What is Mini Makers Film Lab?
Mini Makers Film Lab is a creative home for young storytellers. Our after-school classes and workshops in East Nashville invite students to explore the magic of filmmaking in an environment that is welcoming and encouraging.
At Mini Makers, we believe filmmaking is more than learning how to use a camera — it’s learning how to see the world with curiosity, confidence, and empathy. Here, students develop real film skills while discovering their own artistic point of view. Each project becomes an opportunity to express who they are, what they care about, and the stories they want to tell.
We celebrate individuality, collaboration, and the joy of making something together. Whether a student is interested in filmmaking or is just looking for a creative outlet, this is a place where they can experiment and grow as artists.
“Cinema is a mirror by which we often see ourselves. ”
Explore our classes
Saturday, November 14 | 9:00AM-3:00PM
Location: EAST Collective, 805 Woodland St #330, Nashville, TN 37206
Use code EARLYBIRD for $15 off through 10/14
Get a taste of our flagship Mini Docs course in a single, high-energy day of filmmaking. In our 6-week program, students learn week by week and go on to make their own short documentaries. In this one-day workshop, students join forces as a full film crew to create one short documentary together, from first idea to final shot, all in one day.
How the Day Works - We kick things off with an abbreviated Documentary 101 lesson. Students explore different documentary styles, watch and break down selected film clips, and learn what makes a story worth telling. From there, we dig into the real craft of documentary filmmaking: developing an idea, finding subjects, conducting interviews, and using lighting and framing to bring a story to life.
Then it's time to roll. Students put their new skills to work, filming on site at EAST Collective and in the surrounding neighborhood. Every student plays a part, whether behind the camera, asking the questions, or shaping the story. The subject of the film will be decided by the class, after we present three options as inspiration, but will be centered around their lives. Each student will be interviewed and be in the film.
The Final Film - Within three weeks of the workshop, students and parents will receive a professionally edited final film showcasing what the group created together.
Equipment - All filming equipment is provided. Students should bring their own lunch, snacks, and a full water bottle. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and come ready to move, collaborate, and create some magic.
Ages 10-14. Limited to 8 students.
Saturday, November 21 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: EAST Collective, 805 Woodland St #330, Nashville, TN 37206
Use code EARLYBIRD for $15 off through 10/14
Every photograph tells a story. In this one-day workshop, students learn to slow down, look closer, and capture images with meaning. Through hands-on shooting sessions, creative challenges, and guided instruction, students explore how still photography can express a feeling, a moment, or a point of view, and leave with a camera of their own to keep creating.
How the Day Works - We begin with the foundations of photography. Students explore a range of photographic genres and styles through real examples, then dive into the essentials of lighting and framing. We also talk about the artistic process: where inspiration comes from, how photographers develop their eye, and what makes a portrait feel personal.
Then the cameras come out. Students head into breakaway sessions built around creative prompts, timed challenges that push them to notice the world in new ways, such as hunting for a theme, a color, or a feeling and capturing it through their lens. They'll practice portraiture by photographing their classmates, then walk across the street to East Park for nature and street photography, finding stories in the landscape and in everyday life around them.
The Final Story - The day concludes with a group review of everyone's images. Each student then selects a final collection of photos that work together to tell a cohesive visual story with feeling, an important skill for any photographer.
Your Camera Comes Home With You - Every student receives a Klik camera, included in the cost of the workshop, to use throughout the day and take home to keep shooting long after class ends. We will also provide each student’s chosen final collection of images, edited and emailed to parents within one week.
What to Bring - Students should bring their own lunch, snacks, and a full water bottle. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for time outdoors.
Ages 10-14. Limited to 8 students.
Designed for students who want more individual attention, our private sessions focus on refining your voice, building technical skills, and bringing your ideas to life - at your own pace - with personalized, one-on-one guidance.
Our private sessions are tailored to each student’s interests and experience level, whether you want to strengthen your cinematography, develop storytelling techniques, or create your own short film or documentary. Lessons will be hands-on and focused, giving you direct feedback, practical exercises, and real-world insight you won’t get in a group setting. If you are a current film lab student, you will have access to shadow us a select number of days on set during some of our Nashville shoots.
Perfect for students preparing for film school or personal projects. Recommended for high school aged students.
$145 for one 90 minute session | $525 for a 4-pack
Location: Inglewood, East Nashville
Limited availability. Sessions will be scheduled after purchase.