Empowering NYC Youth Through Filmmaking

Ignite creativity, build skills, and tell your story through the art of film and animation.

Discover Summer Camps!
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Film & Media Arts Summer Day Camps

Summer Classes at FASS Films in Harlem!

Exciting news! This summer, we're holding classes at **233 West 135th Street** in addition to our other locations, offering more opportunities for young filmmakers to dive into their passions. Look out for our special workshops during **Harlem Week**!

Inquire About Summer Sessions
Summer Camp Fun

Explore Creativity This Summer!

Tap into creativity and discover new passions at Camp Digital Lightning VFX, NYC’s hub for film, animation, and media arts exploration for ages 5 to 15! Working together with other campers, kids will have the opportunity to expand their creativity and discover new passions!

Kids aren’t just campers; they’re authors, chefs, digital animators, filmmakers, actors, and set designers. Write your own story, star in your very own cooking show, become an illustrator or digital animator; design costumes, sets, and props in Art Direction, or explore NYC with your production team, camera in hand – days are jam-packed with activities, as well as fun outdoor games and water sports.

Flexible Week-Long Sessions & Engaging Themes

With over 14 different week-long themes, your child is bound to have a fun-filled, creative summer! Themes include: Filmmaking, Video Editing, Skateboard Films, Dungeons & Dragons Films, Computer Animation, Video Game Design, Virtual Reality creations, Stop-motion Animation, Cooking Show, Photography, Survivor Kidz, Music Video Productions, and MORE!

Unique Summer Camp Experience

A Unique Summer Camp Experience

At summer camp, kids learn to utilize professional film and media equipment in a hands-on, age-appropriate atmosphere. Programs are child-driven, and projects are kid-made from start to finish. Children are grouped by age and interest, and the curriculum is designed around engaging content kids care about.

  • Age & Interest Grouping: Campers are grouped to maximize engagement.
  • Professional Equipment: Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools.
  • Kid-Driven Projects: Fostering authorship and creative control.
Learn More & Register!
Inspirational, Caring Staff

Inspirational, Caring Staff

We take pride in finding the best staff – creative artists and industry professionals, and highly experienced educators. Teachers are both mentors for students and their best friends by the end of the week. Our staff-to-student ratio is 1:5, ensuring every camper receives the attention they deserve.

  • Experienced Educators: Passionate about film and teaching.
  • Industry Professionals: Bringing real-world insights.
  • Low Ratio (1:5): Personalized attention for every camper.
Meet Our Amazing Team

Camp Location Highlights:

For our Upper West Side Camps, enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and easy access to Central Park for outdoor activities!

Every week culminates in a **Friday Film Festival** for friends and family!

Sessions available: June 30th – August 15th, 9am – 4pm (Aftercare until 5:30pm)

Upper West Side Location: 795 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025

Summer Classes also held at: FASS Films, 233 West 135th Street, New York, NY

Ready to Enroll? Contact Us!
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Exciting Opportunity: Be Part of "Class of 2029" The Movie!

Class of 2029 Movie

We're thrilled to announce an extraordinary opportunity for our students: participate in the production of **"Class of 2029," a movie being shot right here in Harlem!** This is a unique chance for our aspiring filmmakers to gain real-world experience, working alongside professionals and seeing a project through from conception to screen. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills learned in our programs in a live production environment, making invaluable connections and adding a significant credit to their portfolio. This is more than just a class; it's a stepping stone into the industry!

Learn More About This Opportunity
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Our Mission

Our visual storytelling and filmmaking program provides a platform for young people to express themselves creatively while addressing racial and economic inequality.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, we empower and inspire young people to become changemakers by creating powerful, authentic student films that amplify their voices and experiences. By diversifying the creative industry, we hope to make it more inclusive and reflective of the communities it serves.

