And We’re Off!
We’re excited to announce that Heights Middle School Shorts (HMSS®) will return in 2026 with two camp sessions, offering students the chance to learn filmmaking from the ground up — from story development to production, screening, and beyond.
Whether students are new to filmmaking or ready for an advanced, immersive experience, HMSS offers hands-on learning, collaboration, and the chance to tell meaningful stories through film.
HMSS® I: Filmmaking Foundations for Current 6th-9th Graders
February 7 – June 14, 2026
HMSS® I is our flagship filmmaking program, guiding students through the entire creative process. Campers are assigned to Production Teams and take on real film crew roles as they write, direct, and produce original short films.
What students will do:
– Develop original story ideas
– Learn creative writing and screenwriting
– Collaborate in production crews (directing, editing, sound, casting, and more)
– Film and edit an original short movie
– Design posters and prepare for a public screening
Key milestones include:
– February–April: Story Writing Workshops, where students who submit story ideas are enrolled in an eight-week Creative Writing class at the Cleveland Institute of Art, which meets on Saturday afternoons.
– April–May: Screenwriting Workshops, where production crews turn stories into scripts and storyboards.
– May 16 & 23: Audition Days, a community-wide casting session for actors and extras.
– May 30: Table Read, where final scripts are read aloud, when possible, with cast members.
– June 1–5: Film Production, a week of filming under the guidance of HMSS instructors.
– June 8–12: Post-Production, filmmakers edit their movies, create posters, and prep for the season’s screening.
🎬 HMSS® Season 6 Films will be screened on Sunday, June 14, at the Cedar Lee Theater.
HMSS® II: Documentary & On-Location Filmmaking for Current 8th-12 Graders
June 22 – June 28, 2026
HMSS® II is an advanced, immersive experience. Students form a single Production Team and travel together to Los Angeles, where they will produce a short documentary while also documenting their experience on location. This camp emphasizes collaboration, real-world filmmaking, and storytelling in a professional environment.
Applications & Key Dates
📅 Application Period: January 12 – March 31, 2026
Applications for both HMSS® I and HMSS® II are open during this window.
We can’t wait to welcome a new group of young storytellers to HMSS® in 2026. These camps are about more than making films — they’re about confidence, collaboration, and discovering creative voices.
More details on applying and tuition assistance will be shared soon.