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SEARCHA 5-Day Intensitve Creative Filmmaking Camp for Ages 13–17
Lights. Camera. Your Story.
The Out On Screen Queer Youth Filmmaking Summer Camp is an immersive 5-day creative camp where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and allies will learn how to turn their ideas into original film scenes; from brainstorming and character creation to directing and performance.
Designed for aspiring storytellers, actors, writers, and filmmakers of all experience levels, this hands-on workshop gives youth the chance to build practical filmmaking skills while connecting with a supportive creative community in Vancouver.
Throughout the week, participants will collaborate with peers, explore their creativity, and gain mentorship from experienced artists and facilitators in a fun, inclusive, and encouraging environment.
DAY 1: THE BRAINSTORM
Build the world of your story
Every great film starts with an idea.
Participants will jump into exciting creative exercises designed to spark imagination, generate original story concepts, and unlock their unique voice as storytellers. Through guided activities and collaborative discussion, youth will explore how filmmakers shape meaningful stories around themes, emotions, and big ideas.
The day also includes group feedback sessions inspired by real film and TV writers’ rooms- helping participants build confidence sharing ideas and collaborating creatively.
By the end of Day 1, participants will:
- Develop a strong story concept and narrative direction
- Create a clear beginning, middle, and ending
- Identify major plot points, conflicts, and themes
- Leave with a complete story outline ready for development
DAY 2: MEET YOUR CHARACTERS
Create unforgettable characters
What makes a character feel real?
On Day 2, participants will dive deep into character development through creative writing, discussion, and performance-based exercises. Youth will explore what drives their characters, what they believe, what they fear, and what they want most.
Participants will also step into their characters through interactive acting and embodiment exercises — discovering how movement, emotion, and voice bring stories to life.
By the end of Day 2, participants will:
- Fully develop two lead characters from their story
- Understand character motivation, personality, and emotional stakes
- Gain experience using acting techniques to deepen storytelling
- Complete detailed character profiles for their film
DAY 3: WRITE THE SCENE
Turn ideas into screenplay magic
Now it’s time to write.
Using their story outline and character work, participants will learn the foundations of professional screenwriting and create an original scene from their film.
Youth will explore screenplay formatting, scene structure, pacing, and dialogue through guided instruction and examples from real scripts. There will also be dedicated creative writing time, mentorship support, and collaborative workshopping to help participants strengthen their scenes.
By the end of Day 3, participants will:
- Write a complete original screenplay scene
- Learn industry-standard screenplay structure and formatting
- Practice writing believable dialogue and emotional conflict
- Create a scene that reflects the themes and characters of their story
DAY 4 — DIRECTOR PREP
Learn to think like a filmmaker
How does a script become a movie?
Participants will step into the role of director and learn how filmmakers visually plan scenes before cameras ever roll. Using the scenes they’ve written, youth will explore the creative and technical tools directors use to communicate emotion, tension, and storytelling on screen.
Participants will develop skills in:
- Storyboarding and visual planning
- Shot lists and camera choices
- Framing, perspective, and cinematic storytelling
- How directors collaborate with actors and crew
By the end of Day 4, participants will:
- Create a visual directing plan for their scene
- Understand the basics of cinematic language and shot design
- Build confidence communicating creative vision
- Be fully prepared to rehearse and direct their work
DAY 5 — LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Bring your story to life
The final day is all about collaboration, creativity, and stepping onto the “set.”
Each participant will have the opportunity to direct their own scene while fellow campers act in each other’s projects. Youth will gain hands-on experience learning how to guide actors, communicate direction, and capture a scene from multiple camera angles like a real filmmaker.
Depending on the group and facilitator’s approach, participants may also have the opportunity to experiment with filming scenes on iPhones — proving that powerful storytelling can begin with the tools you already have.
By the end of Day 5, participants will:
- Experience directing actors in their own original scene
- Practice collaboration and on-set communication
- Learn what makes a successful take and scene coverage
- Watch their stories come alive through performance
WHAT PARTICIPANTS TAKE AWAY
By the end of camp, participants will leave with:
- An original film story outline
- A fully written screenplay scene
- Developed lead characters
- Hands-on experience in screenwriting, acting, and directing
- Practical filmmaking tools they can continue using beyond the camp
- New creative confidence and storytelling skills
- Meaningful connections with queer peers, mentors, and Vancouver’s growing creative community
Most importantly, participants will leave knowing their stories matter. And, that they have the power to tell them.
Book Out In Schools
Since 2004, Out In Schools has brought 2SLGBTQIA+ stories, films and facilitated discussion to schools and communities across BC.
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