Youth Programs: Young Filmmakers

2025 Young Filmmakers Highlights

Grades 6 - 8

This two-week program is designed for middle school students interested in writing, directing, editing, and acting in original short movies, while learning the art of visual storytelling.

Topics Include:

• Writing a screenplay using industry standard format using script writing software
• Storyboarding
• Developing characters/storytelling
• Location scouting
• Blocking a scene with your camera (actors and camera crew practice together)
• Understanding your camcorder
• How to stage and film a scene
• Image control: composition/depth of field
• Lighting: Interior (inside) / Exterior (outside)
• Audio (sound) on the set and in post-production (editing)
• Editing techniques using industry standard software: Adobe Premiere and/or iMovie

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Typical Day

9:30am – 11:30am

Morning Mini Lesson & Filming

Each day begins with a focused mini lesson in which we introduce a new film technique or concept. These lessons cover a wide range of skills—such as camera movement, green-screen compositing, recording clean audio, and experimenting with slow-motion footage—and are designed to give students a strong foundation in practical filmmaking. After the lesson, students break into small groups to brainstorm, plan, and film a short project that incorporates the day’s technique. This daily cycle of learning and hands-on creation helps students quickly build confidence and develop a versatile set of production skills.

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11:30 – 12:30pm

Lunch

A 45 minute lunch break with their Teaching Assistants, usually eaten outside to enjoy the beautiful green space at Purchase College. This is a great time to re-charge for the afternoon by relaxing, playing games, and hanging out with new friends!

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12:30 – 3pm

Continue Filming & Editing Time

After lunch, we transition back into production mode, continuing to film any remaining shots or reshooting scenes that need improvement. Depending on where each group is in their workflow, students may also head to the edit bays, where they begin assembling their footage, reviewing takes, and cutting together the scenes they captured earlier in the day. This afternoon block gives students ample time to refine their work, experiment with different creative choices, and experience the full process of bringing their ideas from the camera to the editing timeline.

NOTE: We move fast here at the Film Institute, that way we can cover as many of the essential film concepts as possible.

Program Details

YTH 9535/ Young Filmmakers
Session III: July 27 – August 7, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm (10 sessions)

$1,200 for the first registration
$1,080 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, and alumni, Broadview families, Pepsi employees and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026)


Empire State Arts Scholarship Information

For a well-rounded summer, combine Young Filmmakers with Young Vocalists, and Young Artists or Young Writers to maximize your creative experience.

Program Notes

• The majority of your day will be hands-on. A teacher or teacher’s assistant will be working alongside you to answer any questions.
• Returning students will be able to expand on their experience and are encouraged to come in ready to shoot with a script or script idea.
• Small groups usually consist of four to five students working with a teacher or teacher’s assistant.
• The program will culminate with a film festival for family and friends on the last day of the program.
• Students must supply their own digital camcorders. (Bring your manuals too!)
• The highlight of this program is being with other like-minded people who love film. The ways in which we collaborate is what makes the program unique.
• Gratuitous violence, use of guns, and/or offensive language are not permitted.

Instructor