Canvas to Career Media Academy Application

Canvas to Career: Film & Media Academy Student Application Overview

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:
✅ Be in grades 10–12
✅ Live within the City of St. Petersburg
✅ Attend public, private, charter, virtual, or homeschool programs
✅ Be available for the full program schedule

* Because this program is funded by the City of St. Petersburg, eligibility is limited to City of St. Petersburg residents.

* COST - FREE (supported and sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg)* Questions: [email protected]

The Canvas to Career Film & Media Academy, presented by the Sunscreen Film Festival in partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, is a hands-on, professional filmmaking program designed for high school students who are interested in storytelling, media, and creative careers.

This program is not a traditional class—it is a real-world production experience where students work in teams to create original short films from concept to completion, following the same process used in the film and television industry.

What You’ll Do

Over the course of the program, students will:

• Develop original story ideas and write short film scripts
• Pitch ideas and collaborate in small production teams
• Learn key filmmaking roles including directing, acting, cinematography, producing, and editing
• Plan and execute a full film production
• Edit and complete a final short film
• Prepare their work for exhibition and potential screening

By the end of the program, each team will have created a finished short film and gained hands-on experience in a professional creative environment.

Program Structure

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Schedule:
• • Two sessions per week (2 hours each)
  • One Saturday intensive workshop (6 hours)
• Cohort Size: Limited to approximately 20 students
• Team-Based Learning: Students work in groups of 4–5

Program Dates

• Summer Session: TBD
  (Note: Start date may shift to the second week of July to avoid the July 4th holiday)
• Fall Session: Late Fall (September–October, dates to be announced)

What Makes This Program Different

This program is designed to mirror the real film industry, giving students practical experience that goes beyond the classroom:

• Work with experienced filmmakers and industry professionals
• Learn how to collaborate on a creative team
• Gain exposure to real production environments and workflows
• Build confidence through hands-on learning and mentorship
• Develop skills that translate into careers in film, media, and other creative industries

Wellness & Personal Growth

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes:

• Creative confidence and self-expression
• Communication and teamwork
• Problem-solving and resilience
• Managing stress and working through challenges

Students are supported through mentorship and guided collaboration, helping them grow both creatively and personally.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about filmmaking, storytelling, or media
• Enjoy working creatively and collaboratively
• Want hands-on experience (no prior experience required)
• Are interested in exploring creative careers

Whether you’re a beginner or already have experience, this program is designed to help you grow, explore, and create.

Application Requirements

As part of the application, students will be asked to:

• Answer a few questions about their interests and goals
• Share a short written response about why they want to join
• Submit a 1–2 minute video introducing themselves and explaining their interest in the program

Final Experience

At the end of the program, students will:

• Complete a short film
• Have the opportunity to showcase their work
• Gain real-world experience that can be used for future education or career paths

Important Note

This is a collaborative, hands-on program that requires commitment, participation, and teamwork. Students should be prepared to actively engage, contribute to their team, and take creative risks.