Looking for an unforgettable kids filmmaking camp in Austin this fall? Welcome to our Austin Film Classes, a program where creativity runs wild and young imaginations take center stage.
our classes are designed for kids ages 8 to 14 who dream of making movies, acting in scenes, or shouting “action!” on a real set. Over ten weeks, students meet to explore every part of the filmmaking process. They’ll learn to write scripts, operate cameras, act for the camera, record sound, and even edit their short film. It’s like an acting school for kids, film school, and adventure camp all rolled into one amazing experience!
No prior experience or equipment is needed; we provide all the gear and guidance. Sessions start in September and run through November. If you’re searching for unique kids activities Austin parents rave about, this is the place to be.
LOCATION: Photogroup Studios, 321 W Ben White Blvd #106a,
Austin, TX 78704
✅ Ages 8–14
✅ Leaves families free in the afternoon
✅ Most popular choice for weekend enrichmen
✅ Not too early for kids
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Icebreakers and team formation kick off the fun. Campers learn the basic roles on a film set and discuss what makes a great story. They’ll watch a few short films for inspiration and then brainstorm their own story ideas in groups. By the end of Day 1, each team has a rough movie idea and new friends to create it with!
Time to put ideas on paper. Each group chooses a story idea to develop. We teach the foundations of screenplay format and visual storytelling (how to plan shots and scenes). Campers practice writing a short script together and sketching simple storyboards.
Guest Speaker: A professional storyboard artist or animation pre-vis artist shows the kids how the pros plan their scenes, sharing cool storyboard examples.
Lights, camera, action! This week is all about performance and direction. Campers learn the difference between directing actors on a movie set vs. directing for a school play. They do fun on-camera acting exercises and take turns directing each other in mini scenes.
Guest Speaker: A film/TV actor or casting director joins for a Q&A and gives on-the-spot acting tips, just like a mini acting class for kids built into camp.
Now we dive into the visuals. Kids get an intro to camera work: shot sizes, angles, composition, and basic lighting. They practice framing shots and even try moving the camera to see how it changes a scene. There’s a hands-on demo with real cameras (safe and age-appropriate, of course).
Guest Speaker: Cinematographer or camera operator. Demo on lighting and storytelling through visuals
What’s a movie without sound? This session introduces the art of audio. Campers learn about microphones and boom poles, and why we call “Quiet on set!” They practice recording dialogue and creating sound effects (ever tried making rain or footsteps sounds in a microphone?). By crafting a short soundscape, kids discover how sound design adds mood and magic to their movies.
Time to get crafty! This week explores how to design the look of their film. Campers brainstorm simple sets, props, and costume ideas for their story. They might build a few props or decorate a “set corner” of the studio. A costume and prop scavenger hunt keeps things active and imaginative.
Guest Speaker: A production designer or special effects make-up artist shows off real props/costumes and shares how movie magic is made with design.
It’s filming time! Lights, camera, action – literally. With scripts ready and scenes planned, kids begin shooting their short films. They rotate roles (director, camera operator, boom mic, actors, etc.) so everyone tries different jobs on set. The studio buzzes like a real film set as campers yell “Action!” and “Cut!” for the first time.
Filming continues for each group’s project. New scenes, new angles, and more fun. Campers swap roles from last time, so if someone acted last week, they might run the camera this week. We also capture behind-the-scenes photos and videos, giving kids a taste of a film set documentary (and great memories for parents to see later!).
The final shooting day is here. Teams film any remaining scenes and then shout, “That’s a wrap!” Once filming is done, the class begins reviewing the footage together. Kids learn how to log and organize video clips (an important step before editing). By the end of Week 9, all filming is completed, and everyone is excited to see how it comes together in editing.
Now the real movie magic happens in post-production. Campers get an intro to video editing using kid-friendly software (like iMovie, CapCut, or Adobe Rush). Working in their film teams, they cut their footage into a short film, with instructors guiding them through the process. They’ll add music, sound effects, and titles to put the finishing touches on their masterpiece. It’s amazing to see raw clips turn into a real movie! We end the day with popcorn and a celebratory preview of each team’s film project.
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Choosing the Austin Fall Film Camp comes with many benefits for both kids and parents:
Kids don’t just watch movies, they make them! Campers explore storytelling, camera operation, acting, and editing through engaging, hands-on activities. Learning by doing keeps everyone excited and involved.
From performing on camera to directing peers, campers build self-confidence. Working in small teams and making new friends also teaches cooperation and leadership in a fun environment.
Our instructors are industry pros who love working with kids. Campers even meet special guest speakers such as screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, etc., who share real-world insights and inspire young minds.
