UWSP Filmmakers' Camp
June 30, 2025 - July 3, 2025
Camps, Fine Arts

Filmmakers Camp​
​UWSP ​Filmmakers' Camp
Monday, June 30, 2025 - Thursday, July 3, 2025​
Ages: 8-12
UW-Stevens Point Campus​​

​​​​​Details

​Calling all young storytellers and movie fans! The UWSP Media Studies department invites curious and creative 8-12-year-olds for a four-day-long camp on the art of filmmaking. With the guidance of experienced Media Studies professors and local filmmakers, campers will explore every step of the filmmaking process—from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to shooting scenes and editing their own short films. Participants will learn basic media analysis, camera techniques, and sound design, and even have the chance to experiment with special effects and the magic of editing. Through engaging activities, teamwork, and creativity, campers will gain confidence as both filmmakers and storytellers. The week will culminate in a film festival, where families can watch the campers' creations on the big screen. No prior experience needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to make movie magic!​​

Click here for Camp Flyer​​

Instructor Bios
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Cary Elza

Cary Elza is Associate Professor of Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she teaches courses on screenwriting, film and media analysis, history, and genre. She received her Ph.D. from Northwestern, where her research focused on early cinematic adaptations of Alice in Wonderland in the context of technological and social change. Her publications include articles and chapters on children’s and teen media, science fiction and fantasy series, new media and fandom, and early animation.

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Kevin Obsatz

Kevin Obsatz is an Assistant Professor of Media Studies at UWSP. He has been a filmmaker for over 20 years, and has made fictional films, documentaries and experimental films that have screened at film festivals around the world. He has an MFA from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from USC Film School in Los Angeles.




 

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Aubin Sprecher

Aubin Sprecher graduated from UWSP with a BA in Media Studies in 2020. Currently, he is Video Production Assistant & Program Leader at Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. For several years, he has also been the director of Filmmakers' Club, an after-school program that teaches kids video production skills. He also runs a successful comedy YouTube channel, TikTok, and Instagram under the name Friendly Squirrel, and is working on his first book of comic strips.​





Camp Schedule

Day 1: Introduction to filmmaking, brainstorming, and storytelling

Day 2: Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and filming begins.

Day 3: More filming & introduction to editing

Day 4: Final edits, showcase preparation, and camp film festival

Daily Schedule Example

  • 9:00 - 9:30 AM → Morning Warm-Up & Icebreakers
    • Fun film-related activities (e.g., movie trivia, charades, improv games)
    • Review of the day's goals
  • 9:30 - 10:30 AM → Film Studies & Concept Development
    • Short lesson on an aspect of filmmaking (e.g., storytelling, cinematography, editing)
    • Watch and analyze short films or scenes
    • Develop story ideas and scripts
  • 10:30 - 11:30 AM → Hands-on Skills Workshop
    • Rotating focus (e.g., camera operation, lighting, sound, acting for film, directing)
  • 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM → Pre-Production & Planning
    • Storyboarding, shot lists, location scouting, assigning roles
  • 12:00 - 1:00 PM → Lunch & Free Play
    • Time to relax, eat, and socialize
  • 1:00 - 2:30 PM → Filming Sessions
    • Groups work on shooting their projects
    • Instructors rotate to guide different teams
  • 2:30 - 3:30 PM → Post-Production & Editing
    • Learning to use editing software
    • Reviewing footage and assembling rough cuts
  • 3:30 - 4:00 PM → Daily Wrap-Up & Screening
    • Share progress, watch dailies, get feedback
    • Set goals for the next day

Camp Specifics
  • ​​Please register​ with an email that you can check often for camp updates
  • We will be eating lunch in the CAC building each day of camp
  • Lunch is included in the camp registration fee

  • You may bring your own snacks.​​​

Registration
         
 Registration opened March 19, 2025 and closes May 23rd.   Camp is full - join our waitlist.​

Registration Fee:  $300 - includes daily lunch, camp instruction, and use of UWSP filmmaking equipment.
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Register prior to May 1, 2025 and get a $25 discount with promo code:  EARLY25


Register-Now​​

  • Camp insurance may be purchased through CampDoc​
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Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. 

Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.​​


Scholarship Information
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See here for Scholarship Information​​

Cancellation Policy

We will follow the UWSP Camp cancellation policy.  Camp insurance may be purchased through CampDoc. No refunds will be given for a student who leaves camp early for any reason. Send written cancellation requests (minus credit card fees) to uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu.​

If cancellation occurs 37 or more days from your registered camp start date, 100% (minus credit card fees) of your registration costs will be refunded.​

If cancellation occurs from 14-36 days from your registered camp start date, 50% (minus credit card fees) of your registration costs will be refunded.​

What to Bring
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- Refillable waterbottle
- Small Bag
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General UWSP Camp FAQ
​​See here for General Camp FAQ

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Camp Sponsors


If you would like to collaborate with us and sponsor this camp, pelase email us at uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
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CE Contact Information

For assistance with registration, please email Customer Service at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-3838.

For camp information, please email the program manager at uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu.​​

​Email List​                 ​​
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