WELCOME TO THE YOUTH FILM PROGRAM
Located at 126 N Marina St., in downtown Prescott, Arizona (Behind Natural History Institute)
ANNOUNCING 2026 FALL SESSIONS!
Beginning Sept. 1st, the Youth Film Program is launching three new classes designed to give young filmmakers in Prescott/Quad City, AZ area a real hands-on foundation in the craft, whether they’re just starting out or coming back to sharpen their skills. Offered as both an after-school program and ESA-approved homeschool classes, each course pairs professional-grade equipment with a curriculum built to grow real, transferable skills.
ESA Classes: In addition to our after school program, The Youth Film Program is proud to be a verified ESA vendor through ClassWallet, allowing Prescott-area families to use their ESA for our extended four-hour daytime Tuesday classes — giving homeschool learners more time and more hands-on experience with every subject.
FALL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1. Camera & Lighting Workshop (3-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4:00P-7:00P (3hrs) FRIDAYS SEPT. 4th – SEPT. 18th $225
DAYTIME ESA CLASS 10:00A-2:00P (4hrs) TUESDAYS SEPT. 1st – SEPT. 15th $345
Students will learn the most important filmmaking tool: the Camera. This course is a deep-dive on the fundamentals of cinematography, diving into exposure, lighting, camera movement, and storyboarding using professional cinema cameras, camera sliders, dollies, steadycams, and robotic systems in real-world production scenarios focusing on getting the perfect shot.
2. Editing & Intro to Visual FX (3-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4:00P-7:00P (3hrs) FRIDAYS SEPT. 25th – OCT. 9th $225
DAYTIME ESA CLASS 10:00A-2:00P (4hrs) TUESDAYS SEPT. 22nd – OCT. 6th $345
Step into post-production with industry-standard editing software, color correction, greenscreen compositing, AI-powered visual effects, and an intro to virtual production. Beginning students will learn the fundamentals of editing using the industry standard DaVinci Resolve suite. Returning students will dive deeper into multicam editing, object and camera tracking, and using 3D software to create jaw-dropping visual effects sequences!
3. Commercial Production Class (4-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4:00P-7:00P (3hrs) FRIDAYS OCT. 30th – NOV. 20th $275
DAYTIME ESA CLASS 10:00A-2:00P (4hrs) TUESDAYS OCT. 27nd – NOV. 17th $395
Actors and Directors, get ready to showcase your storytelling talents in the world of commercial production! Let your creativity run wild creating actual marketing content for local and national brands. A fun and creative experience that teaches the entrepreneurial aspect of filmmaking. Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind it, this class is as close as it gets to running your own production company!
Throughout every session, students will be planning, filming, and tackling creative cinematic challenges designed to push their skills further and build real confidence behind the camera. New students get an inspiring introduction to the craft, returning students get the advanced challenge they’ve been asking for — and by the end, our young filmmakers in Prescott will have hands-on experience and standout work to show for it.
LEARN ABOUT OUR THREE SESSIONS!
Camera & Lighting Workshop (3-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4P–7P (3hrs) FRIDAYS. SEPT. 4th – SEPT. 18th
ESA STUDENTS 10A–2P (4hrs) TUESDAYS SEPT. 1st – SEPT. 15th
Students of all skill levels will learn the fundamental principles of how images are captured for cinematography and photography. For returning students or media enthusiasts, this will be the class for those who want to truly master the art of the camera. This is all about learning the fundamentals of camera exposure, ISO, shutter speed, lens apertures, and different focal length lenses. Each week, students will create complex shots using rack focusing, camera sliders, robotic camera systems, steadicams, and more to capture unique cinematic images. Students will study the craft of lighting by manipulating light and shadows, creating professional lighting setups that help tell their cinematic stories. Students will also learn techniques for lighting interviews, outside filming, podcasts, and more.
