Kids got a chance to create and star in their own feature films at the Junior Directors Movie Camp, which took place July 25 to July 29.

The camp teaches children about various films and different techniques, and encourages them to create their own movie projects over the course of the program.

The camp was hosted at the College of the Rockies and led by Gabe Jablanczy and Sarah Frazier, who attended film school in Halifax together.

It was first time leading and teaching a group for both of them.

“Sarah wants to be a teacher, so I wanted to do something that involved doing things we both liked,” explained Jablanczy.

During the camp week, kids learned about different types of movies, camera shots, how to edit scenes, make how-to videos, music videos, and even work with 2-D animation.

“The kids were super great,” said Frazier. “Everyone made something and did something, whether it was acting, shooting or editing the video.”

“It was fun because it was unexpected, we had no idea what the kids would be like and be into,” said Jablanczy. “Some were really technically proficient, and some just really wanted to act or use the camera. The group was really interspersed with talents, and there was never a roadblock — the kids were always doing something, they had a ton of energy.”

A screening held on July 29 displayed the works of the camp, including an animated short film, action-heavy, alternate-universe and sci-fi-noir short films, biking and fashion videos, and a music video.

Children and parents had nothing but good things to say about the camp, and all feedback was positive, according to Jablanczy.

Frazier’s favourite moment of the week was taking part in the music video.

“Even though I had a drum kit put on my head and was smacked with a cardboard guitar, it was really fun,” she said.

As for Jablanczy, the animation process with the kids was one of his favourite parts.

“The program we used for the animation had a glitch,” explained Jablanczy.

“One of the drawing tools was broken, but because of that it would produce these really weird and beautiful colours, actually. It was really interesting, and all the kids made these wonderful animations with it. I think that’s kind of what film-making is about, it’s taking the unexpected and using it to your advantage.”