CLASS SERIES: One-Month Fun Film School (Ages 18+)

Come join us for a relaxed, hobby-style filmmaking adventure! No experience needed. Whether you want to be behind the camera, in front of it, or just help out, this class is all about having a great time, meeting awesome people, laughing a lot, and actually finishing movie scenes together.
We’ll create wholesome, fun local films inspired by slapstick comedy, fun scary movies (like Monster Squad), and light adventure— all set right here in the beautiful Panama City area. Everything is low-budget, creative, and focused on learning by doing.
Thursdays, September 3-24 • 5-7pm
Ages: 18 & up (ages 17 and under may inquire with interest!)
Cost: $75 Member / $85 Not-Yet-Member
What You’ll Learn & Experience:
You’ll get real, practical experience in every part of making movie scenes:
- Writing and fixing a simple story/script
- Finding and directing actors
- Using cameras, lighting, and sound equipment
- Scouting and using real locations
- Costumes, props, and set dressing
- Solving problems on the spot (when things don’t go as planned — someone doesn’t show up, weather changes, etc.)
- Editing video, adding music, and simple special effects
- Teamwork, creativity, and having fun while making something you can be proud of
- By the end of the month, we’ll have a finished movie scene (maybe more) ready for our special Premier Night at the art center! You can invite family and friends to watch you (and your new friends) on, or behind the big screen.
Class Schedule (4 Weeks):
Week 1: Let’s Dream It Up! We start with a scene from our movie, brainstorm, write a simple script, choose roles, and start finding actors. You’ll learn the basics of storytelling and how to turn a fun idea into something we can actually shoot in Panama City.
Week 2: Get Everything Ready Polish the script, find great local locations, plan costumes and props, practice acting and scenes, and test our camera, sound, and lighting gear. We’ll make sure we’re organized and excited to shoot!
Weeks 3 & 4: Lights, Camera, Action! Time to shoot the scene! We go out on location (or use indoor spots at the center) and film everything. Everyone helps with directing, acting, sound, lighting, or running the camera. We’ll fix problems as they come up and keep the energy high. After shooting, we move into editing: putting the scenes together, adding music, sound effects, and simple fun touches until we have a finished scene.
Final Week Highlight:
Movie Premiere Night! We celebrate with a fun screening at the art center. Bring your family and friends — see your name in the credits and enjoy the scene you helped create!
This class is not serious professional training — it’s a joyful hobby experience. We laugh, learn, create, and make memories together. Past students have made full movies after taking similar hands-on classes, and you can too!
Spots are limited so we can keep it personal and fun. Sign up today and let’s make something awesome in Panama City!
Taught by: Kevin Smith, Film Maker & Angela Castognola, Assistant and Amateur Line Producer
All supplies included. Be sure to dress appropriately for this class. You will be working with oil paints so there is the potential to get it on your clothes, shoes, etc.
Sign up by Tuesday, September 1 in person, by phone (850.640.3670) or at the link attached here.
Refund Policy: All classes, workshops, and series offered by the Center for the Arts are non-refundable.
Please email us at [email protected] to be added to the waitlist for any classes.