All American High School Film Festival & NSU University School Presents
FILM FORWARD:
A SUMMER CAMP FOR STUDENT FILMMAKERS
AutoNation Center for the Arts
3375 SW 75th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
An immersive summer film camp experience presented by the largest student film festival in the world is coming to the South Florida region
Apply by: Friday, July 11, 2025
Camp Dates: Monday, July 28th - Friday, August 1st (9am - 3pm*)
*Additional “Optional” Hours May Apply
Cost: $1200
COST INCLUDES:
5 days of instruction and hands-on film production
Access to state-of-the-art film facilities, equipment, and technology
1:1 mentorship for each participating team
Special evening screening of notable student films
Friday Film Showcase (friends and family invited to attend!)
Commemorative camp t-shirt
*Snacks and water provided daily. Does not include lunch.
**NSU University School students who qualify for financial assistance can apply for Bunny Fund support.
OVERVIEW:
Looking to level up your skills for timed film competitions like the All American High School Film Festival, STN, and FSPA? Join our one-week intensive summer camp, designed to teach students how to craft a short film under the pressure of time, location, and circumstance. Whether you're new to filmmaking or a seasoned movie maker, this experience will inspire you and elevate your production approach.
You’ll learn story development from AAHSFF Co-Founder Tom Oliva, cinematography from Short Cuts expert Jim Guarasci, and camera/editing techniques from USN film instructors.
Students will collaborate in small teams based on their skills and interests, working to create a short film in just five days.
When the prompt drops for the All American High School Film Festival’s NYC Film Invitational on August 12th, you’ll be ready to produce award-winning content!
*Space is limited. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Participating filmmakers are encouraged to bring their own laptop with editing software.
CAMP DETAILS:
Join AAHSFF Co-Founder and Executive Director, Tom Oliva, and NSU University School Cinema Arts faculty for a 1-week intensive and interactive summer film camp designed to boost your creativity, enhance your technical skills, and elevate your media literacy awareness.
The immersive film camp is designed specifically for aspiring high school visual storytellers, providing a thorough introduction to all aspects of the film production process by our team of experienced instructors. Filmmaking is learned through direct experience, and emerging filmmakers improve through consistent, meaningful practice. We believe that the best classroom is a film set, and our summer camp provides participants with an unparalleled chance to productively collaborate, improve their craft, and showcase their creativity. No experience is required to attend.
Our team is committed to positive mentorship, productive collaboration, and the development of each filmmaker’s unique voice. During our 1-week intensive camp, participating filmmakers will learn: Pre-Production, Storyboarding and Story Structure, Screenwriting, Character and Conflict, Direction, Cinematography, Lighting, Sound and Score, Pacing, Editing and Post-Production, Location Scouting, Theme, Tone, Symbols, Dialogue and Voiceover, Linear vs. Non-Linear Story Development, and more.
Our complete production process will include everything from story structure, character development, directing for camera, acting techniques/ improv, strategy for film festivals and more…Students also work in rotation on writing, editing, and shooting peer films, learning essential skills such as directing, basic screenwriting structure, basic camera, and lighting skills, as well as the basics of editing and post-production workflow.
Participating filmmakers will be fully immersed in a complete film production process, from the creative brief to the final edit. Our experienced staff will provide hands-on instruction at every step, ensuring that students get the most out of every activity. In addition, we will utilize the AAHSFF student film library of over 15,000 student films to illustrate proven and achievable techniques used by top student filmmakers.
The sum of our unique and immersive experience is a dynamic, engaging week that will leave every camper walking away with new knowledge, new friends, and a new film!
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES & ENRICHMENT:
Student participants will be offered unparalleled cinema arts experiences to further supplement the scope of their enrichment.
These experiences will include:
Team-Building Activities
Story Ideation Workshop
Cinema Technology Demos
Student Filmmaking Taboos Workshop
The Best of Student Filmmaking Screening Event: Presented by the All American High School Film Festival
Post-Production Evening Workshop
Summer Camp Film Showcase
ABOUT AAHSFF:
The All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) is the premier destination for talented high school filmmakers and media arts enthusiasts from around the world. Our Mission is to provide immersive education with a profound impact, connecting the filmmakers of the future with the rewards, respect, and recognition they deserve.
Each year, in the heart of New York City, we present the world's largest high school film festival. We offer a grand stage for the next generation of talented filmmakers where they can: see their films on the big screen at the AMC Theaters in Times Square, learn from top industry professionals, connect with the latest technology, explore myriad higher education opportunities, receive scholarships and technology prizes, and perhaps most importantly, create a community of shared passions and lifelong relationships.
