgers University, obtaining a degree in History and Film Studies. Clarence then attended the New York Film Academy in New York City, before packing up everything and moving to Paris—he wanted to get a taste of the European style of storytelling. He fully immersed himself in the film industry and quickly landed his first job in Paris. Some of his credits include Rush Hour 3, Truth in 24, Exes, and the Cherry Orchard. Clarence also does voice-over work in Paris. Along with his duties as teacher of the BAW Teen and Youth Acting courses, he is the director of camps in France and provides workshops and private coaching. When he’s not teaching or coaching, Clarence continues to work professionally in film and theater productions in and around Paris.
