Behind the Lens Filmmaking Workshop – 5-Day Experience – August 4 to 8, 2025

Description:

Join a unique, hands-on filmmaking experience based at the Character Driven Production Studio on Gabriola Island. Designed for creative youth aged 13–18, this 5-day (Monday to Friday) program offers practical, professional-level production training with real-world tools and software in a collaborative, story-rich environment.

Participants explore the full filmmaking process: storyboarding, scripting, camera work, sound, lighting, editing, and livestreaming. Workshops are led by a seasoned media professional with decades of experience in radio, television, photography, writing, web, and live event production.

Each day includes lunch and snacks, and every participant becomes part of a working production team. By the end of the week, each crew will have created and screened their own original short film.

Workshop Includes:

Professional studio access and production training
Use of industry-grade equipment: Blackmagic cameras, Canon camcorders, OBS, Da Vinci Resolve, Shure & Rode microphones, lighting gear, editing bays, and more
Instruction in visual storytelling, editing, switching, and livestream techniques
All meals and supplies
Showcase screening and certificate
Screening of all media will be done virtually in the fall at the Behind The Lens Kids Virtual Film Festival — a watch party via Zoom

Participant Options & Pricing:

Island-Based Participants:

$675 CAD
Includes full workshop experience, lunch/snacks, and equipment use

Off-Island Participants – Cabin Stay

$1,275 CAD
Includes full workshop + 5 nights accommodation in rustic cabin (parent/guardian must accompany minor) + $50 cleaning fee
Includes full workshop + 5 nights accommodation in rustic cabin (parent/guardian must accompany minor)

Off-Island Participants – Bunkie Stay

$975 CAD
Includes full workshop + 5 nights in shared bunkie (parent/guardian must accompany minor) + $50 cleaning fee
Includes full workshop + 5 nights in shared bunkie (parent/guardian must accompany minor)

Off-Island Participants – Tent Camping

$775 CAD
Includes full workshop + tent space for youth + parent/guardian (no trailers or RVs permitted)

Livestream Participants

$295 CAD
Access daily livestream training, behind-the-scenes footage, and remote project mentoring

Ages: 13–18

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily

Location: Character Driven Production Studio, Gabriola Island, BC

Note: All off-island accommodation options are strictly for registered participants and their accompanying adult. No accommodation is offered independent of workshop participation.

Media Use Consent: Participants will have the opportunity to be featured in livestreams, promotional materials, and student-created content. Consent is required for on-camera participation. Behind-the-scenes roles are available for those who do not consent.

Limited Liability Agreement: By registering, participants and/or their guardians acknowledge that they understand and accept the inherent risks associated with participation in hands-on media production. Character Driven Media Inc., its instructors, and affiliated entities are not liable for injuries, loss, or damages that may occur during the course of the workshop. A signed waiver will be required upon registration.

session three

Behind The Lens- Session Three