Welcome to the 10th Annual Omaha Film Festival Academy, hosted by the Omaha Film Festival (OFF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to cultivating the passion for filmmaking in the next generation.
Designed for 7th-12th grade students from the Omaha area, the OFF Academy strives to educate, entertain, and inspire budding filmmakers through interactive and specialized sessions led by esteemed industry professionals. Held in a conducive and secure learning environment, participants explore various facets of the filmmaking process, benefiting from hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and creative collaboration.
In addition to the Academy, students will have the privilege of using their OFF Academy badge to attend the six-day Omaha Film Festival from March 11th - March 16th, 2025. This extension provides a unique chance to view narrative features, documentaries, and short films at Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village. Attendees can engage directly with filmmakers during post-screening Q&A sessions and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Writers Theatre, where screenplay finalists come to life before a live audience.
Breakfast and lunch are included during the Academy, along with an OFF Academy t-shirt. The total cost for participation is $300 per student; however, thanks to the generous contributions from local donors and organizations, we are pleased to offer a partial scholarship to all students, reducing the fee to just $50 per participant.
As advocates for arts education, we take pride in offering a distinctive program that fosters creativity, inspires, and celebrates imagination while imparting valuable filmmaking skills to our students. We are eager to collaborate with your student and look forward to an exciting and educational experience at the OFF Academy.
Designed for 7th-12th grade students from the Omaha area, the OFF Academy strives to educate, entertain, and inspire budding filmmakers through interactive and specialized sessions led by esteemed industry professionals. Held in a conducive and secure learning environment, participants explore various facets of the filmmaking process, benefiting from hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and creative collaboration.
In addition to the Academy, students will have the privilege of using their OFF Academy badge to attend the six-day Omaha Film Festival from March 11th - March 16th, 2025. This extension provides a unique chance to view narrative features, documentaries, and short films at Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village. Attendees can engage directly with filmmakers during post-screening Q&A sessions and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Writers Theatre, where screenplay finalists come to life before a live audience.
Breakfast and lunch are included during the Academy, along with an OFF Academy t-shirt. The total cost for participation is $300 per student; however, thanks to the generous contributions from local donors and organizations, we are pleased to offer a partial scholarship to all students, reducing the fee to just $50 per participant.
As advocates for arts education, we take pride in offering a distinctive program that fosters creativity, inspires, and celebrates imagination while imparting valuable filmmaking skills to our students. We are eager to collaborate with your student and look forward to an exciting and educational experience at the OFF Academy.
Location
Hilton Garden Inn
Aksarben Village
HGI Ballroom
6737 Frances St.
Omaha, NE 68106
Aksarben Village
HGI Ballroom
6737 Frances St.
Omaha, NE 68106
Date & Time
March 13 - 14th, 2025
8:30AM - 2:30PM
8:30AM - 2:30PM
Speakers
Kevin Keplar
All Things Sound
Whether you are looking to learn from a professional, or hire one to take on your next project, we should definitely talk.
Ben Drickey
Cinematography
While process and production are important, Ben is a firm believer that creativity wins out and helps any size project live up to its potential.
Aaron Smith
Lighting
I strive to bring the DP's vision to life, ensuring every technical detail aligns with the creative essence of the film. My goal is to transform ideas into powerful visuals that resonate on screen.
Dave Weiss
Editor
The edit is crafting what you have already produced and making it come to life.
Schedule
Thursday,
March 13th, 2025
8:30 AM-2:30PM
March 13th, 2025
8:30 AM-2:30PM
Filmmaking and Live Production
The day is divided into two key parts, each designed to provide participants with essential insights and practical skills in media production. The first segment will focus on hands-on equipment training, covering lighting, cameras, sound, and set etiquette. Participants will gain a solid understanding of the technical aspects crucial for successful media production.
In the second part of the day, participants will transition into active roles as members of a collaborative crew, engaging in the filming of a one-page scene. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of the production process and reinforce the skills they’ve learned.
The day combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that participants leave with the foundational skills and confidence to begin their journey in media production. We look forward to a day filled with meaningful experiences and professional growth.
In the second part of the day, participants will transition into active roles as members of a collaborative crew, engaging in the filming of a one-page scene. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of the production process and reinforce the skills they’ve learned.
The day combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that participants leave with the foundational skills and confidence to begin their journey in media production. We look forward to a day filled with meaningful experiences and professional growth.
FriDAY,
MARCH 14th, 2025
8:30 AM-2:30PM
MARCH 14th, 2025
8:30 AM-2:30PM
Screenings, Sound, and Pitch Pit
The second day of our conference will begin with a screening of the scene we worked on together the previous day. We will then conduct a thorough examination of the editorial decisions made by our crew, highlighting the intricacies of post-production. Additionally, we’ll explore the critical role sound plays in cinema, emphasizing its impact on the overall film experience.
After the morning session, attendees will enjoy a Lunch and Learn featuring professional filmmakers and screenwriters in town for the Omaha Film Festival. This unique opportunity allows for direct interaction with industry professionals, fostering insightful discussions and the exchange of ideas.
In the afternoon, the conference will become more interactive as each filmmaker and screenwriter collaborates with a designated table of students. Together, they will develop a compelling movie idea and refine it into a captivating elevator pitch to present to the conference audience. Teams will also create visually engaging movie posters, adding a creative dimension to their project. This hands-on session promises to be dynamic and enriching, offering participants a unique opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge and creativity to real-time film development.
Join us for this immersive second day, where theory meets practice and creativity takes center stage. We anticipate a day filled with meaningful conversations, collaborative learning, and the excitement of cinematic exploration.
After the morning session, attendees will enjoy a Lunch and Learn featuring professional filmmakers and screenwriters in town for the Omaha Film Festival. This unique opportunity allows for direct interaction with industry professionals, fostering insightful discussions and the exchange of ideas.
In the afternoon, the conference will become more interactive as each filmmaker and screenwriter collaborates with a designated table of students. Together, they will develop a compelling movie idea and refine it into a captivating elevator pitch to present to the conference audience. Teams will also create visually engaging movie posters, adding a creative dimension to their project. This hands-on session promises to be dynamic and enriching, offering participants a unique opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge and creativity to real-time film development.
Join us for this immersive second day, where theory meets practice and creativity takes center stage. We anticipate a day filled with meaningful conversations, collaborative learning, and the excitement of cinematic exploration.