Week 1
Students will learn the fundamental aspects of photography and cinematography — framing, composition, and blocking. We will cover on-set safety and lighting terms and equipment. The class will learn the principles of shutter speed, ISO, and camera lenses, while applying these principles on a wide variety of professional cinema cameras — including RED, Canon, Blackmagic, and DJI — as students break into teams and set up their own demo scenes.
Week 2
This class will focus on creating a blocking and lighting plan, then executing blocking and shots with actors. Students will create dynamic and exciting sequences and practice hitting camera marks, using manual focus tools, and building creative lighting setups. Students will learn how to move the camera using camera dollies, sliders, and robotic camera systems to create professional shots, while expanding their knowledge of a cinematographer’s role on set.
Week 3
Students will learn about storyboards and the tools and techniques used to previsualize a scene. Working in groups, they will analyze a script, create a series of storyboards, and execute a sequence of shots. We will also experiment with lighting product shots and tackle the unique challenges of filming and lighting scenes outdoors. Qualified students will have the opportunity to operate a steadicam system and gain experience with industry-standard gear. Students will leave this session with a collection of shots that the YFP will edit into a Cinematography Demo Reel to showcase their new camera skills.
Editing & Intro to Visual Effects (3-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4P–7P (3hrs) FRIDAYS. SEPT. 25th – OCT. 9th
ESA STUDENTS 10A–2P (4hrs) TUESDAYS SEPT. 22nd – OCT. 6th
Students will take a deep dive into post-production, progressing through handcrafted projects that mimic real-world work and introduce them to industry-standard editing software, professional footage, and basic motion graphics. Students will also gain experience creating special effects using greenscreen, 3D animation tools, game software, and AI visual effects tools. Students will film test shots and learn how VFX for a shot comes together by combining their footage with our library of over 15,000 visual effects elements to bring their FX shots to life.
Week 1
Students will learn the DaVinci Resolve interface and editing workflow: importing and organizing footage, building a timeline, trimming and arranging clips, and basic audio mixing. Students will edit a short scene from provided footage, focusing on pacing, continuity, and cutting on action. We’ll also cover color correction basics — matching shots, adjusting exposure and white balance, and using scopes to evaluate your work.
Week 2
This week moves into advanced editing techniques: multi-camera editing, sound design, and building a music and sound effects layer under a scene. Students will film footage on a greenscreen and combine it with CG backgrounds, atmosphere elements, and VFX elements. Students will learn greenscreen keying and the fundamentals of image compositing, and experiment with AI VFX tools to digitally enhance costumes and backgrounds, and use performance capture to transform an actor into a full CG character.
Week 3
Students will discover how to unlock the filmmaking power of virtual production. They’ll get an introduction to creating virtual sets and visual effects in 3D programs, learning how to combine their greenscreen footage with digital backgrounds and effects. We’ll cover basic 3D concepts — adding objects, simple animation, and rendering — and explore how VFX artists collaborate with editors to finish a shot. Students will leave with an edited video showcase of their work.
Commercial Production Class (4-WEEKS)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM 4P–7P (3hrs) FRIDAYS. OCT. 30th – NOV. 20th
ESA STUDENTS 10A–2P (4hrs) TUESDAYS OCT. 27th – NOV. 17th
This is our first real-world job-study class. Students will learn how to plan, shoot, and edit real commercials from start to finish, working the way a real production team does — from the client brief to final cut. Students will learn how to think like a media entrepreneur: how to work with clients, manage budgets, and create captivating content for the digital marketing age.
Working with national brands and local businesses, students will get to create and act in exciting commercials that brands will feature as part of their social media marketing efforts, showcasing these student-made projects to a worldwide audience. This class is for those who are serious about the craft of filmmaking and want to develop real skills to turn their passion into a career.
Note: Like our full season program, this class may require students to meet at locations around the Prescott area for certain sessions, or attend additional Saturday filming days, typically from 11a–2p.
