Future Director Camp
Hosted in an actual TV studio in Palo Alto, Future Director Camp offers full Mandarin immersion while guiding students to explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: what does it mean to be human in the age of AI? Adapting Sparknify's Human vs. AI concept from the startup world into an educational experience, students create both traditional and AI-generated short films—learning to define and preserve humanity while challenging AI to replicate it. Along the way, they develop creativity, confidence, and the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Dates: July 28 to August 1, 2025
Time: 9am to 3pm (Extended Care to 5pm)
Ages: 3th to 6th Grade
Language: Mandarin (Proficiency Requirements)
Location: Midpen Media Center (900 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303)
Tuition: $600
Future Director Camp: Humanity & Creativity in the AI Era
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, understanding what it means to be human is essential for thriving in the future. At Future Director Camp, kids explore this question by creating both traditional and AI-generated short films, using storytelling as a powerful lens to define and preserve humanity. Through this creative journey, they also build Mandarin fluency in a fully immersive environment—an invaluable skill in today’s global, tech-driven society. As China plays a key role in AI innovation, learning Mandarin opens the door to deeper cultural and technological insight, equipping young minds to engage meaningfully with the world of tomorrow.
Emotional Manipulation: Taught by an Actual Director vs. Done by AI
Campers will learn firsthand from a renown film director how storytelling and visual techniques are used to manipulate human emotions, while also examining how AI may attempt to do the same through algorithmic storytelling.
Character Transformation: Taught by a Special Effect Makeup Artist vs. Done by AI
Campers will also work with a professional special effects makeup artist to explore how characters are physically transformed—then experiment with AI tools to see how machines can reimagine transformation through digital means.
Through this hands-on creative journey, students build creativity, confidence, Mandarin fluency, and critical thinking skills—preparing them to thrive in a future where humanity and AI continue to evolve side by side.
Sparknify brings the “Human vs. AI” concept from the startup world into the classroom, inspiring kids to think critically about how AI and humans coexist. This class is derived from the Sparknify Human vs. AI Film Festival, happening on May 17, 2025, at Plug and Play Tech Center — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — where students and parents are welcome to attend!
Super Fun
Camp Highlights: Creative Filmmaking & Chinese Learning
🎬 Immersive Chinese Learning – Kids will explore filmmaking techniques while naturally acquiring Chinese vocabulary and sentence structures. Through role assignments, script reading, rehearsals, and filming, they’ll experience every stage of movie production while enhancing their language skills in an engaging way.
🎭 Expert-Led Training – Professional directors, actors, and special effects artists will teach acting skills, filmmaking methods, and special effects techniques. Kids will learn the fundamentals of acting and discover the magic behind cinematic effects.
🤖 AI-Powered Creativity – Students will integrate AI-generated video technology with traditional filmmaking to create unique and imaginative productions. From zombies to vampires, outer space to deep-earth adventures, kids will explore how AI learns human emotions and think about the future of humanity and technology!
✨ Film inside an actual TV Studio – In a professional production environment, kids will experience directing, acting, and editing, boosting their creative confidence!
A Little Advice for Parents
At Sparknify, we believe that learning through play is the most effective approach, especially for children learning Chinese abroad. Through immersive, game-based experiences, kids naturally build confidence and language skills. Here, they don’t just learn Chinese—they also develop storytelling and directing abilities through creative filmmaking, making the learning process fun, engaging, and rewarding! 🎬✨
Program Schedule:
🎭 Role Assignment & Script Reading – Kids will take on roles, guided by instructors to read scripts while learning Chinese vocabulary and sentence structures in a natural, engaging way.
🎬 Rehearsal & Acting – Through scene practice, students will develop acting skills while improving their Chinese listening and speaking abilities.
💄 Character Makeups & Costume Design – Working with instructors, kids will design character special effects and costumes, expanding their Chinese vocabulary through hands-on experience.
🎥 On-Site Filming – Using a professional TV studio, kids will shoot their films in real production settings, creating visually stunning content while learning camera and film-related Chinese terms.
🎞 Post-Production & Screening – Under expert guidance, students will edit their films, add soundtracks, and watch their final productions in a TV studio screening room!
✨ Future Director Showcase Day – Parents are invited to the presentation on the last day of the camp to vote on whether each film was made with AI or traditional filmmaking, just like the Sparknify Human vs. AI Film Festival!
📢 Program Fees Depend on Enrollment – Space is limited — register early as tuition will be adjusted dynamically based on availability. Let’s inspire the next generation of storytellers! 🚀
Mandarin Proficiency Requirements
We welcome children with basic Mandarin communication skills to join the Future Director Camp! While complete fluency is not required, participants should be able to understand and express basic ideas in Mandarin to engage in camp activities. Our immersive environment encourages natural language learning, allowing students to improve their Mandarin skills while having fun with filmmaking. Our instructors will adjust accordingly to the skill level of your child. If your child can follow simple instructions and communicate at a basic level in Mandarin, they will have a great experience at camp!
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Sparknify is committed to providing high-quality, trusted educational experiences for children. As a proud member of the American Camp Association (ACA) (Member No. A-103787), we adhere to rigorous safety and quality standards. All Sparknify educators undergo thorough criminal background checks and possess extensive experience within their fields. Our instructors bring years of expertise, with many holding advanced degrees — including Master’s and PhDs — ensuring your child receives exceptional, knowledgeable guidance in every program.
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