Sessions meet on weekend mornings (not too early), so kids are fresh and families have free afternoons. No weekday rush hour or late pickups to worry about, perfect for busy Austin parents.
Our central South Austin location (78704) is easy to reach from all over town. Families from Westlake, Rollingwood, Tarrytown, and beyond join in. It’s a great way for your child to meet creative peers from across Austin.
The camp concludes with a special red-carpet screening. Kids feel proud seeing their work on screen, and parents love celebrating this big achievement (camera flashes and applause included!). It’s a one-of-a-kind memory that families will cherish for years.
Choosing an activity for your child is about finding a program that’s enriching, engaging, and age-appropriate. Here’s what makes our Austin film camp stand out among kids’ extracurricular programs:
We do more than teach filmmaking technical skills. We encourage kids to dream up stories, invent characters, and bring their ideas to life. Campers get an outlet for their imagination in a way that standard classes or clubs might not provide. It’s a creative kids’ program that keeps them thinking outside the box and off their devices!
Our camp incorporates acting exercises and on-camera performance, so it doubles as an acting class for kids. Shy or outgoing, every child gets a chance to shine in front of the camera. They play theater games and film scenes, gaining performance skills and confidence in self-expression. By performing in a fun, low-pressure setting, kids build confidence.
Making a movie is a team effort, and campers learn this firsthand. Kids work in small groups as a film crew, taking turns being the director, camera operator, actor, and more. They learn to communicate and collaborate to achieve a common goal. These teamwork skills carry over to school projects and other activities in their life.
We know family life is busy. Our weekend camp schedule is designed with parents in mind. Sessions start in the morning (not too early!) and finish by early afternoon, leaving you free for other plans. No weekday pickups or late nights, just a consistent weekend activity that kids look forward to.
Think of this camp as an educational adventure disguised as play. During each session, campers are practicing reading and writing (scripts and storyboards), learning a bit of science and tech (camera gear and lighting), and even developing project management skills, all “disguised as play” in a fun camp setting. The weekend schedule means it complements the school week perfectly: It’s an ideal after-school enrichment activity for kids who love stories, drama, or YouTube-style video creation.
Over 10 weeks, your child will create a real short film with their team. Completing this project and showcasing it at our camp film festival gives campers a huge confidence boost. They get to proudly say “I made this!” and watch their work on screen with an audience. That sense of accomplishment can be transformative, showing kids the value of persistence and collaboration.
Curious about our filmmaking programs? Find everything from enrollment details to camp essentials below. Don’t see your question?
Reach out—we’re happy to help!
Film Camp is a creative educational company and youth program. Our main campus is based in Austin, with clubs and after-school classes in Los Angeles and San Francisco as well. We offer camps and classes that blend the fun of a kids’ camp with the learning of an acting school for kids and a filmmaking workshop. In other words, kids get to write, direct, act, and create in a hands-on environment rather than a traditional classroom. It’s all about learning by doing and having a blast in the process!
You can register online on our website. Visit the Programs page and find the Austin Fall Film Camp. There will be a “Register Now” or “Book Now” button to sign up. Payment can be made securely through our online portal (via ActivityHero or Stripe). If you prefer, you can also contact us to arrange payment. We offer early-bird pricing and sibling discounts at certain times. Check our site or contact us for details!
No experience is necessary! Our camp is designed for beginners and experienced young filmmakers alike. We provide all the equipment, such as cameras, lights, sound gear, etc., that students will use during the program. Your child just needs to come with enthusiasm and creativity. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended since we’ll be moving around. We also recommend packing a water bottle and a snack for breaks. Other than that, all materials (scripts, cameras, costumes for the film, etc.) are provided by us.
Yes, we understand that a camp can be a big investment. We offer flexible payment plans to spread out the cost. For example, an initial deposit is made when registering, and the remainder is split into installments. If you need a custom plan, please reach out, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. We also have occasional scholarships or discounts thanks to community partners. Don’t hesitate to contact us about financial assistance; we want to make sure every interested child has a chance to join our creative programs.
We prioritize your child’s health and safety. Our staff follows all recommended guidelines for youth programs. Photogroup Studios is spacious, allowing room for kids to spread out. We maintain clean equipment and provide hand sanitizer on set. If any local health advisories arise, we’ll adapt with measures like masking or moving certain activities outdoors as needed. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, so you can enroll with confidence that they’ll be safe while having a great time.
Have questions or want to learn more about our filmmaking programs? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re curious about upcoming camps, enrollment, or partnerships, feel free to reach out. Let’s connect and bring more stories to life!
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