Cascadia Media Lab Partners with Washington Athletic Club to Launch Two New Youth Filmmaking Programs
Cascadia Media Lab is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Washington Athletic Club (WAC) to bring hands‑on, community‑centered filmmaking education to youth in downtown Seattle. Beginning this fall, we’ll be hosting two 8‑week filmmaking programs at the WAC’s flagship downtown location; each designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and introduce young artists to the magic of visual storytelling.
This collaboration brings together the WAC’s commitment to youth development and Cascadia Media Lab’s mission to make filmmaking accessible, inspiring, and rooted in community. Together, we’re creating a space where young artists can explore, experiment, and grow.
“This is an exciting new partnership for us, to engage a whole new community of young artists.”
Derek Edamura, Executive Director of Cascadia Media Labs
Stop‑Motion Animation Lab
Stop‑motion animation is one of the most imaginative and tactile forms of filmmaking, and kids love it because it turns everyday objects into characters, worlds, and stories. In this 8‑week program, students will learn:
The fundamentals of stop‑motion animation
Character and set design using found objects
Camera setup, lighting basics, and frame‑by‑frame shooting
Editing and sound design to bring their creations to life
By the end of the program, each student will complete a short-animated film that showcases their creativity and craftsmanship.
Filmmaking Fundamentals Lab
This program is perfect for young filmmakers who want to learn the building blocks of live‑action storytelling. Over eight weeks, students will explore:
Camera operation and shot composition
Scriptwriting and story development
Working with actors and directing scenes
Lighting and audio basics
Editing techniques using beginner‑friendly software
Students will collaborate in small production teams, gaining hands‑on experience in every stage of the filmmaking process.
“This is a huge step for us, to bring impactful programming to the downtown area.”
Derek Edamura, Executive Director of Cascadia Media Labs
A Creative Hub in the Heart of Downtown Seattle
Both programs will take place at the Washington Athletic Club’s downtown location, giving students access to a welcoming, well‑equipped environment designed to support learning, creativity, and community. This partnership allows us to reach more young storytellers across the Greater-Seattle region, while offering families a convenient, central space for after‑school programming.
Building the Next Generation of Northwest Storytellers
At Cascadia Media Lab, we believe filmmaking is a powerful tool for self‑expression, collaboration, and confidence. These new programs reflect our commitment to nurturing emerging voices and expanding access to arts education throughout the Pacific Northwest.
We’re excited to welcome young creators into these new spaces, and even more excited to see the stories they’ll tell.
