THE INDIE FILMMAKING BOOTCAMP
WITH THE G.O.A.T KEVIN SMITH
LEARN DIRECTLY FROM THE INDIE FILMMAKING KING!
A 3-day In-Production Bootcamp for filmmakers to collaborate with industry legend Kevin Smith on an indie film scene.
KEVIN SMITH
Writer, Producer, Director, & Force of Nature
Legendary filmmaker, writer, and pop culture icon Kevin Smith has carved out a unique legacy with his sharp wit, indie spirit, and groundbreaking storytelling. Best known for Clerks, Mallrats, and the beloved ‘View Askewniverse’ universe, Smith has become a respected voice in film, television, comics, and podcasting. With his signature humour and unfiltered authenticity, he continues to inspire creators and fans alike across generations.
How It Works
When it comes to indie filmmaking, force-of-nature Kevin Smith stands supreme! From Clerks to Jay and Silent Bob, Good Will Hunting, and Netflix’s Masters of the Universe, Kevin Smith has built an incredible career as a director, writer, & producer over more than three decades.
Now, this VFS alum – and former Creative Ambassador – returns to VFS for The Indie Filmmaking Bootcamp. Over three days, writers, directors, producers, and actors will collaborate with this industry legend to create a short indie film scene from pre-production to production. Don’t miss this chance to gain unparalleled industry knowledge and experience for your film career!
VFS AMA (Ask Me Anything) Industry Talk:
Attend a Talk with Kevin Smith
Friday, November 28 | 6 – 7 p.m. PST | Venue TBD
AMA Industry Talk Attendee – $40
In-Production Bootcamp:
Workshops in Directing/Writing/Acting/Producing
Saturday, November 29 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street
Creation of Indie Film Scene
Sunday, November 30 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street
AMA & In-Production Bootcamp – $300
Ensure that you scroll through the entire registration form for all options.
AMA Industry Talk with Kevin Smith
VFS is thrilled to be hosting Kevin Smith as the next guest in our AMA Industry Talk series, hosted by VFS’s Head of Acting, Omari Newton. A previous AMA guest, Kevin Smith makes his return to discuss the world of indie filmmaking, how his VFS training helped launch his career, and why major studios around the world are looking for new talent and stories from aspiring creators.
What to Expect at the Bootcamp
On Saturday, participants will take part in hands-on workshops in producing, writing, directing, and acting – led by VFS’s industry faculty and guided by Kevin Smith. Writers will each write their version of the scene, based on a prompt, with a vote deciding which script will be shot. Meanwhile, actors will audition for the two lead roles, and directors will craft & deliver a pitch for the opportunity to shadow Kevin during the Sunday shoot. Afterwards, the shooting draft of the scene will be finalized, rehearsed, and shot list mapped out.
On Sunday, the final scene will be filmed, with Kevin Smith directing. All participants who are not directly involved in the production of the scene will get to observe the entire process. All attendees will emerge with real, on-set industry experience in indie filmmaking.
FAQ
1. What is The Indie Filmmaking Bootcamp with Kevin Smith?
The Indie Filmmaking Bootcamp is a 3-day hands-on training experience where filmmakers collaborate directly with legendary writer, director, and producer Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats). Participants will take part in workshops and create an original short film scene from pre-production through to filming, gaining real on-set experience in the indie filmmaking process.
2. Who is Kevin Smith?
Kevin Smith is an acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and pop culture icon best known for creating Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and the Jay and Silent Bob films. A VFS alum and former Creative Ambassador, Smith has spent over three decades shaping independent cinema with his signature wit, authenticity, and passion for storytelling.
3. What does the bootcamp include?
The bootcamp includes a live AMA Industry Talk with Kevin Smith at the Rio Theatre, followed by two full days of hands-on workshops in producing, writing, directing, and acting. Participants will write, audition, pitch, and collaborate to produce a short indie film scene directed by Kevin Smith himself.
4. Where does the event take place and how much does it cost?
- AMA Industry Talk only: $40 - Friday, November 28 | 6–7 p.m. PST | Venue TBD
- In-Production Bootcamp + AMA: $300 - Saturday & Sunday, November 29–30 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST | 151 West Cordova Street
5. What happens during the scene production?
On the final day, the selected script will be brought to life under Kevin Smith’s direction. Chosen actors will perform, the winning director will shadow Kevin on set, and all participants will observe the full production process – gaining valuable, practical insight into indie filmmaking from one of the industry’s most respected creators.
6. Who should attend?
This event is designed for emerging and experienced filmmakers alike – writers, directors, producers, and actors – who want to strengthen their craft, collaborate with peers, and gain firsthand experience working with a legendary indie filmmaker.
7. How do I register?
Click here to register and explore all available options.