Spring Film Studio
Four weeks.
Try something new.
Develop a real skill.
Create a 2-minute no dialogue film.
Online Film Studio for Middle & Early High School Students.
Storyboard. Film. Edit.
Create a 2-minute, no dialogue film.
A live, online group studio for middle and early high school students ready to explore filmmaking in a focused, structured environment.
Students create an original 2-minute, no dialogue film using storyboarding, filmmaking and editing.
Part of the ARTriculate Studio Series
When Interest in Film Needs Structure
In 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, students begin forming early ideas about what they might want to study.
They experiment.
They build.
They notice what holds their attention.
Film is often one of those interests.
A student may create movies of their friends on their phones or storyboard their ideas but not know how to bring them to life. These are meaningful signs of storytelling and creative thinking.
But as a parent, curiosity raises questions.
Is this a passing interest — or something that deserves development?
What does filmmaking actually require beyond shooting movies for fun?
Can my student work within structure, receive critique, and complete a defined project?
Without structure, it is difficult to answer those questions.
Interests can linger for years without direction. College conversations can start before skills are tested. Students may express enthusiasm without ever experiencing real expectations.
By 10th and 11th grade, those gaps matter. College pathways narrow. Standards rise. The time for experimentation shrinks.
It is better to introduce discipline before pressure escalates. This studio does that.
Students work within defined constraints.
They receive direct critique.
They move from concept to completion.
You gain clarity about their interest, their follow-through, and their readiness while there is still time to adjust direction thoughtfully.
What This Film Studio Includes
This is a live online film class led by Lisa Shmaraeva.
Students meet weekly on Zoom and work in real time.
Each student:
Develops an original movie concept
Translates their ideas into a story with a beginning, middle and end
Films a two-minute, no dialogue movie
Receives structured critique
By the end of the studio, students complete a portfolio-ready film for future film portfolio preparation.
Architecture: Design and build a 3D model
Lisa Shmaraeva holds a BFA in Film, Cinema, and Video Studies from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), with a minor in Sound Design and Editing. She provides expert coaching in storytelling, symbolism, and continuity, ensuring their short films meet the expectations of competitive programs. She helps students refine their narratives, break rules like the 180-degree rule with purpose, and polish their work in post-production.
Meet Your Coach, Lisa.
Lisa Shmaraeva
Film Coach
A Practical First Step Toward Film
For students considering film, or families evaluating whether filmmaking is a serious path, this studio is for you!
Film Studio FAQs
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This online film class is designed for students in grades 7–10 who are exploring an interest in film, storyboarding or sequential storytelling.
No prior film experience is required.
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Does your student love creating sequential stories?
Do they love filming their friends?
Are they curious about the intersection of animation and film?
This is a great opportunity to create a 2-minute no dialogue film and learn if film is a field that interests them.
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Yes.
The studio introduces foundational filmmaking concepts, including storyboarding, keeping with the 180 rule, and editing.
Students are expected to focus, follow through, and participate in critique.
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For many families, this studio serves as an early step before applying to competitive pre-college film programs in 10th or 11th grade summers.
It allows students to experience filmmaking and cinematography before making a larger commitments.
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Animation is a form of storytelling closely allied with film.
This studio introduces new expectations: defined constraints, storytelling, structured critique, and project completion.
Students develop an idea and carry it through to a finished piece.
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The studio is conducted live on Zoom.
Students work in real time, receive feedback during the session, participate in structured group critique, and communicate with their coach and other students via text or Discord between sessions.
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Mobile phone
Sketchbook, pens and pencils
iMovie or CapCut
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Group size is intentionally limited to 8 students to allow for individual feedback and meaningful critique.
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That clarity is useful.
The purpose of early structured exploration is not to lock in a career decision, but to test interest within real expectations.
Understanding what is not a fit is as valuable as confirming what is.