Our Goals:

  • Empower young people to tell their stories and express themselves creatively through filmmaking.
  • Address racial and economic inequality by amplifying the voices and experiences of low-income youth and young people of color.
  • Provide access to education and employment opportunities in the filmmaking industry for underrepresented groups.
  • Produce media for socially-minded clients that promote social justice and equality.
  • Foster a community of young people passionate about using film as a tool for social change.
Our Mission Image
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Our Year-Round Programs

Film Directing

Film Directing

Discover the art of film directing, storyboard your cinematic dreams, direct actors, master cinematography, and edit like a pro. Through theoretical study and practical exercises, students gain critical analysis, visual literacy, and communication skills vital for filmmaking and various professional pursuits.

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Screenwriting

Screenwriting

Our screenwriting class provides a comprehensive learning experience that empowers students to become versatile storytellers with a global perspective. Through interactive workshops, students learn scene construction, visual storytelling, feedback and revision techniques, and genre exploration.

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Film Editing

Film Editing

Through theoretical study and hands-on practice, students learn essential skills to become proficient editors. They master industry-standard editing software, understand narrative structure, and develop visual and audio editing techniques to shape raw footage into polished cinematic works.

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Camera Crew

Camera Crew

Students gain essential skills to become proficient members of a camera crew. Key elements include hands-on camera operation with professional systems, mastering cinematography techniques like shot composition and lighting, and familiarization with various camera equipment and accessories.

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2D Cartoon Animation

2D Cartoon Animation

Awesome 2D animation adventures for kids (Grades 6-10)! Learn animation, create characters, craft animated tales, and explore software like Adobe Animate.

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3D Animation & VFX

3D Animation & VFX

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of 3D animation and Visual Effects! Learn modeling, texturing, lighting, animation principles, rendering, and special effects. Bring fantastical creatures to life and create stunning digital worlds.

Learn More
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Advanced Specialization Programs

Designed for aspiring and established professionals looking to master specific aspects of filmmaking and elevate their careers.

Advanced Business of Film and Producing

Advanced Business of Film and Producing

Master the Business Behind the Magic of Filmmaking! A great film needs more than just a compelling story, it needs the right budget, funding, marketing, and distribution strategy to succeed. This program provides an in-depth understanding of how films are financed, produced, and brought to audiences worldwide.

What You’ll Get:

  • Learn from Experienced Producers & Industry Experts
  • Gain Practical Knowledge & Business Strategies to Succeed in Film
  • Expand Your Professional Network with Industry Leaders
  • Understand the Film Market & Position Yourself for Success
  • Conducive Learning Environment
  • Mentorship from Industry Professionals
  • Networking & Collaboration
  • Customized Merchandise
  • Certificates
  • Access to Our Creative Alumni Community

Who Should Enroll?

  • Aspiring & Established Producers who want to master the business side of filmmaking.
  • Filmmakers & Directors looking to understand film financing and distribution.
  • Investors & Film Entrepreneurs interested in film production as a business venture.
  • Content Creators who want to monetize and distribute their projects successfully.

Duration: 7 days

Inquire & Enroll
Advanced Visual Storytelling

Advanced Visual Storytelling (Cinematography)

Master the Art of Visual Storytelling! Filmmaking is more than just capturing moments, it’s about creating immersive visual experiences that bring stories to life. This workshop will help you refine your craft, work with industry-standard equipment, and learn from top professionals who have mastered the balance between visuals and storytelling.

What You’ll Get:

  • Train with Leading Industry Experts
  • Hands-On, Practical Training
  • Master the Technical & Creative Aspects
  • Build Your Portfolio
  • Conducive Learning Space
  • Mentorship from Industry Professionals
  • Networking & Collaboration
  • Customized Merchandise
  • Certificates
  • Access to Our Creative Alumni Community

Who Should Enroll?