In addition, we provide a wide variety of initiatives throughout the year, including: Our Film Invitational Competitions, Traveling Roadshow, Future of Film Podcast, Complete Video Production Curriculum for Educators, Free Webinar Series, College Resources, and more…
Most importantly, AAHSFF connects young filmmakers and industry professionals, while inspiring them to bravely pursue collaboration and creativity.
INSTRUCTORS
Tom Oliva - Co-Founder & Executive Director, AAHSFF
Tom is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the All American High School Film Festival, the largest student film festival in the world. Tom has worked with young creatives for 25+ years, discovering, developing, and connecting a vast network of talented young content creators and building a community of shared passions and lifelong relationships.
Tom travels the world presenting the AAHSFF Roadshow, writes and produces curriculum for the Video Production Resource Community (for educators), hosts and produces the podcast The Future of Film, and works with a wide variety of brand partners, colleges, and universities to develop unique and enriching opportunities for all emerging content creators.
Tom has produced films for AT&T, IMAX, Sony, Warner Music Group and Atlantic Records, Blackmagic Design, Jostens, Refinery 29, Storyblocks, the Ad Council, and more.
Jim Guarasci - Executive Producer, BECON & Short Cuts TV
Jim Guarasci is an award-winning educator and filmmaker with a passion for inspiring the next generation of content creators. Currently serving as the Executive Producer for the Broward Education Communications Network (BECON), Jim has built a bridge between his experience behind the camera and his current role in the classroom, guiding students through the art of filmmaking and content creation.
Jim’s approach to education focuses on equipping students with essential skills in storytelling, production, and technical proficiency, helping them grow into well-rounded creators. He also oversees various student-led productions that air on BECON TV, with a notable show, Short Cuts, showcasing student-produced work from high schools in South Florida.
Through his work, Jim continues to nurture the creativity and potential of his students, providing them with a platform to share their voices and prepare for careers in filmmaking and media. You can explore Short Cuts and more of BECON's student-led productions through the links below:
Danny Swerdlow - Director of Arts, NSU University School
Danny Swerdlow is the Director of Arts at NSU University School, overseeing the performing arts, visual arts, and mass communication programs for grades 6 through 12. In particular, he has developed an award-winning media production program, USchool Network (USN), which features print and broadcast journalism, TV, film, music production, and radio. The USN team actively participates in FSPA, STN, and AAHSFF, and recently hosted the District 7 FSPA Workshop and All American HS Film Festival South Florida Roadshow. NSU University School is excited to launch this student film camp as an opportunity for all South Florida student filmmakers to enhance their skills and cultivate their passions.
DJ Paradis - NSU University School Video Production Instructor
DJ Paradis is an accomplished media professional with over a decade of experience specializing in video production and visual storytelling. He began his career in media as a sound engineer before transitioning into roles as a technical director and video producer, crafting high-quality promotional videos, music videos, and social media content for a diverse range of clients. His expertise spans multiple facets of video production, including directing, filming, editing, and graphics creation, consistently delivering content that effectively communicates engaging narratives. After years in the field and working in the classroom, DJ is excited to join NSU University Schools as the Broadcast Journalism teacher in fall 2025.
GOALS:
Education and Skill Development: Provide comprehensive instruction on various facets of Cinema Arts, including storytelling, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. The camp will equip participants with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to express their creativity through the process of creating a short film.
Hands-On Filmmaking Experience: Offer opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning. Through collaborative projects and exercises, participants will gain firsthand experience in the filmmaking process, from pre-production to post-production.
Industry Exposure and Mentorship: Connect students with South Florida High School alumni (currently enrolled in top film schools), industry professionals and AAHSFF interns who will serve as mentors throughout the camp.
Collaboration and Community Building: Foster a supportive and collaborative environment where students can form meaningful relationships with their Cinema Arts peers. Encourage teamwork, creative collaboration, and a sense of community among participants.
Showcase Platform: Organize an exciting end-of-camp short film screening event where participants can proudly showcase their work to their peers, parents, and guardians. This platform will celebrate their achievements, provide recognition for their talent and dedication, and encourage further growth in their cinematic endeavors.
Personal Growth and Empowerment: Cultivate personal growth by nurturing participants' self-confidence, effective communication skills, and self-expression through the medium of film. Encourage young filmmakers to explore their unique voices, perspectives, and storytelling styles, empowering them to create impactful narratives that resonate with others.
Have fun!! Create a camp environment filled with laughter, learning, and a sense of adventure. Encourage participants to embrace the joy of the filmmaking process through nurturing their talent, creativity, and passion for making movies!