Week 1
Students will learn how commercial production differs from narrative filmmaking: working from a creative brief, understanding a target audience, and building a script and storyboard around a product or brand. In teams, students will develop concepts for a commercial project, including a shot list and a plan for locations and props. Students will learn how to conduct market research, identify target audiences, and combine data and creativity to build their commercial pitches, using a variety of tools to storyboard their concepts into a solid production blueprint.
Weeks 2 & 3
These weeks are all about production. Students will shoot their commercials working as a full crew with professional cameras and equipment — directors, camera teams, sound, lighting, and actors all working together. We’ll cover how to get coverage efficiently, work with talent on delivery and timing, and adapt when things don’t go according to plan on set. Taking on multiple roles throughout production, students will gain hands-on experience making these commercials look and sound their best.
Week 4
Students will edit their commercials, focusing on pacing for short-form content, sound design, color grading, and adding titles or a call to action. We’ll cover how to package and format content for different social media platforms and how brands measure the success of their content. Students will leave with a finished, demo reel-ready commercial — and the experience of seeing their work shared as part of a real brand’s marketing campaign.
YOUTH FILM PROGRAM SUMMER SCREENING!
Meet the 31 young filmmakers who took on the ultimate challenge: writing, shooting, and editing complete films in just five days. This behind-the-scenes look at the Youth Film Program’s 2026 Summer Session follows students ages 9-17 as they learn every stage of filmmaking — from scriptwriting and directing to camera work, acting, and editing — while racing against the clock to bring five original films to life in under two weeks. This behind-the-scenes video premiered as the opening video of the Youth Film Program’s Summer Youth Film Premiere at the historic Elks Theatre in downtown Prescott, AZ on July 1, 2026.
WATCH ALL THE SUMMER FILMS HERE!
Introducing the YFP Filmmaking Merit Badges
EXPLORE AN INTERACTIVE PREVIEW OF THE YFP SKILL TREE
The Youth Film Program is launching a new way for students to track their growth as filmmakers: a Filmmaking Merit Badge system, built as an interactive skill tree spanning every corner of the craft — Directing, Cinematography, Grip & Lighting, Editing & Sound, Acting, Writing, Producing, Animation, and Digital Media, plus specialty labs in areas like 3D & VFX, Music, and Immersive/360.
Each badge marks a real skill or achievement — from running your first take in the director’s chair to mixing a finished film’s final soundtrack — and shows students exactly what they’ve mastered and what’s next on their filmmaking journey. It’s designed to be exploratory, not a checklist: there’s no single “right” path through the tree, and students are encouraged to earn badges in whatever order fits their interests.
We’re rolling this out across every future program, and it works backward too — past and present students will be able to earn badges for achievements from this year, previous years, and everything still to come. Students who take their badges seriously and master these skills will unlock access to more advanced tools, training, and — eventually — the chance to work on real-world Parallel Media projects. In the future, students will be able to log in and track their own badge progress right here on our website throughout their entire Youth Film Program career.
YOUTH FILM PROGRAM 2026 FILM sEASON (jAN-mAY) RECAP
A TRIUMPHANT SUCCESS JUNE 2nd, 2026
On June 2nd, 2026, the Youth Film Program hosted an exciting all-ages red carpet festival screening for the Prescott Arizona Community. This was our Second Annual Film Festival Screening Event, an ALL AGES event open to the Quad Cities community.
We showcased TEN original films produced here in Prescott, and useing a mix of classic filmmaking techniques, mixed with cutting-edge visual effects and camera technology, to tell stories that harken back to the film classics on the 80s, 90s, and 2000s! We showcased 10 short films in a variety of genres: From thrilling space adventures, movie-hopping cartoons , hillarious supernatural comedy, anime-style chess battles, haunted houses, friends who save their town from aliens, a theater play on the verge of chaos, animations, and much more!!!
