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7 - 12 yrs
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Jul 7, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Sibling Discount
Class Experience
Is your child interested in becoming the next Steven Speilberg, Jodi Foster, Martin Scorsese or Sofia Coppola? Do they have interest in making video content for fun? Let us guide them to make stronger content. Each week the students will work hands on with cameras to learn about filming content. Students will learn about storyboarding, writing and filming their ideas. While filming, students will learn about shot composition, camera movemnet, lighting and basic editing. iPads will be provided for the class to use for filming and editing their projects.
What you'll learn
- Creativity: Film-making encourages children to think creatively, coming up with unique ideas for storytelling, character development, and visual representation.
- Problem-Solving: Throughout the process of planning, shooting, and editing a film, children will encounter various challenges and obstacles. They will need to develop problem-solving skills to find solutions and make their ideas come to life.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating and making decisions about aspects like camera angles, lighting, scene composition, and storytelling require critical thinking. Children will learn to analyze situations and make informed choices to convey their intended messages effectively.
- Storytelling Skills: Film-making involves telling a story visually. Children will learn to structure narratives, develop characters, and create engaging plots, enhancing their storytelling abilities.
- Visual and Spatial Awareness: Filmmaking teaches children to consider visual elements such as framing, composition, color, and movement. This enhances their spatial awareness and visual literacy.
- Attention to Detail: In film-making, every detail matters. Children will learn to pay close attention to small aspects like props, costumes, and set design, which can improve their observational skills.
- Communication Skills: Collaborating with peers, giving and receiving feedback, and conveying ideas effectively are essential skills in film-making. Children will develop stronger verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Technical Skills: Learning to operate cameras, use editing software, and handle equipment fosters technical skills. These skills can extend beyond film-making and be useful in various technological and creative fields.
- Time Management: The film-making process involves managing time effectively to meet deadlines and complete various tasks. This skill is valuable in both academic and personal contexts.
- Adaptability: As film-making often requires adjustments based on available resources, weather conditions, and unexpected challenges, children will learn to adapt and be flexible in their approaches.
- Confidence: Successfully completing a film project can boost a child's self-confidence and self-esteem, as they see their ideas and efforts come to life on screen.
Other Things To Know

All classes have a 30% non-refundable deposit that may be credited toward a future class if Cancellation Notice is given 48hours BEFORE the start of class. The full price of the class is forfeited if proper notice is not given.FULL POLICY
Covid-19 Precautions
Safety of our community is our top priority. We follow the guidelines of our local governement when deciding how to run our classes. We reserve the right to adjust class structure as needed.
Reviews for Future Filmmakers Camp
Melissa S.
Jul 12, 2023
Loved:
Kids are learning a lot and enjoying their projects.
Future Filmmakers Camp
Location: Vagabond West | Instructor: Michael McCracken
Reviews for Vagabond School of the Arts
4.9 out of 5
Based on 438 provider ratings
Elaine H.
Apr 1, 2025
Loved:
Having a working professional share real and practical techniques for On Camera opportunities. The class size worked very well for questions and working through the exercises. I also love the multiple options of class days and times.
On Camera Unit 2
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Ed Kross
Kimberly H.
Mar 31, 2025
Loved:
Small class, instant feedback, and great atmosphere! Ed is very personable and answers questions. He has great insight regarding how the industry works. Also, I truly appreciate how he shares his knowledge and experiences regarding how he became an actor.
Improvements:
I can't think of anything
On Camera Unit 2
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Ed Kross
Kyle P.
Mar 11, 2025
Loved:
Heidi brings her real-world professional experience into the classroom, passionately working with each actor to deliver a grounded, true-to-life performance. She also insists that actors leave with recordings to help promote their careers, as she genuinely cares about each actor's success. I learned a lot in a short amount of time, and I highly recommend her class.
Improvements:
Different day/time options. Monday during the day is tough for me.
Film & TV Intensive with Heidi Johanningmeier
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Heidi Johanningmeier
Yomade A.
Mar 10, 2025
Loved:
So many great actors and Heidi encourages collaboration and provides amazing direction in between takes!
Improvements:
Nothing
Film & TV Intensive with Heidi Johanningmeier
Location: Vagabond School of The Arts | Instructor: Heidi Johanningmeier
Vagabond School of the Arts Location
About Vagabond School of the Arts
Vagabond is more than a school; it's a community. The environment that we have cultivated at Vagabond is one of constant encouragement and support. We believe it's not enough to simply take the classes aimed at helping you better your craft, one must also be engaging with their fellow community. Our Professional Adult Classes set up our students for a professional career as an actor. We have kids classes that engage students whether they want to explore and grow or take a professional path. Check out our two locations: Chicago and Elmhurst, IL.