How to Make a Movie in 12 Days

Orson Welles did it with Citizen Kane. Greta Gerwig did it with Lady Bird. Sometimes the first movie you make is just a straight-up masterpiece. Why not get started early?

At this online school-holiday workshop for young storytellers, run by middle-grade author Fiona Hardy, we’ll do exactly that. Hardy is the author of How to Make a Movie in 12 Days – about a young girl, Hayley Whelan, who dreams of making her own horror movie. When Hayley’s grandma dies, she inherits the money for a real movie camera. But strange things start to thwart Hayley’s production, even before the camera is rolling … 

Hardy will kick off the workshop by talking about how she wrote the book, and performing some readings from this hilarious and entertaining tale. Then, inspired by Hayley Whelan’s dedication to her craft, participants will get stuck into some screenwriting exercises of their own and have a chance to ask Fiona questions. Kids can come with ideas of their own, or just with starry eyes and open minds. Hardy will talk character, plot and pace as kids lay the foundations for their first film projects.

Participants will need pencils and paper – and you can find activity sheets for use during the session here.

Suitable for children aged 9–12 years old. 

Watch the event on this page.