Throughout the year - and especially during the Cinematic Arts Festival - the Bay City School of Cinematic Arts hosts workshops and guided classes focused on virtual filmmaking skills. Topics range from camera movement and lighting to acting, vlogging, storytelling, and editing workflows. Workshops are designed to be accessible, hands-on, and welcoming to all experience levels.
Hosted Backlots and Spotlight Sets are interactive filming spaces created by Bay City residents, creators, and brands. These locations give students the chance to practice filming in unique environments while learning how to work with lighting, blocking, props, and atmosphere. All hosted sets are accessed through the Student Toolkit HUD, keeping the experience immersive and clutter-free.
During the Cinematic Arts Festival, students can participate in themed filming challenges and creative assignments. These prompts encourage experimentation, collaboration, and exploration — whether you’re filming a short scene, capturing city B-roll, or trying a new cinematic technique for the first time.
The Bay City Film Contest celebrates the creativity produced through the School and Festival. Participants are invited to submit original cinematic works across a variety of categories, from short films and vlogs to sound, editing, and performance. Selected entries are showcased at the historic Bayjou Theatre, with awards presented during the festival’s closing celebrations.
The Bayjou Theatre serves as the School’s cinema and the Festival’s main stage. Screenings throughout the event highlight student work, featured creators, and contest finalists. Whether you’re attending a casual screening or a formal gala night, the Bayjou offers a shared space to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and community.
The Cinematic Arts Festival culminates in a special Gala Night at the Bayjou Theatre. Filmmakers, residents, and guests gather for screenings, awards, and community celebration. This event highlights standout work from across the festival while recognizing the creativity, collaboration, and generosity that make Bay City’s cinematic community thrive.
Charity & Community Events All School and Festival activities proudly support Bay City’s year-round fundraising for Child’s Play Charity. Special events, announcements, and celebrations help spotlight the cause and the community’s collective impact — showing how creativity and generosity can work hand in hand.
