Where Future Filmmakers Begin.


CindeNEXT gives high school students the skills, tools, and confidence to turn big ideas into bold films. This is where creative vision meets real-world production — and where tomorrow’s storytellers start today.

The Next 2-day Session runs July 31-August 1 at The University of Cincinnati ‘s Media Production College.

At CindeNEXT, we believe teaching young filmmakers how to turn their dreams into finished films is an act of empowerment. Through hands-on access to the tools, language, and logistics of filmmaking, students learn not just how to tell stories — but how to lead projects, make decisions, and bring creative ownership to life. When students learn to shape stories, they’re learning to shape themselves and the world around them.

Session Goals

1. Completed Student Films Ready for Screening

With the support of local industry professionals and educators, each participating student (or student team) completes a short film from concept to final cut — to be celebrated at a public screening, shared in college portfolios, or submitted to youth festivals. Why it matters: This showcases their ability to follow a project through the full creative and production pipeline — a rare accomplishment at the high school level.

2. Increased Confidence in Leadership & Creative Collaboration

Students demonstrate growth in creative decision-making, team communication, and project ownership by leading shoots, giving feedback, and managing production timelines. Why it matters: These transferable skills prepare them for success in college, film careers, and any collaborative industry.

3. Stronger Pathways to College & Career in Film/Media

Through mentorship from working professionals and college students, participants gain insight into film as a viable career path. The University of Cincinnati Film and Media Studies program spotlights life as a college media major, giving valuable insights into career and collegiate potential. Why it matters: It’s not just a class — it’s a launchpad for long-term artistic ambition setting expectations with experience and edcuation for a secure and realistic future.

Day 1
Thursday, July 31, 2025

Location: The College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, Room 3200.
9:00-11:30am (Rm 3200.)

  • Breakfast and Introductions- (30 min)

  • Welcome/What is Cindependent – Allyson West (20 Minutes)

  • Goals of the Course – Christina Hardebeck (10 Minutes)

  • Intern Introductions – Emma Underwood (10 Minutes)

  • Introduction to Film Careers and College Pathways — Kevin Burke (20 Minutes)

    • Kevin Burke, Dean of the Film and Media Studies Program at CCM, will kick off the morning by introducing students to careers in film and media arts, sharing insights into the college experience, and setting the stage for the day's tour.

  • Studio Tour –Kevin Burke and Don Hancock (Professor/CCM.) (30 minutes)

  • Direct Instruction: (30 minutes)

    • Group Activity: 10 Things to Make a Movie

    • Components of Filmmaking

    • The Film Shot

11:30-12:30pm - Breakout sessions (4 groups of 5 students each)

  • Room 3200 Hands on Camera/Equipment Review (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3211 Hands on Camera/Equipment Review (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3215 Hands on Camera/Equipment Review (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3217 Hands on Camera/Equipment Review (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

12:30-1pm- Everyone in Room 3200 for instruction

  • Direct Instruction: Mise-En-Scene (creating emotion/feeling) (30 min)

10m-1:30pm- Room 3200

  • Lunch (30 minutes/lunch is provided) 

1:30-2:30pm - Breakout sessions

  • Room 3200 Activity: Individual Shot List to Create Emotion (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3211 Activity: Individual Shot List to Create Emotion (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3215 Activity: Individual Shot List to Create Emotion (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

  • Room 3217 Activity: Individual Shot List to Create Emotion (with CCM/MPRO Staff/Faculty) (1 Hr)

2:30-3:15pm- Editing Lab Room 3205

  • Basics of Editing (1 Hr min) (simultaneously CCM Staff/Faculty are importing and creating timeline of student projects)

3:15-4pm- Room 3200

  • Day 1 Screening/Feedback/Reflection (30 min)

All final films will screen at the 2025 Cindependent Film Festival on Friday, 9/19/25 at 3pm in the Gold Room. Get your tickets today and join us to see and celebrate your students’ work in a professional setting.

Questions? Click here to email Christina.

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Questions? Click here to email Christina. -

Day 2
Friday, August 1st, 2025

Location: The College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, Room 3200.
9:00-9:30am- Room 3200

  • Breakfast/Review Film Concepts - (30 min)

9:30-11:30am- Breakout sessions: Room 3200, 3211, 3215, 3217

  • Birds Eye Script Activity (2 hrs)

  • Creating a Shot List

  • Assigning Production Roles and Collaborative Workflows

11:30-12:00pm Room 3200

  • Lunch (30 min, lunch is provided)

12:00-2:00pm- Breakout sessions: Room 3200, 3211, 3215, 3217

  • On-Set Production (2 hrs) 

2:00-3:00pm- Room 3205

  • Editing (1 hr)

3:00-4:00pm -Room 3200 or Main Street Cinema at TUC 

  • Day 2 Screening (Parents Invited!) and Q and A with Film Professionals (1 Hr)

  • Christina Hardebeck

    Festival Volunteer Director/CindeNext Founder

    Christina Hardebeck brings over 13 years of experience in education as both a teacher and administrator, with a strong focus on empowering youth through creative and career-connected learning. She has taught courses in filmmaking and job readiness, and currently serves as Associate Principal at the Heidt Center of Excellence, a transition program supporting students as they prepare for life after high school. Christina has developed internship and transition programs that connect students with real-world experiences, helping them build confidence and independence. As the Volunteer Director and Board Member for the Cindependent Film Festival (CIFF), she is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers. Her work with the CindeNEXT film camp is rooted in a passion for youth development, education, and the arts 

  • Emma Underwood

    Asst. Volunteer Director/CindeNext Facilitator

    Emma Underwood is an award winning artist and independent filmmaker from Ithaca, NY. She is a graduate of the Media Production - Film and Television Production program at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

    Her work is the culmination of many years spent in underground music and art scenes, often thematically exploring identity and community building. Since moving to Cincinnati in 2023, Emma has worked with many local filmmakers across a wide range of projects, including volunteering her time with the Cindependent Film Festival. 

  • Film and Media Studies at the University of Cincinnati

    CindeNEXT Partner

    Our collaborators at the University of Cincinnati’s Film & Media Studies program bring academic depth and industry expertise to cindeNEXT. Led by Dean Kevin Burke and filmmaker Don Hancock, this partnership connects students with college-level insight, professional mentorship, and a pathway toward continued creative growth. Together, we’re building a bridge between classroom dreams and real-world filmmaking.