About this Event
Built for students ages 13-17, the 5HORT Film Camp is designed for aspiring filmmakers to gain hands-on experience from industry-leading experts. Scheduled for July 6-10, 2026, at Keith Country Day School (1 Jacoby Place, Rockford, IL 61107), this one-week camp includes a fun and interactive curriculum covering what it takes to make a short film.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Monday, July 6: On day one, students will get a general overview of the filmmaking process (pre-production, production, post-production) and begin coming up with ideas for their film.
Tuesday, July 7: Students will start day two by locking down their film idea. There will also be a more in depth breakdown of how to use film equipment while students begin to write their script and develop a shot list. Students may also take on creating a schedule, call sheet, and all other necessary pre-production elements.
Wednesday, July 8: Camp attendees will experience being on set and begin capturing the footage needed to create their short film. Activities will include offloading footage to prepare for an efficient post process and editing what has already been filmed concurrently as the process continues.
Thursday, July 9: Students will continue filming, editing and refining their short film to remain on track to have a finished film by week’s end.
Friday, July 10: Students will work on final edits and decide if any pickups are needed. If necessary, pickups will be filmed in the first half of the day. Additional time will be spent reviewing the process, sharing feedback and determining what can be applied to improve the process next time.
CAMP DETAILS
- Date + Time: Monday-Friday, July 6-10, 2026. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Camp students can begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. and should be ready to start by 9 a.m. Students should be picked up promptly at 4 p.m.
- Location: Keith Country Day School, 1 Jacoby Place, Rockford, IL 61107. Drop-off and pick-up at the upper school circle drive.
- Ages: Youth ages 13-17. Parents/guardians must agree to participation waiver during registration.
- Equipment: Cameras and other equipment as necessary will be provided.
- Lunch: Campers should bring their own lunch and snacks (unless otherwise communicated).
- Cost: $200 per camper.
- Camp Key Contacts: Zach Hendrix (primary contact + lead instructor - [email protected]); Nick Povalitis (founder + administrative support - [email protected]).
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Keith Country Day School, 1 Jacoby Place, Rockford, United States
USD 215.26





