Create something amazing over spring break with 2-day workshops exploring VFS’s industry programs.
Creative Break features 2-day workshops led by experienced industry professionals in Film Production, Acting, Animation, Makeup Design, Sound Design, Digital Design, and Foundation Visual Art & Design. You’ll build your portfolio, get a taste of Vancouver Film School’s industry-leading creative programs, and discover how 1 short year of training at VFS launches your career in the creative industries.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Register by September 5, 2025 to receive a $50 off all Creative Break 2026 workshops.
Cost:
$200-$225 per workshop (see below for individual prices)
Location:
In-person, on campus
Dates:
March 16-17, 18-19, & 23-24, 2026
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST each day
Registration Deadline:
One week prior to each workshop’s start date (or until seats are filled)
**Students must confirm they are 15 to 18 years old at the beginning of the workshop in order to register.
**Note: For Acting workshop, 1-4 p.m. will be independent work.
If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected].
We’re constantly improving our curriculum to enhance your experience at VFS. Please note that the content below may be subject to change.
Film Production | Cinematic Storytelling
What does baking a cake and making a film have in common? It requires a “recipe”. But instead of flour, butter, eggs and sugar – it takes story, acting, lighting, directing, camera, and much more to make a movie. Learn the basics of cinematic storytelling and get a taste of VFS’s 1-year Film Production program through hands-on exercises.
Dates: March 16-17, 2026
Cost: $225
Location: In-person, on campus
Stop-Motion & Design Magic!
Learn the industry-standard production tips, tricks, and techniques used in stop-motion and motion graphic design. You’ll discover the importance of telling a story using your unique voice, acquire essential camera skills to record a stop-motion piece, dive into the basics of motion design magic via Adobe, and end up with your very own stop-motion video for your creative portfolio.
Dates: March 16-17, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus
Acting | Audition. Cast. Shoot – Page to Screen in 2 Days
Spend two days discovering what it’s like to be an actor in a small group setting. You’ll also examine scene breakdown, character development, and camera fundamentals – all necessary elements in prepping for a shoot. Then, you’ll dive into a text and get on your feet in front of the camera for a mock audition. You will finish this workshop not only with the raw footage from your shoot but also with a taste for the fast-paced life of a working actor in Vancouver.
Dates: March 16-17, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus
Film Production | Finishing the Story from Editing to Post-Production
Although a director & actors’ job may be complete when a production wraps, this is truly when the unseen creative heroes of filmmaking get to shine. Editing, sound design, visual effects – they all play a pivotal role in the movie magic of post-production. You’ll learn about all that goes into putting the finishing touches on a film.
Requirements:
- Headphones with a standard headphone jack (Bluetooth will not work)
Dates: March 18-19, 2026
Cost: $225
Location: In-person, on campus
Design and Animate a Title Sequence
Title sequences remain a significant storytelling tool in entertainment. Learn the history of title sequences, explore the genres that influence today’s designs, and understand how techniques have evolved over time, from traditional film to social media and web content. You’ll also join a practical demo in Adobe After Effects, learning industry practices in title sequence design and creating professional-level transitions & and effects using found footage and animation. No experience required!
Dates: March 18-19, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus
Animation | Visual Effects for Film
Have you ever wondered how filmmakers create the visual effects and environments for Star Wars or Game of Thrones? Are you interested in translating your technical and creative skills into a highly sought-after career? Learn first-hand how industry professionals create these spectacular images through an introduction to these behind-the-scenes breakdowns. You’ll gain experience using professional quality assets and software to key & composite work for a final scene.
Dates: March 18-19, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus
Makeup for Stage & Screen | From Trauma to Tattoos 1
Try your hand at creating painted skulls to better understand facial anatomy and the principles of highlight & shadow. You’ll also learn to create tattoo transfers (designed by you!) and how to apply various injury makeups including blood, bruises, cuts, and black eyes. Finally, you’ll apply these makeups and tattoos directly to your props.
Dates: March 23-24, 2026
Cost: $225
Location: In-person, on campus
Foundation | Visual Art & Design Fundamentals
Do you wish your creative projects could be a true representation of the concepts you have in your head? Unlock your creative potential through an introduction to the proven tools that will help you move past whatever might be creatively blocking you. Turn your ideas into sketches and artwork, digitize with powerful design software to add colour, texture, & typography, and turn your art into a video representing how fearlessly creative you truly are.
Dates: March 23-24, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus
Intro to Sound Design
Have you ever wondered about the sound design process in your favourite movies & tv shows? This is your chance to go behind the scenes to find out! Learn the essentials of Avid’s Pro Tools – premier industry sound design software used by audio professionals worldwide in the entertainment and music industries.
Dates: March 23-24, 2026
Cost: $200
Location: In-person, on campus