Short Film Bootcamp: Write, Shoot and Edit an On-Camera Film

This advanced bootcamp takes teens through the full life of a short film in two intensive weeks. Learners write a script, perform on camera, direct and shoot their scenes at home and edit the footage into a finished short film of about two to three minutes.

We begin with story. Learners develop a simple, strong idea, write a short screenplay in proper format and break it into a shot list and storyboard. They learn how professionals plan coverage with wide, medium and close-up shots so scenes cut together smoothly.

Next comes performance. On-camera acting is very different from stage acting, so we work on subtle expressions, eyelines, hitting marks and delivering lines naturally. Learners rehearse with each other online, then take turns directing one another: giving clear notes, adjusting a performance and leading a short scene. Directing builds real leadership and teamwork.

Learners then film their own scenes at home using phones or cameras, with guidance on framing, natural light and clean sound. Family members can join as extra actors or crew. In the editing sessions we assemble rough cuts, refine pacing, add music and titles and colour-correct the footage.

The bootcamp ends with a premiere screening where each learner presents their film and talks about the choices they made. It suits teens with some filming or acting experience who want a challenging, hands-on project.

How classes work

Each 90-minute class combines a focused lesson with hands-on practice, peer collaboration in breakout rooms and live feedback. Between classes, learners film or edit the parts of their project discussed that day.

What we'll cover

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  Class 1: Story Idea and Screenplay – Develop a short film idea and write a script in proper screenplay format.

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  Class 2: Shot List and Storyboard – Plan coverage with wide, medium and close-up shots and sketch a storyboard for each scene.

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  Class 3: On-Camera Acting and Directing – Practise natural on-camera performance, eyelines and line delivery, then take turns directing peers.

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  Class 4: Filming Day Workshop – Review framing, light and sound, troubleshoot home shoots and capture the film's key scenes.

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  Class 5: Editing the Rough Cut – Assemble footage into a rough cut and tighten pacing, continuity and performance choices.

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  Class 6: Final Polish and Premiere – Add music, titles and colour correction, then screen the finished films and discuss each director's choices.

Learners should have some experience filming or editing video, or acting on stage or camera. They need a device that records video and a video editor installed before the first class.