SCHEDULE
THE OCALA FILM DERBY
September 23-27, 2026
Wednesday, September 23 @ IHMC, 5:30pm-8:30pm- Opening Reception
● Introduction of sponsors, mentors, teachers, guests
● Team selections and photos – and senior photos
● Announce scholarship opportunities & selection process
Thursday, September 24 @ IHMC, 7:30am to 5:00pm
Time | Activity |
7:30am | Arrival/Check-in |
7:45am | Breakfast/Networking |
8:15am | Opening Session |
8:30 – 9:30am | Keynote Speaker/ Team Building |
9:35 – 11:45am | Workshop Rotations |
12:00pm – 1:30pm | Lunch & Location Visits |
1:30 – 3:30pm | 3-2-1 Challenge |
3:30 – 4:00pm | Challenge Viewing |
4:00 – 5:00pm | Closing Session |
5:00 – 6:00pm | Director’s Workshop (Director’s Only) |
Workshop Schedule
|
Time |
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
Session 3 |
|
9:35-10:15am |
Lighting Hacks |
Audio That Doesn’t Suck |
Competitive Filmmaking Strategies |
|
10:20 – 11:00am |
Competitive Filmmaking Strategies |
Lighting Hacks |
Audio That Doesn’t Suck |
|
11:05 – 11:45am |
Audio That Doesn’t Suck |
Competitive Filmmaking Strategies |
Lighting Hacks |
Workshop Descriptions
● Lighting Hacks – Inside vs Outside Lighting Guiled, 3 – Point Lighting, Dramatic Lighting Effects
● Competitive Filmmaking Strategies — Learn practical strategies for turning limited time and resources into a compelling film built around a great idea—one that grabs attention and stands out from the competition.
● Audio That Doesn’t Suck – Magic number for decibels, review your work, NAT sound, sound effects, How to use a boom mic, what sound should I think about capturing in every scene?
Friday, September 25 — DERBY DAY!
● 6:45am – 7:15 – Breakfast at IHMC
● 7:15am – 8:00am – Assignment of common prompts and receiving props
● 8:00am – 5:00pm – Derby filming throughout downtown & uptown
● 5:00pm– Film Deadline
● 5:30 – 6:30pm – Participant Pizza Party, Scholarship Voting, & Derby Survey
Saturday, September 26 — COLLEGE & CAREER EXPO AT IHMC — 1:00-4:00pm
Explore local employers, possible internships, scholarships, colleges & universities centered around the field of communication arts
● 2:00pm – 3:00pm — Film Futures Panel – a parent & student’s guide to career and college pathways including financial aid, and articulation into colleges, Bright Futures and more
Sunday, September 27
● 2:00pm – 5:00pm — @ Marion Theatre— Ocala Film Derby Screening, Awards & Scholarship Ceremony
$10 donation at the door door for general public (proceeds benefit OFD)
Drinks and snacks provided for teams