Teen Documentary Filmmaking Programs

Learn How to Make a Documentary Film

For aspiring filmmakers who want to learn about non-fiction storytelling, NYFA offers a selection of documentary filmmaking programs for teens. In these hands-on programs, students aged 14-17 learn how to make their own non-fiction films, and develop introductory skills and techniques in non-fiction storytelling, producing, directing, camera, lighting, production sound, and editing. NYFA currently offers in-person, on-campus summer documentary filmmaking camps and online workshops held during the academic year.


Documentary Filmmaking Summer
Camp : Level I

In our level one documentary filmmaking camp, students learn by doing, building essential technical and creative skills.

This three-week camp is designed for teens with a passion and interest in non-fiction storytelling. Students receive hands-on training, and no experience in documentary filmmaking is required. The in-person camp is a full-time program held during the summer. While some of our teen programs offer level-two programs, our documentary filmmaking camps are currently available as level one programs only.


ONLINE WEEKEND WORKSHOP

The online documentary filmmaking workshop is a live interactive experience offered during the academic year.

In this workshop, teens aged 14-17 experiment with the art of non-fiction storytelling through a series of modules. Working under the virtual supervision of our experienced faculty of professional filmmakers and directors, students create short films and craft their own material, learning the fundamentals of documentary camera work, cinematography, and dramatic narrative, as well as interviewing skills. This workshop is held on Saturdays.



Alumni Work

NYFA camp alumni often apply their experience at our teen camps to pursue creative long-term goals in documentary filmmaking, web content, content creation, production, media, and more.

Please note that the successes of any NYFA alumni are the result of their individual hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances. The New York Film Academy cannot guarantee that any future graduate will achieve similar success or secure a position in the industry.

Aubrey Plaza  

Aubrey Plaza

Actor

 
Bex Taylor-Klaus  

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Actor

 
Eve Hewson  

Eve Hewson

Actor

 
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