2024 Teen Filmmaker Lab is now Live!

Special Thanks To Our Supporters!

This project was supported, in part, by a grant from 4Culture.

The NW Film Camp Teen Filmmaker Lab is generously funded in part by arts grants, fiscal sponsors, partners and dedicated donors like you!

Interested in joining the Lab?

Immerse yourself in the world of cinematic creativity with the Teen Filmmaker Lab, an innovative initiative generously funded in part by arts grants, fiscal sponsors, and dedicated donors. This empowering program provides aspiring young filmmakers with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to bring their cinematic visions to life. From scriptwriting to directing, editing, and beyond, the Teen Filmmaker Lab is a vibrant hub where passion meets opportunity, shaping the next generation of storytellers and celebrating the art of filmmaking.

Now accepting applications for our 2025 Teen Filmmaker Lab Cohort! Advanced and Narrative Film Camp Alumni, Ages 13-19 are invited to join.

Team members will be chosen based on their talents, interests, and dedication. The selection process is designed to challenge teen filmmakers to bring their absolute best to their projects, fostering an environment where their talents can truly shine. Students interested in exploring the many career ​opportunities in the creative industry are encouraged to apply.

Locations: Seattle - Portland, In-Person & Online

Are you aspiring filmmaker with a passion for storytelling? Do you dream of seeing your work on the big screen and sharing your vision with the world? If you're between the ages of 13 and 19 and have completed NW Film Camp's Advanced or Narrative Film Camps, we have an exciting opportunity just for you! Introducing the NW Film Camp Teen Filmmaker Lab, a dynamic program designed to nurture your filmmaking skills and bring your creative visions to life.

What is the Teen Filmmaker Lab?

The NW Film Camp Teen Filmmaker Lab is an intensive, multi-season program specially crafted for aspiring filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, supporting student short film productions in Portland and Seattle. We will be meeting online and in person as we get our projects off the ground. If you have a passion for filmmaking and have successfully completed our Advanced or Narrative Film Camps, you are invited to apply for this incredible opportunity. We will be creating a youth advisory board and youth production council as well!

The Journey | Limited Spaces Available - Free to Join!

Winter Programing: Pre-Production Essentials: The adventure begins in early January 2024 when we kick off the Teen Filmmaker Lab online. In the first part of our program, you'll dive into essential pre-production skills, including scriptwriting, pitch decks, film treatments, storyboarding, and production planning. This is where your creative ideas will begin to take shape and evolve into a concrete plan.

Spring: Bringing Your Vision to Life: Spring is all about turning your creative concepts into reality. During this season of the program, you'll delve into producing, production budgeting, casting, assembling your crew (including camera and grip & electric departments), location scouting, and table readings. This phase is where the magic happens as your ideas take shape in the real world.

Summer: Lights, Camera, Action: The summer season is when you get to put everything you've learned into practice. You will move from pre-production to production, capturing your vision on film. With a focus on production, editing, mastering, festival submission, film premieres, and distribution, this is where your hard work and dedication culminate in tangible results.

Collaboration and Partnerships

In collaboration with Cherry Street Films and with the support of grants and local film companies in the Pacific Northwest, we are excited to announce that we will be producing two short films. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain real-world experience, collaborate with industry professionals, and get a taste of the filmmaking world beyond the classroom.

Why Should You Join the Teen Filmmaker Lab?

  1. Skill Enhancement: This program is designed to take your filmmaking skills to the next level. You'll learn the ropes from industry professionals and gain practical experience.

  2. Real-World Experience: By participating in the production of a short film, you'll experience the entire filmmaking process, from concept to distribution.

  3. Networking Opportunities: You'll have the chance to connect with industry insiders, mentors, and like-minded peers, opening doors for future collaborations.

  4. Exposure: Your films will have the chance to shine on the big screen and at film festivals, giving you the exposure you need to kickstart your filmmaking career.

  5. Local Support: We have local film companies and grants backing our program, ensuring you have the resources needed to bring your creative vision to life.

Our 2024 Teen Filmmaker Lab Cohort is now full!

Advanced Camp Alumni can apply for our 2025 Cohort at any time

If you're ready to take your filmmaking journey to the next level, don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity. The NW Film Camp Teen Filmmaker Lab is your ticket to honing your craft, creating memorable films, and making valuable connections in the Pacific Northwest's thriving film industry. We're all about talent and passion. We're looking for those who are up for the challenge and eager to give their all to make awesome films.

To apply, please fill out the application form below. Be sure to include your experiences from the Advanced Film Production camp and let us know why you're passionate about filmmaking. Mark your calendar! Teen Filmmaker Lab starts in early January 2025 and costs nothing to join. Limited spaces are available. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to bring out your creative visions and to start your filmmaking career. Apply today!