YOU HAVE A STORY. NOW MAKE A FILM. LEARN TO CREATE WITHOUT PERMISSION.
The Gulf Coast Filmmaking Workshop is a hands-on one-day, 6-hour filmmaking intensive designed for emerging Black, Latine and LGBTQIA+ storytellers who want to move from “I have an idea” to “I made a film.”
You don’t need film school. You don’t need a $50,000 camera package. You don’t need industry connections.
The Gulf Coast Filmmaking Workshop is an immersive, hands-on filmmaking intensive designed to give emerging storytellers the practical tools, confidence and creative community to turn an idea into an original short film.
Using nothing more than a mobile device, accessible tools and your imagination, you’ll move through the filmmaking process from concept to premiere.
IN SIX HOURS, YOU’LL:
WRITE: Develop an original story and build compelling characters.
PRODUCE: Learn how to plan a production with limited time and resources.
DIRECT: Explore performance, blocking, visual storytelling and working with actors.
SHOOT: Use a phone to capture cinematic images, sound and performances.
EDIT: Cut the footage together and create a finished short film using accessible editing tools.
DISTRIBUTE: Learn how to package, market and share your work with an audience.
And then… PREMIERE THE FILM.
The Gulf Coast Filmmaking Workshop was created to help break down those barriers for the next generation of bold, diverse storytellers.
We are particularly focused on creating space for Black, Latine and LGBTQIA+ emerging artists to develop practical filmmaking skills, experiment creatively and see themselves as filmmakers because representation doesn’t only happen when we’re on screen.
It happens when we’re behind the camera, writing the script, calling action, shaping the image and telling our own stories.
$150 per storyteller · Limited to 10 participants per session
*must be 18+ to participate
At the end of the workshop, you’ll have
A COMPLETED SHORT FILM - Created collaboratively with a production team.
HANDS-ON PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE - Written, produced, directed, shot and edited a film.
A FILMMAKER TOOLKIT - Including practical templates and resources to use after the workshop.
A CREATIVE COMMUNITY - Connect with emerging filmmakers and storytellers.
This is a hands-on creative experience designed to take storytellers from an idea to a finished short film in a single day.
Storytellers will work alongside a small team of emerging storytellers, learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, and immediately put those skills into practice.
Ages
18+
Date(s) - Choose one
November 21 or 22, 2026
December 13 or 14, 2026
Time
9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Location
TBA in the Tampa or St. Petersburg area
Production Schedule
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Facilitator introduction and workshop overview
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Understand the building blocks of filmmaking, including:
Story
Character
Composition
Camera
Lighting
Sound
Shot selection
Visual storytelling
Hands-on Project: Shoot a scene using a mobile device.
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Learn how to transform an idea into a producible short film by exploring:
Character development
Story structure
Conflict
Stakes
Scene construction
Visual writing
Pitching
Rewriting
Hands-on Project: Craft and pitch an original short-film concept.
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Move a story into production by learning:
Production roles
Directing
Working with performers
Blocking
Shot lists
Production planning
Working with limited resources
Problem-solving on set
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Turn the footage into a finished story by exploing:
Selecting takes
Building a sequence
Cutting for emotion
Sound
Music
Titles
Credits
Exporting
Hands-on Project: Edit a short film using accessible software.
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A finished film needs an audience and learn the fundamentals of:
Social media distribution
Film festivals
Community screenings
Digital platforms
Audience development
Marketing
Building an audience for your next project
Hands-on Project: Create a distribution plan for a film.
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End the day by sharing your work with your fellow filmmakers, friends and family.
Where to Find Us
Shuttle transportation is available to and from camp. Participants can be picked up near the York Street Subway Station on the F subway line. Subway access to the F, G, A, C, 2, 3 and B67.
Demo Park
123
Demo St, New York, NY 12345
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.