Studio Production Summer Camp

Make TV in our Professional Studio!
Grades: 6 – 12
This camp provides a hands-on opportunity to learn the ins and outs of creating television in our professional studio from concept to completed show. Together, we’ll practice
- Designing sets
- Operating cameras
- Controlling sound
- Creating live graphics
- Directing a team of peers to bring your ideas to life
Previous classes have produced game shows, sitcoms, talent and variety shows, and discussions about local youth-related issues. Once having completed this training, students are encouraged to come back and participate throughout the school year on real television productions – both of their own design and under the direction of local influential producers.
Session Dates: July 11th – July 15th
Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, Mon – Fri
Enrollment: $450
Instructor: Pedro Arenas
Sign up on Eventbrite
News & Journalism Summer Camp

Tell local stories in our Youth Newsroom
Grades: 9 – 12
“If your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon.” -Tom Stoppard, American Playwright
In today’s atmosphere of misinformation, “fake news” accusations, and limitless access to worldwide research and communication, investigative and journalistic skills have never been more crucial to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Midpen Media strives to amplify local voices and empower local activists through media-making education and opportunities. This summer we are launching our Youth Journalism Institute – a hands-on summer camp experience where teens will learn to ask questions and tell stories with the power to change the world. Students will be trained in all forms of news media communications, including news writing, journalistic podcasting, photojournalism, and short documentary video production. They’ll come away with a researched, polished, and published story reflecting issues relevant to their communities – and with the tools to continue finding and reporting the stories that need to be told.
Session Dates: July 18th – July 22nd, Mon – Fri
9:30AM – 3:30PM
Enrollment: $450
Instructor: Emily Parent
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Sports Broadcasting Summer Camp

Live coverage of sporting events!
Grades: 6 – 12
In our mobile TV production truck, you’ll learn every crew position: director, camera operator, graphics engineer, audio engineer, and play-by-play commentator. Come watch a game from the perspective of a professional sports television crew, and learn to tell the story of a live game as it happens.
Graduates of this camp are also invited to join our Sports Broadcasting Team. Throughout the school year, we cover local school sporting events for cable television and online live stream presentation. Crew members receive Community Service hours, a free meal each game, and the chance to work with industry professionals.
Session Dates: July 25th – July 29th AND August 1st – August 5th
Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, Mon – Fri
Enrollment: $450
Instructor: Megan Murakami
Sign up on Eventbrite: Session 1 (July 25th – July 29th)
Sign up on Eventbrite: Session 2 (August 1st – August 5th)
Filmmaking Summer Camp

Write and Direct a Short Film!
Grades: 6 – 12
Lights! Camera! Action! The Midpen Media Center, Palo Alto’s premier video production house for students of all ages, is celebrating the launch of our brand new Filmmaking summer day camp. This 5-day educational experience is an opportunity for visionary students aged 11 – 18 to produce a film of their own design for the big screen. Through this one-week experience, students will learn a wide range of technical and storytelling skills, including
- Digital Camera Operation
- Professional Light & Sound Design
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Film Production
- Video Editing
Filmmaking Camp Students will work closely with our Acting for the Camera Camp students to produce their final film projects. All films will be screened for parents on the last day of camp and broadcast on local television all throughout the Bay Area.
Session Dates: August 1st – August 5th
Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, Mon – Fri
Enrollment: $450
Instructor: Pedro Arenas
Sign up on Eventbrite
Acting for the Camera Summer Camp

Create a Character. Star in a Film!
Grades: 6 – 12
Your moment in the spotlight has finally arrived! The Midpen Media Center, Palo Alto’s premier video production house for students of all ages, is celebrating the launch of our brand new Acting for the Camera summer day camp. This camp, suitable for ages 11 – 18, will examine the basics of on-camera performance and help students understand what to expect when pursuing a career or hobby in film acting.
This camp will include improv exercises, character work, “creative choice” skill development, a professional headshot photoshoot, and plenty of opportunities to perform in films produced by our Filmmaking Summer Camp students.
Acting for the Camera Camp students will work closely with our Filmmaking Camp students to produce their final film projects. All films will be screened for parents on the last day of camp and broadcast on local television all throughout the Bay Area.
Session Dates: August 1st – August 5th
Time: 9:30AM – 3:30PM, Mon – Fri
Enrollment: $450
Instructor: Emily Parent
Sign up on Eventbrite
More Information
All camps are held at the Midpen Media Center: 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto. Students should pack a lunch and a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt. Sports Broadcasting Campers should also bring a hat, sunglasses, water bottle, and sunscreen.
Healthy morning snacks will be provided.
Midpen Media is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen personal belongings.
For information or to register, use the links in the individual classes above. Questions can be directed toward Emily Parent.
Summer Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refund will be given for cancellations less than two weeks prior to the camp session’s start date. Cancellations between 2 and 4 weeks prior to the camp session’s start date will result in a 50% refund. Cancellations made earlier than 4 weeks prior to the camp’s start date will result in an 85% refund.
Midpen Media reserves the right to cancel a session if enrollment is insufficient. In such an instance, fees paid will be refunded in full. |