  • Aspiring & Professional Cinematographers looking to refine their skills.
  • Set Designers & Art Directors eager to master visual storytelling.
  • Filmmakers & Content Creators who want to elevate the look and feel of their work.
Inquire & Enroll
Advanced Post-Production

Advanced Post-Production (Sound & Editing)

Master the Art of Post-Production! In filmmaking, sound and editing are the forces that shape the final story. Whether you’re an aspiring editor or a sound designer looking to refine your craft, our Advanced Specialization Workshop is designed to give you the professional skills needed to create seamless, cinematic experiences.

What You’ll Get:

  • Train with Industry Professionals
  • Hands-On Projects
  • Technical & Creative Mastery
  • Enhance Your Career Prospects
  • Conducive Learning Space
  • Mentorship from Industry Professionals
  • Networking & Collaboration
  • Customized Merchandise
  • Certificates
  • Access to Our Creative Alumni Community

Who Should Apply?

  • Aspiring & Professional Editors looking to refine their storytelling through editing.
  • Sound Designers & Audio Engineers who want to master cinematic sound production.
  • Filmmakers & Content Creators aiming to improve post-production quality.

Duration: 10 days

Inquire & Enroll
Advanced Storytelling & Filmmaking

Advanced Storytelling & Filmmaking (Directing & Screenwriting)

Master the Art of Storytelling & Filmmaking! Are you ready to take your screenwriting and directing skills to the next level? Our Advanced Specialization Workshop is designed for passionate filmmakers who want to refine their craft under the guidance of industry experts.

What You’ll Get:

  • Advanced Screenwriting Techniques
  • Directing Mastery
  • Hands-on Practical Sessions
  • Conducive Learning Space
  • Mentorship from Industry Professionals
  • Networking & Collaboration
  • Customized Merchandise
  • Certificates
  • Access to Our Creative Alumni Community

This immersive workshop is perfect for:

  • Experienced screenwriters, looking to develop compelling, industry-ready scripts and
  • Directors who are eager to master the art of visual storytelling, actor direction, and cinematic execution.

They must also have at least 2 credits for short films or features.

Duration: 7 days

Inquire & Enroll
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Our Youth Showcase

See the incredible work our students have created. Their voices, their stories, brought to life on screen.

"City Dreams" - A Short Film by Our Students

"Animated Adventures" - By the 2D Animation Class

"Future Forward" - A 3D Animation Project

"Harlem Voices" - A Documentary Project

"VFX Magic" - Special Effects Reel

"Behind the Scenes" - Our Production Process

View More Student Films on YouTube
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Partner with Us for Dynamic Youth Workshops

NYC Workshop

Digital Lightning VFX & Film Production is dedicated to bringing the power of filmmaking directly to communities throughout New York City. Our specialized workshops provide a safe, engaging, and creative outlet for self-expression and skill development for youth from all backgrounds.

These hands-on programs cover everything from **Directing, Screenwriting, Film Editing, Camera Crew, 2D Cartoon Animation, and especially 3D Animation & VFX**. We empower participants to tell their unique stories and explore potential career paths in the dynamic media industry. We're particularly focused on engaging with young people and parents from areas like **Sugar Hill, Polo Grounds, Grant Houses, and Taft NYCHA Houses**, ensuring accessible opportunities for everyone.

Looking to provide a cutting-edge creative experience for your students or community members? We design and deliver impactful, customized workshops tailored to your organization's needs.

Inquire About Our Workshops

Current & Upcoming Workshop Locations:

Check back regularly for new locations and dates, or contact us to host a workshop at your venue!

  • Harlem Community Centers: Various locations throughout Harlem, including those supporting **Sugar Hill, Polo Grounds, Grant Houses, and Taft NYCHA Houses** – Fall 2025 Registration Open Soon!
  • Brooklyn Youth Arts Collective: Summer 2025 Sessions
  • Bronx Creative Hub: After-School Programs

We are actively seeking new partnerships to bring our dynamic programs to even more communities across NYC. If your organization is interested in hosting a workshop, please reach out!

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Get In Touch

For more information, email us at info@dlvfxfilm.org or WhatsApp us at 332-200-8356

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Find Us

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