First Takes Program
A free, immersive filmmaking program for
high school students
Who Is This For?
High School Students
Teachers and Schools
Parents seeking safe, meaningful arts programming
First Takes is FAN’s free, in-school filmmaking program delivered in partnership with teachers, trained volunteers, and local film and media professionals.
Students work collaboratively to take a short film from idea to screen — learning hands-on skills while gaining exposure to creative careers they may not have considered.
What students do
Participate in scriptwriting workshops
Write, shoot, and edit a short film in a single day
Work in crews with defined roles (camera, sound, acting, directing, etc.)
Use professional equipment and real-world workflows
Attend regional career fairs
What students learn
Storytelling, collaboration, and creative problem-solving
Technical skills (camera, lighting, sound, editing)
How the film and media industry actually works
Who they learn from
Local industry professionals
Trained FAN volunteers
School educators and facilitators working together
“It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I tried new roles and learned so much.”
“I didn’t know filmmaking could be this fun! I made new friends and learned real behind-the-scenes skills.”
Students are locked in.
2026 will be our third year delivering the First Takes program, so far reaching close to 100 students across three local high schools - and we’re looking to expand.
Feedback from students is overwhelmingly positive:
56% rated the workshop 10/10
80% said it increased their interest in filmmaking
96% rated the experience A or A+
Want to get your school involved? Send us your request!
