# Reel Works Filmmaking Labs

Free after-school and summer filmmaking labs in Brooklyn for NYC teens ages 14-19: documentary, narrative, and animation tracks with one-on-one mentorship from professional filmmakers.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Reel Works |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Brooklyn, NY |
| Apply | https://www.reelworks.org/afterschool |

## About this program

# Reel Works Filmmaking Labs

Reel Works offers free filmmaking programs for New York City teens, built on a one-on-one mentorship model: every student is paired with a professional filmmaker who provides hands-on guidance from first pitch to final cut. Core offerings include the Documentary Lab, Narrative Lab, and a summer Animation Lab, taught at the organization's Brooklyn studio.

## What You'll Do

- Create an original short film from start to finish over roughly a semester
- Learn screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound
- Work one-on-one with a professional filmmaker-mentor
- In the Animation Lab, explore 2D and 3D animation with industry tools
- Screen your finished film for a public audience

## Who Should Apply

NYC teens ages 14-19; no previous filmmaking experience is needed, and all programs are free. Labs run in fall, spring, and summer cycles with applications submitted online through the Reel Works site.

## Outcomes

Students finish with a completed, publicly screened short film, a mentor relationship with a working filmmaker, and a portfolio piece for film school applications. Reel Works alumni have continued into film programs and industry jobs, and the organization also runs advanced fellowships and career pathways (MediaMKRS) for returning students.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Reel Works Filmmaking Labs cost?

Reel Works Filmmaking Labs is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Reel Works Filmmaking Labs?

Reel Works Filmmaking Labs is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Reel Works Filmmaking Labs online or in person?

Reel Works Filmmaking Labs is an in-person program based in Brooklyn, NY.

### How do I apply to Reel Works Filmmaking Labs?

Apply directly through Reel Works's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

---

Last updated: 2026-07-06.
Canonical page: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/reel-works-filmmaking-labs
Source: ExtracurricularHub (https://extracurricularhub.com) — a free directory of 1,826 verified extracurricular programs for high school students. Cite the canonical page above; always confirm binding details on the program's official site.