Dates: July 20 - 24, 2026
Times: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Grades: 8-12 (in Fall 2026)
Cost: $275 (includes 15 hours of class and supervised use of equipment)
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman

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Camp Details

This hands-on filmmaking camp for teens entering 8th through 12th grade in fall 2026, introduces students to the complete process of creating a short movie. Over the course of one exciting week, students will write, shoot, and edit their own narrative film while learning the essentials of visual storytelling and on-set collaboration.

What You'll Learn:

  • The basic structure of a narrative film and how to write one
  • Considerations for planning a film shoot, including composition, lighting and continuity
  • How to operate a camera and sound equipment safely
  • The roles and responsibilities of a film crew 
  • Collaborative skills for working on a creative production team
  • Editing basics, from assembling a rough cut to adding titles and sound

How You'll Learn It:

Working in small production teams, students will develop a story, plan their shoot, operate cameras, record sound, light scenes, direct actors, and edit a finished narrative project. The course emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and practical skill-building. By the end of the week, each team will premiere a short fiction film at a final screening.

Who Should Attend:

This camp is for teens entering 8th through 12th grade who want to learn how movies are made, are interested in writing, acting, or directing, or are just looking for something fun and creative to do this summer. No prior experience or equipment is required.

Instructor

Alexa Alberda is an instructor in the School of Film and Photography at Montana State University where establishing visual literacy and an appreciation for art is essential to her teaching philosophy. Alexa is a life long learner dedicated to creating engaging learning opportunities for her students while learning from the knowledge each person brings to the classroom. Outside of the classroom, Alexa works as a Producer of short narrative films. She deeply enjoys the chaotic world of filmmaking and is driven to create calm through her detail-oriented organizational style. Alexa's films have screened at multiple film festivals including the California Women's Film Festival, the Montana Film Festival, and the Wyoming International Film Festival.

Refunds and Cancellations

  • You may cancel registration until Monday, July 6, 2026, for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
  • A minimum of 9 registered students is required to run this camp. If we do not meet this minimum, or if we need to cancel the camp for any reason, we will process full refunds.

For More Information

Contact Kelsye Gould, Continuing Education Program Manager, at 406-994-3062, kelsye.gould@montana.edu.

 

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