Learn to Make a Short Film at NYFA
During the 3-Week Online Film Camp, students write, direct, shoot and edit their own creative content using mobile devices and digital editing software. The camp is structured around the production of two short film exercises of increasing complexity, and days are spent in the virtual classroom and on their own home set. Through a series of online intensive classes on production, editing, writing, cinematography, and directing, students get a thorough introduction to the various creative and technical demands of filmmaking.
Students have each one of their films screened and critiqued online with their lead faculty member. No experience is required to attend.
Program Description Camp Name: 3-Week Filmmaking Camp for Teens
The 3-Week Online Filmmaking Program is designed to adapt the immersive, hands-on experience of our on-campus program into an interactive remote learning environment. This course provides students with a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of visual storytelling, focusing on how to create compelling films using a phone or any camera the student has access to. With an emphasis on practical, naturalistic lighting and mobile-friendly editing tools, students will develop the skills needed to tell engaging visual stories while working from home or any remote setting.
Classes are conducted live via Zoom, where students will receive real-time instruction, participate in discussions, and engage in guided filmmaking exercises. Before the course begins, each student will be provided with an NYFA email address, which they will use to log in to Zoom and access course materials.
Core Subjects
- Director’s Craft: Through a well-balanced combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, students will explore the language of filmmaking, learning how to make creative and technical choices that bring their vision to life through effective visual storytelling techniques.
- Writing: Students will begin with an introduction to story structure and script formatting before shifting focus to workshopping their own film ideas. Through this process, they will refine their understanding of story arc, pacing, character development, and narrative beats.
- Cinematography and Lighting: Students will learn how to capture visually engaging images using their phone or any available camera, while working with natural and practical light sources to enhance their storytelling.
- Digital Editing: Through hands-on practice using Adobe Rush, a mobile-friendly editing software from the Adobe suite, students will develop a strong foundation in post-production techniques, learning how to refine their films through editing and sound design.
Final Projects
By the end of the program, each student will have written, directed, shot, and edited two short films: a continuity film and a music/montage film. Both projects will be non-dialogue films, relying solely on visual storytelling, music, and sound effects to communicate narrative, mood, and emotion—effectively steering students toward the habit of showing instead of telling.
- Continuity Film (First Project) – This project will focus on achieving seamless visual continuity and flow, allowing students to explore essential filmmaking techniques. They will learn how to construct clear, engaging sequences where the movement and progression of time feel natural and cohesive, an essential skill in film language.
- Music/Montage Film (Second Project) – In this project, students will take a more expressive approach, where music and sound effects play a pivotal role in storytelling. By experimenting with rhythm, juxtaposition, and visual composition, students will explore how the relationship between sound and image can shape mood, tone, and meaning. This project encourages creative editing techniques and a dynamic approach to narrative construction.
Throughout the course, students will also engage in peer collaboration and feedback sessions, simulating a real-world filmmaking environment in an online format.
By the end of the program, students will have developed a stronger command of visual storytelling, a deeper understanding of cinematic techniques, and a portfolio of two completed short films that demonstrate their ability to craft engaging stories using only images, music, and sound design.
To learn more about NYFA’s teen camps, visit the NYFA Camp Brochure.
3-Week Online Filmmaking Summer Camp for Teens I
| Location | Program Start Date and End Date | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Online | July 21, 2025 – August 8, 2025 | Tuition:$ 2,025 Program Duration: 3-Week |