Youth FX Summer Film Program

# Youth FX Summer Film Program Youth FX is an acclaimed Albany, New York nonprofit that trains young people in digital filmmaking and media production. Its flagship offering, the Summer Film Program, is a six-week in-person intensive at the Youth FX studio in Albany's South End - in 2026, running Monday-Friday, July 6 through August 14, 10am-4pm - where students learn the creative and technical sides of filmmaking while building community with their peers. ## What You'll Do - Train in directing, cinematography, screenwriting, acting, editing, sound, and lighting with professional teaching artists - Spend the final three weeks in production, writing, casting, directing, and shooting short films in small crews - Premiere your crew's finished films for the Albany community - Earn a $580 stipend, paid in two $290 installments at week three and at summer's end ## Who Should Apply Young people ages 14-18 in the City of Albany who are interested in pursuing film - no experience required, but commitment matters: the program is capped at 24 students, applications are competitive, and every applicant does a short Zoom interview. The 2026 application closed May 15, 2026 with decisions by June 1; the next cycle typically opens in spring. ## Outcomes Participants finish with real credits on collaboratively produced short films, a working knowledge of every major crew role, and a paid introduction to the industry - the program is free for City of Albany residents and pays a stipend. Youth FX alumni have gone on to film schools and the organization's advanced fellowship and workforce programs.