Lights, Camera, Action! Unleash Your Child's Creativity.
Give your child the ultimate creative adventure this Spring Break at Film Camp San Francisco! Our 5-day filmmaking and acting camp transforms kids ages 7 to 14 into real filmmakers at The Young Performers Theater in Fort Mason.
From writing original scripts to directing scenes and editing their own short films, campers experience every aspect of professional movie-making with hands-on guidance from working Hollywood professionals.
⚡ Spaces are limited! Reserve your child's spot today.
Film Camp isn't just another spring break activity. It's a transformative experience that builds confidence, creativity, and real-world skills your child will use for life.
Our San Francisco program combines professional-grade instruction with age-appropriate fun, creating an environment where young filmmakers thrive and discover their creative potential.
Our instructors are working film industry professionals with credits on major studio productions including Netflix, Disney, and Amazon Studios. They bring authentic industry knowledge, real-world connections, and genuine passion for mentoring young filmmakers to every session.
Campers work with the same cameras, lighting rigs, boom microphones, and editing software used in actual film productions. No toy versions or simplified apps here. Your child will learn on real industry-standard equipment that professionals use every day.
We maintain a maximum 12:1 camper-to-instructor ratio at all times, ensuring every child receives personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and ample screen time. Each session has a maximum of 12 campers divided into production teams of 4 to 6.
From initial concept brainstorming to the final premiere, campers experience the entire professional production process. They'll write scripts, create storyboards, direct scenes, operate cameras, act on screen, and edit their footage into polished short films.
Through collaborative projects, creative problem-solving, public speaking, and on-camera work, children develop self-assurance that extends far beyond filmmaking. Even shy kids discover their voice and blossom when they see their ideas come to life on screen.
Every camp session ends with a family screening event where campers walk the red carpet and present their finished films to parents, grandparents, and friends. It's a proud moment they'll remember forever, and families consistently call it the highlight of spring break.
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Our comprehensive youth filmmaking curriculum covers every aspect of professional movie production, carefully adapted for young learners ages 7 to 14 while maintaining industry standards. Whether your child dreams of becoming a director, actor, cinematographer, or editor, they'll gain hands-on experience in all creative roles.
By the end of the week, campers don't just understand filmmaking concepts. They've actually made a real film from scratch, experiencing the satisfaction of seeing their creative vision come to life on screen.
Campers learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling that make movies captivating. They'll brainstorm original ideas, develop memorable characters, and write scripts their team will bring to life.
Every camper gets time in the director's chair, learning how to communicate creative vision, guide actors, and make decisions under the pressure of production deadlines
On-camera acting differs significantly from stage performance. Campers learn film-specific techniques that help them deliver natural, compelling performances in front of the camera.
Hands-on production experience teaches campers how professional film sets function. They'll rotate through crew positions, gaining appreciation for every role in the filmmaking process.
Campers learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling that make movies captivating. They'll brainstorm original ideas, develop memorable characters, and write scripts their team will bring to life.
Campers learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling that make movies captivating. They'll brainstorm original ideas, develop memorable characters, and write scripts their team will bring to life.
Each day builds on the previous, creating a complete filmmaking journey from initial concept to final premiere. Campers arrive as curious beginners and leave as confident young filmmakers with a finished production they created themselves. Here's exactly what happens during the week:
Morning (9 AM to 12 PM): Welcome ceremony and team introductions. Icebreaker activities help campers connect with their future collaborators. Introduction to filmmaking roles and responsibilities. Film analysis workshop: What makes a great short film? Campers watch and discuss examples, identifying storytelling techniques they'll use in their own projects.
Afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM): The creative process begins! Brainstorming sessions generate dozens of original ideas. Campers pitch their favorite concepts and vote on stories to develop. Teams form around shared creative visions. Script development begins with instructor guidance, and campers learn professional storyboarding techniques to visualize their films before shooting begins.
Morning (9 AM to 12 PM): Script finalization and table reads where teams read through their scripts together. Intensive acting workshop covers on-camera techniques, emotional expression, hitting marks, and character development. Even campers who think they don't want to act discover they have natural talent when given proper guidance.
Afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM): Camera and equipment training with professional gear. Campers learn safe handling, basic operation, and filming techniques. Shot list creation and location scouting within the studio. Costume selection and prop preparation. Teams finalize all pre-production elements so they're ready to film tomorrow.
Morning (9 AM to 12 PM): Lighting workshop covering professional three-point setups. Set preparation and rehearsals. The cameras start rolling! Teams begin filming their projects with close instructor supervision, learning on-set workflow and communication.
Afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM): Continued filming with systematic rotation through crew positions. Each camper experiences directing, camera operation, sound recording, and on-screen acting. This rotation ensures everyone understands each role's contribution to the final film.
Morning (9 AM to 12 PM): Final filming sessions wrap up principal photography. Pick-up shots capture any missed moments. Re-shoots address any scenes that need improvement. Teams review all captured footage together, celebrating what they've accomplished.
Afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM): The post-production journey begins! Introduction to professional editing software. Teams start assembling their footage, learning about cuts, transitions, and pacing. Instructors guide campers through the editing process, showing how raw footage transforms into a polished story.
Morning (9 AM to 12 PM): Final editing push! Adding music that enhances emotional moments, creating professional titles and credits, sound mixing to balance dialogue and music, and basic color correction to give films a polished look. Teams finalize their masterpieces.
Afternoon (1 PM to 4 PM): Final film exports and premiere preparation. Campers prepare to present their work. 🎬 3:00 PM: Family arrives for the RED CARPET PREMIERE! Campers walk the red carpet, present their finished films to parents, grandparents, and friends, receive certificates of completion, and celebrate their incredible accomplishments!
Every Film Camp San Francisco session is led by working filmmakers and media educators with hands-on experience in independent film, commercial production, and digital storytelling. Our instructors actively work in the film and creative industries and bring practical, real-world insight into the classroom, helping students understand how stories are developed, produced, and shared.
Lead instructors are supported by assistant instructors and mentors with skills across acting, cinematography, editing, and storytelling. Many have formal film or media training and continue to pursue creative work while teaching, creating an environment that is both professional and approachable for young filmmakers.
With a low camper-to-instructor ratio, students receive individualized guidance, thoughtful feedback, and meaningful support throughout the program. Our instructors focus not only on technical skills, but on collaboration, confidence, and creative expression—encouraging each student to explore their ideas and develop their own voice as a storyteller.
Film Camp San Francisco takes place at Young Performers Theater, a professional production facility in Fort Mason, California, which provides an authentic filmmaking environment that inspires young creators.
The facility features everything young filmmakers need to create professional-quality productions. Unlike camps held in school gyms or community centers, Solar Studios gives campers the real Hollywood experience in a space designed specifically for film production.
Climate-controlled facilities ensure comfort throughout the long camp days, while ample free parking makes drop-off and pick-up convenient for busy families commuting from across the greater Los Angeles area.
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (35 hours of professional instruction)
Professional cameras, lighting rigs, sound equipment, editing software access, props, costumes, and all production materials
Morning and afternoon snacks provided throughout the week (please pack lunch daily)
Every camper receives their own crew shirt to keep as a memento
HD download link for sharing with family, friends, and social media
Official Film Camp certificate celebrating your young filmmaker's achievement
Friday afternoon family screening with celebration, photos, and awards
Secure checkout powered by Stripe. Spaces are limited and sessions fill quickly!
We prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of everyone who enters our studio. Our spaces are kept clean, organized, and well-maintained, with clear protocols in place for equipment handling, supervision, and emergency preparedness.
Staff are trained to create a respectful, inclusive environment, ensuring all participants feel supported, secure, and cared for throughout their time with us.
All instructors and assistants undergo comprehensive background screening before working with campers. We verify credentials and conduct thorough reference checks
We maintain a maximum 12:1 camper-to-instructor ratio at all times, ensuring proper supervision and personalized attention for every child throughout the day.
