Step into filmmaking with Florida Film and STEM Academy’s immersive two-day program at Universal Studios Florida. This unique experience blends hands-on workshops with real Universal energy, enabling students to write, direct, and produce their own short films in a world-renowned theme park.
Over two intensive days, students train with industry professionals from FFSA and participate in workshops hosted by Universal Orlando, gaining exposure to creative strategies and behind-the-scenes insights. From story development and storyboarding, to filming and post-production planning, students collaborate like a real film crew, with each role filled by the students themselves.
Film Where the Industry Lives
Students don’t just learn about filmmaking; they create inside Universal Studios Florida, experiencing the energy and expectations of a real production environment.
Hands-On, Start-to-Finish Production
In just two days, students move from concept to completed short film, taking on real crew roles such as director, cinematographer, editor, and actor.
Industry-Connected Instruction
Training is led by Florida Film and STEM Academy professionals, enhanced by workshops hosted by Universal Orlando that offer insider perspectives and studio-level practices.
Real-World Skills, Real Confidence
Students build technical, creative, and collaboration skills while learning how professional film crews communicate, problem-solve, and work under real deadlines.
Career Exploration That Feels Authentic
This program provides a true snapshot of film industry careers, helping students discover their strengths and interests through direct experience.
A Finished Film to Show for It
Each student leaves having contributed to a completed project and participated in a final screening, an achievement they can proudly share in portfolios or applications.
Students arrive in Orlando and settle into their accommodations. After check-in and welcome orientation, they meet their FFSA instructors and creative mentors, who introduce the week’s schedule and kick off the collaborative energy that drives any film set. This first gathering sets the tone for the week ahead, emphasizing teamwork and the various creative and technical roles students will explore—just like a professional crew assembling before a production begins. To wrap up the evening, students will also enjoy fun games like trivia, fostering connections and laughter as they start their creative journey together.
The day begins with story development workshops led by FFSA instructors. Students learn the building blocks of narrative, character development, and visual storytelling while working to develop their own short film ideas as a group.
We then move on with hands-on training in shot composition, cinematography, and crew coordination. These sessions are modeled after real pre-production days on a film set, where teams block shots, plan lighting, and align creative direction. Students practice how directors, cinematographers, and assistant directors prepare for principal photography, gaining insight into technical and creative roles across production.
In the afternoon, students take part in the Universal Studios workshop, "Storytelling: It Starts with a Hero", that complements their morning sessions, reinforcing skills that will support the success of their projects. Afterward, they head into the parks for a fun-filled evening of rides, exploration, and shared adventure. This dedicated park time offers students a chance to unwind, bond, and enjoy the themed worlds around them—an experience that blends pure fun with inspiration from the cinematic environments that surround them.
Today is fully dedicated to production. With scripts and production plans in hand, students take on the responsibilities of a working film crew, rotating through positions like director of photography, boom operator, set dresser, and talent coordinator. They rehearse, block, and shoot their scenes using professional filmmaking techniques, learning firsthand how different departments collaborate to achieve a director’s vision.
Students are introduced to editing software and taught how to cut their footage with continuity, mood, and rhythm in mind. They also experiment with music, sound effects, and color adjustments to finalize the tone of their film.
In the evening, Students can return to the park for some last minute fun.
On the final morning of the program, students take part in a private screening of their completed short films. This celebratory showcase allows students to experience their work as filmmakers, watching their projects on screen, reflecting on the creative process, and celebrating their accomplishments as a team.
Following the screening, the films will be uploaded and shared digitally, allowing friends and families to enjoy and celebrate the students’ work long after the program concludes.
2-Day Short Film Program
Times are estimated and flexible. Universal Workshop times will be confirmed on booking.
“The Crew Assembles”
3:00–5:00 PM | Arrival & Hotel Check-In
Students arrive in Orlando and settle into their accommodations, meeting fellow filmmakers and beginning their immersive experience.
5:00–6:00 PM | Welcome Orientation & Program Overview
FFSA instructors introduce the program, review expectations, and outline the filmmaking journey ahead—setting a professional tone inspired by real film sets.
6:00–7:00 PM | Dinner
A relaxed group meal allows students to connect and start building creative chemistry.
7:00–9:00 PM | Free Time
“From Idea to Blueprint”
8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast & Morning Briefing
A production-style rundown prepares students for a full creative day.
9:00–11:00 AM | Story Development Workshop
Students learn narrative structure, character, and visual storytelling while developing concepts for their short films.
11:00 AM–12:30 PM | Cinematography & Shot Planning Lab
Hands-on instruction in camera angles, composition, blocking, and visual planning—modeled after professional pre-production.
12:30–1:30 PM | Lunch
1:30–3:00 PM | Universal Orlando Workshop:
“Storytelling: It Starts with a Hero”
Students participate in an exclusive Universal-hosted session, gaining insight into studio-level storytelling techniques.
3:00–6:00 PM | Park Experience & Creative Inspiration
Students explore Universal Studios Florida, drawing inspiration from cinematic environments while enjoying rides and attractions.
6:00–7:00 PM | Dinner in the Park
7:00–9:00 PM | Evening Park Time & Team Bonding
A balance of fun and creative reflection before production day.
“Lights. Camera. Action.”
8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast & Production Meeting
Students finalize shooting schedules, crew roles, and locations.
9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Filming Sessions
Teams rotate through professional roles—director, cinematographer, sound, talent coordinator—capturing scenes using industry practices.
1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch
2:00–4:30 PM | Editing & Post-Production Lab
Students learn editing fundamentals, sound design, music selection, and color adjustments to shape the final film.
4:30–6:00 PM | Final Edits & Export
Projects are completed and prepared for screening.
6:00–8:00 PM | Optional Evening Park Time
A celebratory return to the park for final memories and fun.
“From Set to Screen”
8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast & Screening Prep
9:00–10:30 AM | Private Film Screening
Students experience their completed short films on screen, celebrating their work as filmmakers.
10:30–11:30 AM | Reflection, Feedback & Certificates
Guided discussion on the creative process, teamwork, and industry skills gained.
11:30 AM | Digital Film Distribution Begins
Films are prepared for online sharing with families and friends.
1. Who supervises the students during the trip?
Our programs are led by experienced educators and trained facilitators who accompany the group throughout the entire learning experience. We maintain a low student-to-staff ratio to ensure safety, guidance, and personalized attention. We do not accompany students during free time; they remain with their chaperones.
2. What kind of accommodations are provided?
Students will stay in a centrally located, secure hotel. Rooms are shared by gender, and all accommodations are supervised. The location is chosen for safety, accessibility, and proximity to major learning sites.
3. How is student safety handled during city travel and excursions?
Student safety is our top priority. We use private transport when needed and always travel in groups. Students are briefed on safety expectations and emergency procedures, and our team maintains close communication with all participants.
4. Will there be free time, and how is it managed?
Yes, students will have some structured downtime.
5. What meals are included?
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are included. We accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences with advance notice.
6. What educational value does this trip offer?
The program blends hands-on learning with opportunities to build teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Students will engage in activities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and reflection.
7. What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes a balance of expert-led sessions and hands-on activities.
8. What happens if a student gets sick or there’s an emergency?
We have detailed health and safety protocols in place, including access to local healthcare providers. Parents are contacted promptly in the event of any health concerns. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency response.
9. What is included in the program cost?
The cost typically covers accommodation, meals, activities, entrance fees, local transport, staff supervision, and educational materials. Flights and travel insurance may be arranged separately unless otherwise noted.
10. What do we pack?
We’ll provide a full packing list, travel guidelines, and pre-trip resources to help students arrive informed and ready to learn.