Write. Shoot. Edit. Show.

Welcome Filmmakers

Workbench Filmmakers Intensive 2025

About Workbench Filmmaker Intensive

The Workbench Filmmaker Intensive is a one-of-a-kind annual workshop located in Park Rapids, MN. Led by award-winning screenwriter Gregory Paul and award-winning filmmaker David Leidy, and proudly sponsored by the Northern Light Opera Company, this workshop is designed to nurture and enhance the filmmaking skills of creators.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced filmmaker, our free workshop caters to all levels of expertise, offering a unique opportunity to learn and create captivating short films. Each year we select 4 filmmakers to partcipate in 5 days of learning, filming and fun culminating in a showing of 4 original short films for the public.

All camera gear and equipment is provided.

The intensive is free but space is limited .

Application for the 2026 Intensive is coming soon!

Our Process

Write

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It all starts with your story. Pitch us your idea and we will guide you in writing a five page screenplay. Through a series of Zoom sessions we will give you usable feedback, provide you with similar short films to study and help you to avoid pitfalls that can muddy your story and hamper your shoot.

Shoot

On Day 1 you will learn how to use our gear. Camera. Boom. Lights. You'll also learn about standard shots, 3 point lighting and how to choose the right lens for your film. On Day 2 we shoot our first two films. On Day 3 we shoot our second two films. You will either be shooting your own film or helping a fellow filmmaker shoot theirs. It's called an Intensive for a reason.

Edit

On Day 4 you will edit your footage. Never used film editing software before? No worries. We will be there to guide you through the process. This is a challenging day for a filmmaker but before you know it, your work will be ready to show!

Show

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Day 5 is showtime!

We will premeire your brand new short film for the public with a moderated feedback session afterwards. Congratulations! You are now officially a filmmaker!