5HORT Film Camp

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5HORT FILM YOUTH SUMMER CAMP | JULY 6-10, 2026 | REGISTER HERE!

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. In addition to teaming up to make a short film by week’s end, camp attendees will receive complimentary submission waivers and passes for the fifth annual 815HORTS Film Festival, which is scheduled for Nov. 13-14, 2026.

The 5HORT Film Camp runs daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and costs $200 per camper. Participants should bring their own lunch, while film equipment will be provided. The lead instructor of the inaugural Camp is Zach Hendrix, a 2024 815HORTS award-winning filmmaker and founder of the world's largest voiceover competition.

2026 5HORT FILM CAMP CURRICULUM | REGISTER!

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.