FACILITIES & RESOURCES:
Campers will utilize NSU University School’s state-of-the-art cinema arts facilities as well as various campus locations while producing their short films.
EQUIPMENT:
All necessary equipment programs used during the camp will be provided by the NSU Cinema Arts program, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to create their short films.
*Campers are encouraged to bring personal devices/laptops equipped with relevant film editing software.
TENTATIVE WEEK SCHEDULE:
MONDAY - DEVELOPMENT | 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Screenwriting Fundamentals, Inspiration, Film Analysis, Introducing the Prompt
Best of Student Filmmaking Screening (4-6pm)
TUESDAY - PRE-PRODUCTION | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Cinematic Language, Narrative/Visual Cues, Essential Elements, Taboos
WEDNESDAY - PRODUCTION | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Camera, Lighting and Sound Fundamentals
THURSDAY - POST-PRODUCTION | 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Post-Production Organization & Editing Fundamentals
FRIDAY - PRODUCTION | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Preparing film for screening.
Summer Camp Film Showcase
MONDAY - DAY ONE
DEVELOPMENT:
Screenwriting Fundamentals, Inspiration, Film Analysis, Introducing the Prompt
MORNING “PRESENTATION” SESSION: Team building and film analysis
Team Icebreaker and Roles Activity
Essential Element: Character and Conflict
Character and Conflict Short Film Examples
Inspiration angle
Essential Element: Emotional Connection
Emotional Connection Short Film Examples
Essential Element: Authenticity and Believability - write what you know
Theme: Introducing the Prompt
Location Preparation
Pre-Production: Story Ideation
“WHAT IF” session
LUNCH
AFTERNOON “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Writing your short film
Logline pitches (In small groups or to the class)
Drafting the 3 - 5 minute script
DIVING DEEP/EXPANDED ACTIVITY: Revising the 3 - 5 minute script
HMWK: Upload Reading Draft Script to frame.io
THE BEST OF STUDENT FILMMAKING (OPTIONAL)
Afternoon screening of exemplary student films for inspiration
Film deconstruction and analysis by Tom Oliva (AAHSFF Co-Founder/Executive Director)
TUESDAY - DAY TWO
PRE-PRODUCTION:
Cinematic Language, Narrative/Visual Cues, Essential Elements, Taboos
MORNING “PRESENTATION” SESSION: Storyboarding
Short Film Deconstruction and Analysis
Essential Element: Show Don’t Tell
Creative eAngles and Lighting
B-Roll
Symbolism
Genre
Tone
Essential Element: Establishing Shots
Storyboarding Basics
LUNCH
AFTERNOON “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Test Shoot/Production Prep
Drawing your storyboard
Technology/Equipment Demos
Camera Tech - Mentor supervision/mentor as DP
Lighting Tech - Mentor supervision/mentor as gaffer
Shot-for-shot
Sound Tech - mentor supervision/Mentor as production sound
HMWK: Production folder submission to frame.io
Shooting Draft
Shooting Schedule
Shot List
WEDNESDAY - DAY THREE
PRODUCTION:
Dailies! Dailies! Dailies!
Camera, Lighting and Sound Fundamentals
MORNING “PRESENTATION” SESSION: Location Shooting (NSU Campus)
Principal Photography - 9:00 - 12:00
LUNCH
AFTERNOON “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Location Shooting (NSU Campus)
Principal Photography - 1:00 - 3:00
ON LOCATION: WEDNESDAY SHOOTING SCHEDULE:
9:00 - 9:30 – Location Scout (if still undecided).
Collect gear from Cinema Arts building to set per locked group locations.
9:00 to 12:00 – Principal Photography
12:00 to 1:00 – Lunch Break
1:00 to 2:30 – Principal Photography
2:30 to 3:00 – Break down set and pack up equipment
HOMEWORK: Deliver dailies to the technical director
Upload dailies to drive
THURSDAY - DAY FOUR
POST-PRODUCTION:
Editing Fundamentals
MORNING “PRESENTATION” SESSION: Tone
Essential Element: Parallel Editing
Essential Element: Linear/Non-Linear Editing
LUNCH
AFTERNOON “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Post-Production Workflow
Editing
Assembly
Rough Cut
Final Cut
Sound Design - Foley, ADR, Background atmosphere, Score
Posters
HMWK: Upload picture lock cut for review
EVENING “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Post-Production Extended Time
FRIDAY - DAY FIVE
FILM SHOWCASE: Prep/Rollout
MORNING “PRESENTATION” SESSION: Screening Prep
Sound pass in the control room
Upload delivery cut
LUNCH
AFTERNOON “WORKSHOP” SESSION: Showcase Screening
Film Festival in the Silverman Auditorium