COME BACK SOON TO VIEW THE 2026 FILMS.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
From community organizations, to family foundations, private donors, and businesses and brands, the Youth Film Program’s mission is being supported by people to recognize and appreciate the impact our program has on the Quad City community and the future of film and media in the USA. Across our numerous screening events, social media reach, and printed materials, the YFP gives new opportunities for sponsors to find a new audience by sponsoring and donating to this amazing community project.
Got Questions or want to sponsor our program?
Email: YFP@parallelmediastudio.com or Call: 928-295-3030
2025 STUDENT FILMS
GALAXY HEROES
A spacefaring adventure where four heroes must save the galaxy!
PICTURE DAY
A comedy short about being too prepared.
JANIE & MAGGIE COOKING SHOW
A reality TV show parody with the finest foods, and oddest people.
FLYING THROUGH THE MEMORIES
The BTS and showcase of an original song & music video.
MAGICAL
A trailer-style film about four magical friends trapped in our world.
BROACH
A thrilling dramatic mystery as two detectives revisit a cold-case.
WATCH OUR STUDIO TOUR
MEET OUR FIRST YOUTH FILMMAKERS!
2027 SEASON 3 SCHEDULE:
Our program mimics the processes and goals of a real-world media studio. Meaning, our every student leaves with real-world skills and the confidence to create film and videos, no matter what career path they choose. From operating professional cameras to pitching ideas like industry pros, students will experience every aspect of the filmmaking process in a fun, challenging, and supportive environment. The next full season starts January 2027! (*Schedule Subject to Change)
Weeks 1-3:
Hands-on training with professional film cameras and equipment starts DAY 1! Students will master the fundamentals of cinematography, lighting, and sound by shooting practice scenes that get them comfortable behind the camera. While learning the technical basics, students will brainstorm ideas for their project pitch and develop their unique content strategy. This is your time to get comfortable with the studio space, and brainstorm your film idea.
PITCH WEEK: Present your film idea to the studio.
Weeks 4-6:
Projects get the GREEN LIGHT! Films come to life on paper, first. Students assemble their production teams and step into leadership roles in script development, storyboarding, costume and set design, and project planning. This phase teaches you to collect and manage your resources like real studio creatives. Students build the foundation for their upcoming shooting schedule.
WE EXPECT TO GREENLIGHT 5-7 FILMS
Weeks 7-12:
Lights, camera, ACTION! Students get training in various crew roles, and begin filming their movies. Actors will get into character and learn the craft of film acting. Behind the scenes, you’ll direct your teams and manage real on-set operations, learn the art of cinematography, lighting setups, and sound recording. We will be filming at the studio using equipment like green screens and motion capture technology. Productions will be scheduled in the studio, and locations around Prescott.
Weeks 13-17:
Students lead editing teams using the same industry-standard software the pros use daily, creating compelling sound design, using and producing professional music tracks, and mastering audio post-production techniques. Our studio will give you access to of 15,000 visual effects elements to help you create whatever you can imagine! Our advanced students will have access to the latest AI filmmaking tech, and will help all our production teams take their vision to the net level!
Weeks 18-20:
Students will add the final touches to their films, doing sound mixing, fine editing, re-shoots, and creating marketing material for their films, like posters and trailers! This will be the time to market your film to the local community while you get your project ready for the big screen premiere!
RED CARPET EVENT
The Program culminates in a Red Carpet Premiere event. Filmmakers and attendees dress up to walk the red carpet for photos and media interviews. The screening will showcase all the student projects, behind the scenes interviews, and filmmaker awards!
SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS
EVENTS & MEDIA
The goal of the Youth Film Program is to put our students’ films front and center. That includes hosting events where young filmmakers will premiere their films to their local communities, to helping their films enter film festivals around the country, and find future internship and work opportunities. We’ve been proud to have four films already screened at the Prescott Film Festival, and we expect the word to spread.
CONTACT US
Find out how to get involved!
Questions? Internship Inquiries? Sponsorship Opportunities? Email: YFP@parallelmediastudio.com or Call: 928-295-3030
