Join our Weekend Filmmaking Club for kids (ages 8–14) starting this September!
Each week, students will explore a new part of the filmmaking process—from storytelling and scriptwriting to acting, camera work, sound, editing, and production design—while creating their own short film in teams
Along the way, they’ll learn directly from special guests including professional screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, editors, and more. The program ends with a red-carpet premiere in early December where families can celebrate their child’s creative journey and watch the completed movies.
No experience needed—all gear provided!
SF Film Class Curriculum
Week 1: Sept 20th
Intro to Filmmaking & Storytelling Basics
- Icebreakers + team formation
- Learn the basic roles on a film set
- Watch short films and discuss
- Brainstorm story ideas in groups
Week 2: Sept 27th
Scriptwriting & Storyboarding
- Each group chooses an idea to develop
- Learn screenplay format and visual storytelling
- Practice writing short scripts and drawing basic storyboards
Guest Speaker: Storyboard artist or animation pre-vis artist to show examples of professional boards and talk through visual planning.
Week 3: Oct 4th
Directing & Acting for the Camera
- Directing actors vs stage directing
- Basic camera acting exercises (expressions, blocking)
- Practice rehearsing scenes with peers
Guest Speaker: Film/TV actor or Casting Director who gives a short Q&A and on-the-floor coaching with kids.
Week 4: Oct 11th
Cinematography & Camera Training
- Intro to camera basics: shot sizes, angles, composition
- Practice framing and movement
- Film test shots and evaluate together
Guest Speaker: Cinematographer or camera operator. Demo on lighting and storytelling through visuals.
Week 5: Oct 18th
Sound Design & Production Sound
- Learn about microphones, boom operation, quiet on set!
- Practice recording dialogue and sound effects
- Create a short soundscape exercise
Week 6: Oct 25th
Production Design & Costumes
- Explore sets, props, and costume planning
- Build simple props or elements of their story world
- Costume and prop scavenger hunt
Guest Speaker: Production designer, costume stylist or SFX make-up designer who shares inspiration boards and real props/costumes.
Week 7: Nov 1st
Shoot Day 1 – Filming Begins!
- Planning and logistics
- Kids rotate roles: director, camera, boom, actors, etc.
- Full on-set experience: lights, camera, action!
Week 8: Nov 8st
Shoot Day 2 – Filming Continues
- Filming Continues
- Roles swapped around
- Behind-the-scenes photos and mini-interviews
Week 9: Nov 15th
Shoot Day 3 - Filming Completed
- Finish remaining scenes
- Begin reviewing footage
- Footage organized and uploaded.
Week 10: Nov 22nd
Editing & Post-Production
- Intro to editing (iMovie, CapCut, or Adobe Rush)
- Kids work in groups to cut their film with guidance
- Add music, effects, and titles
