After a successful inaugural season that saw student films premiere on a red carpet and screen at the 2025 Prescott Film Festival, the Youth Film Program is returning for its second year with an expanded curriculum and a new downtown location. The after-school program, which teaches young people ages 10-17 professional filmmaking skills, has begun accepting applications for the 2026 season starting January 6th.
The program has relocated to a new studio space at 126 N Marina Street in the heart of downtown Prescott, below the Natural History Institute. Students will have the option to attend Tuesdays or Fridays from 4:00-7:00 PM, running through May 27th, 2026.
From Classroom to Film Festivals
Unlike traditional after-school activities, the Youth Film Program operates as a real-world media studio where students work as producers, crew, and talent. Over five months, participants master professional cinematography, scriptwriting, directing, sound design, editing, and marketing—skills increasingly essential across all career fields.
Students experience the complete filmmaking process, from pitching ideas to studio executives during “greenlight” sessions, through production and post-production, to marketing their finished films for festival submission and public screening.
“The goal is to put our students’ films front and center,” said Christine Parascandolo, co-founder of the program. “That includes hosting premiere events where young filmmakers showcase their work to local communities, helping their films enter festivals around the country, and connecting them with future internship and work opportunities.”
The program has already seen early success, with four student films from Season 1 screening at the Prescott Film Festival. Co-founder Gulliver Parascandolo noted that organizers expect the program’s reputation to continue growing as more student work reaches regional and national festivals.
“Professional filmmaking is a process,” Gulliver said. “Creating compelling stories, and capturing them on film, takes planning and perseverance. Our filmmakers get experience in every step of the process, from brainstorming their film idea, developing it, filming it, and seeing it come together in the editing room. If they can do this, they can succeed in anything life throws at them.”
Expanded Resources and Cutting-Edge Tools
The new downtown location offers students access to professional-grade equipment, including expanded camera and lighting inventories, studio editing computers, and sound recording facilities. Students can also check out equipment for projects beyond class hours.
New this season, the program will introduce emerging technologies including 3D animation tools, game engine filmmaking, AI-powered visual effects software, and performance capture technology for tuning actor’s performances into animated films. Through partnerships with local arts organizations, sponsors, and partnerships with Hollywood VFX powerhouse BIGFILMS and the Prescott theater community, students will have access to costumes, actors, props, and over 15,000 visual effects for their films.
The new downtown location also provides unique advantages, with dozens of new filming locations within walking distance of the studio.
Career Preparation for the Video-First Generation
Instructors emphasize that video production skills are no longer limited to entertainment careers. Marketing, education, healthcare, and business increasingly require professionals who can create compelling video content.
“This generation will need these skills to succeed in virtually any career path,” said Christine Parascandolo, who has over 25 years of experience producing video projects for brands including Sony PlayStation, HP, Pepsi, and FOX Sports. “Every student leaves with real-world skills and the confidence to create films and videos, no matter what career path they choose.”
Her husband and co-instructor Gulliver Parascandolo brings extensive experience creating award-winning films, commercials, and television projects, as well as pioneering virtual reality experiences.
Season Culminates in Red Carpet Premiere
The program will conclude with a professional red carpet premiere in May 2026, where all student films will be showcased at a local theater. Films will also be submitted to festivals nationwide, providing young filmmakers with potential industry recognition and portfolio-building opportunities.
“The Prescott area is such a special place,” Gulliver said. “We hope to share the values and stories of this community, with other communities around the world. Filmmaking is an art that is a part of all of our lives, and we think that the creators of the next-generation of original, inspiring stories can come from places like Prescott.”
Registration Information
The Youth Film Program Season 2 runs January 6 – May 27, 2026. Classes meet weekly on either Thursday or Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM at 126 N Marina Street, Prescott. The program is open to students ages 10-17. Space is limited.
For registration go to parallelmediastudio.com/youthfilmprogram
