LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Filmmaking & Acting Camp

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Filmmaking & Acting Summer Camp

📍 Los Angeles, San Francisco & Austin

Overview:

This 5-day summer camp is an immersive experience where campers will create multiple short films, each exploring different storytelling styles and genres. Through a mix of hands-on activities, improvisation, and teamwork, campers will develop creative confidence while making movies they’ll be proud of.

DAY 1: Action-Packed One-Take Movie & Silent Film Challenge

🎬 Focus: Acting, Movement, and Visual Storytelling

    •    Icebreaker: “Act It Out” – Fun group activities to build confidence on camera.

    •    The One-Take Action Movie – Campers create a 1-2 minute action scene in a single take (e.g., a zombie chase, a superhero showdown, or a spy escape).

    •    The Silent Movie Challenge – Inspired by classic silent films, teams must tell a short story using only expressions and physical comedy (e.g., “The Great Pie Fight” or “Lost in the City”).

    •    Screen & Discuss – Watch the films and discuss storytelling without words.

DAY 2: Mystery, Comedy & The Talk Show Challenge

🎬 Focus: Writing & Improvisation

    •    The Mystery Short Film – Groups create a 2-3 minute whodunit (e.g., “The Missing Trophy” or “The Haunted Backpack”).

    •    Comedy & Improv Games – Learn comedic timing through fast-paced acting exercises.

    •    The Talk Show Challenge – Each group produces a hilarious or serious talk show segment with characters (e.g., “Aliens Among Us,” “Secrets from the Principal’s Office”).

    •    Scriptwriting & Planning for the Big Film – Start brainstorming and outlining the main project for Days 3-5.

DAY 3: Filming the Big Movie – Genre Pick

🎬 Focus: Shooting a Full Short Film

Campers break into teams and choose one of the following genres for their main project: Some examples of movies are below but the story will be decided by campers.

✅ Sci-Fi: “The Portal Problem” – A group of kids discovers a strange portal in the park.

✅ Fantasy: “The Magic Object” – An ordinary object gives someone unexpected powers.

✅ Horror: “The Cursed Phone” – A haunted smartphone wreaks havoc.

✅ Comedy: “The Worst Babysitter Ever” – A chaotic babysitting adventure.

✅ Drama: “Best Friends… or Worst Enemies?” – A friendship takes an unexpected turn.

    •    Assign Roles & Rehearse – Actors practice, and directors finalize their shot lists.

    •    Filming Begins! – Teams start shooting their films, capturing multiple scenes.

DAY 4: Continue Filming & Special Effects Scene

🎬 Focus: Finishing Scenes & Adding Movie Magic

    •    Morning: Finishing Principal Filming – Complete any remaining scenes.

    •    The Special Effects Scene Challenge – Learn to shoot basic special effects, like:

    •    Superpowers (e.g., teleportation, flying, force fields)

    •    Disappearing Tricks (using jump cuts and clever angles)

    •    Ghostly Figures (double exposure tricks)

    •    Editing Prep – Organize footage and choose music/sound effects.

DAY 5: Editing & Film Festival Premiere

🎬 Focus: Bringing It All Together & Celebrating

    •    Final Editing Touches – Groups polish their films and add soundtracks.

    •    Movie Poster Challenge – Each team creates a poster for their film.

    •    Wrap-Up & Goodbyes – Exchange contacts and reflect on the week’s experience.