After introductions, students are presented with their project. Everything they do at the Spec Spot takes place in terms of deadlines. This project-based approach keeps kids focused and excited. We spend the first week learning how to operate equipment and working on preproduction, which includes scriptwriting, storyboard creation, and planning for the upcoming shoot.

Week Two is dominated by production. Students spend the first part of the day learning about different field recording techniques, gathering props, and scouting locations. Afterwards, students spread out around campus to film their spots. Although there is some flexibility, we encourage most kids to work in groups of three.

After a busy week of shooting, students head back to the studio to begin postproduction. Here they learn learn the basics of editing in Apple's Final Cut Pro. We use the beginner, or amateur interface, so students can apply their knowledge to simpler programs like iMovie, or build on what they've learned in the advanced version of Final Cut Pro.