Solar Studios features controlled building access with mandatory sign-in and sign-out procedures. Only authorized adults can pick up campers at the end of each day.
All staff members maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and emergency response. First aid supplies are readily available throughout the facility.
We accommodate dietary restrictions and maintain awareness of allergy needs for all campers. Please inform us of any allergies or special needs during registration.
Parents receive updates and photos throughout the week, keeping you connected to your child's camp experience and accomplishments every step of the way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"My kids loved the camp so so so much. Everyday was a new adventure. This was both of their first time acting and being behind the camera. They are already asking to go back. Absolutely worth it, great instructors!"
Los Angeles, California
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"It was a great experience for my son. He was excited from day one. Kids wrote the script, participated in discussion, played, acted, filmed. They did so much in these 5 days! Highly recommend for any creative kid."
Glendale, California
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"My son was excited for camp but had little experience! By week's end my guy was fully involved and invested. He learned so much and loved seeing his ideas come to life. Thanks for a super fun week!"
Burbank, California
Curious about our filmmaking program? Find answers to the most common questions from parents below. Don't see your question? Reach out to our team at (323) 471-5941 or hello@film.camp.
We're happy to help!
Film Camp San Francisco is designed for children ages 7 to 14. We group campers by age and experience level to ensure appropriate challenges and collaboration. Younger campers (ages 7 to 10) focus more on creativity, teamwork, and foundational storytelling skills, while older campers (ages 11 to 14) dive deeper into technical aspects of filmmaking and take on more complex production roles.
No prior experience is necessary! Our curriculum is designed for complete beginners while still engaging kids who may have some experience with cameras, video editing, or acting. Whether your child has never held a camera or already makes videos at home, they will learn new skills, discover new interests, and have an amazing time with fellow young filmmakers.
Campers should bring a packed lunch, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable clothes they can move in easily. We provide all equipment, materials, and snacks throughout the day. If your child has specific costume pieces they would like to use in their film, they are welcome to bring them. We recommend labeling all personal items with your child's name.
We offer full refunds for cancellations made 14 or more days before camp starts. Cancellations made 7 to 13 days before the start date receive a 50% refund. Within 7 days of camp starting, we offer credit toward a future Film Camp session rather than a monetary refund. We understand plans change, and we work with families to find solutions whenever possible.
We keep camp sizes intentionally small to ensure quality instruction and personalized attention. Each session has a maximum of 12 campers total, divided into smaller production teams of 4 to 6 campers each. With our strict 12:1 camper-to-instructor ratio, every child receives meaningful guidance, feedback, and hands-on time with equipment throughout the week.
Yes! Every camper has both on-screen and behind-the-camera time throughout the week. We ensure each child has meaningful roles in their team's production, whether they prefer acting in front of the camera or working behind the scenes as director, camera operator, or editor. Our instructors balance roles so everyone contributes significantly to the final film.
All camp activities take place indoors at Young Performer's Theater, so weather never affects our schedule or programming. The professional studio environment provides full climate control and all the space we need for filming, workshops, rehearsals, and activities regardless of outdoor conditions. This is one advantage of filming in a real production facility!
Absolutely! The Friday premiere is a highlight for the whole family. We welcome parents, grandparents, siblings, and other loved ones to join us starting at 3:00 PM for the red carpet screening event. It's an incredibly proud moment watching your young filmmaker walk the red carpet and present their completed work. Many families tell us the premiere is the most memorable part of the entire spring break!
Our Fort Mason studio location at Young Performers Theater is centrally positioned in centrally, making it easily accessible for families throughout San Francisco County and surrounding areas. We welcome young filmmakers from communities across the region:
Easy freeway access from US-101 and I-80 with nearby parking available at Fort Mason Center.
Spring Break 2026 spaces are limited! Film Camp San Francisco sessions fill quickly, especially as spring break approaches. Don't let your child miss this opportunity to discover their creative voice, build lasting confidence, and make unforgettable memories with fellow young filmmakers.
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Questions? Call us at (323) 471-5941 or email hello@film.camp