Photo Credit-Yanice Jackson Chronicle Media Group. The Students actively listen to One Day Film Skool Founder and Instructor Mr. Al Smith as he talks about the core elements of film production. Lansing Community College Sponsored and hosted the event which is open to high school students and recent graduates.
This past December, the Downtown Lansing Community College campus buzzed with creativity as over 20 eager students gathered for the One Day Film Skool workshop. What began as a simple introduction to filmmaking quickly transformed into an inspiring experience, igniting new passions and paving the way for careers in media production.
Participants dove headfirst into the world of storytelling, learning to create a 3-minute video using professional-grade equipment under the guidance of industry experts. From camera operation to editing techniques, the session offered a hands-on glimpse into what it takes to bring a story to life.
Photo Credit-Lansing Community College Photography
For many attendees, the event was more than just acquiring technical skills—it was about envisioning new possibilities for their futures. “I’ve always been interested in filmmaking, but this workshop made me feel like I could really pursue it,” said one participant in a post-event survey.
The Impact: Feedback and Results The program's blend of mentorship and hands-on activities left a lasting impression. Survey responses from students highlighted the value of the experience:
“Learning about film theory was eye-opening,” said one student, rating their likelihood of pursuing filmmaking as “very likely.”
“I loved the hands-on experience—it made everything click for me,” another shared.
Others praised the interactive format, with one attendee saying, “Honestly, I really loved this program! Thank you! I can’t think of anything to improve this.”
The Next Chapter: Building on the Momentum The success of the One Day Film Skool is just the beginning. Chronicle Publisher Yanice Jackson has announced four follow-up sessions to further develop the skills students gained during the workshop:
Behind the Mic: The Art of Radio Storytelling Held at a local radio station, this session will give participants hands-on experience with voice techniques, sound design, and professional radio production.
Storybook Challenge Participants will learn to adapt children’s books into short-form videos, focusing on engaging storytelling and simple editing techniques.
Podcasting 101: Crafting Stories Through Sound This workshop will teach the fundamentals of podcasting, from scripting and recording to editing. Students will create their own 3-minute podcast segments.
Interactive Journalism: Bringing Local Stories to Life Using tools like Canva, participants will create multimedia news stories that combine video, audio, and text to engage audiences on local issues.
“This is more than just a workshop,” said Al Smith, the One Day Film Skool founder. “It’s an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and content creators to immerse themselves in the world of visual storytelling and connect with professionals in the industry.”
A Bright Future Ahead The One Day Film Skool has already sparked interest in LCC’s Digital Media, Audio, and Cinematography Program, with several students expressing a desire to enroll. LCC Director of Marketing Bruce Mackley called the workshop a “combination of hands-on videography and deep life mentorship,” underscoring its potential to inspire long-term engagement in the field.
Students weren’t the only ones to benefit. A finished video from the session, available here, showcases the collaborative spirit and creativity that defined the day. With future workshops already in the works and participants energized to continue their journeys, the One Day Film Skool has set the stage for a generation of storytellers to make their mark.
As one attendee put it simply, “It was really amazing and interactive. I’d love to attend and participate again sometime.”