CALL TIME: YOUR FUTURE · GRADES 8–12
Your future in film starts before graduation.
Every dream has its phases.
You’re right where your story begins.
Read the scene. Plan the shoot. Make the call. Explore the work of a producer through hands-on film projects, from the first idea to the final plan.
Courses in development · Enrollment coming later
On your desk · A fictional practice brief
The scene is set.
What’s your call?
You’re planning a short film’s final scene. Two friends say goodbye at sunset. The light is fading, and the crew still needs time to set up.
As the producer, what would you explore first?
The Last Light
Choose a direction to explore its trade-offs. There’s more than one way to protect the story.
Practice scenario · No real production or crew bookingProduction departments / Your course slate
Find your role behind the scenes.
Explore the plan for each course and the work you’ll create. Designed for students in grades 8–12.
01Pre-production & Production
for Film & TV
Plan the shoot.
Build a production book.
for Film & TV
Explore how a production moves from an idea to an organized shoot. Practice breaking down a script, planning a schedule, and communicating with a crew.
Planned project: A production book for an original practice script, bringing your preparation into one clear plan.
In development. Lesson outline, duration, pricing, and enrollment dates will be shared when confirmed.
02The Art of Line Producing
Connect the numbers.
Keep a production on track.
Explore the decisions that connect creative ambition to a workable budget and schedule. Practice responding when a plan changes.
Planned project: A cost-control case study that connects a budget to a schedule, tracks a change, and explains your solution.
In development. Lesson outline, duration, pricing, and enrollment dates will be shared when confirmed.
03Everything You Need to Know
to Be a Producer
See the bigger picture.
Develop a pitch & career kit.
to Be a Producer
Explore the creative and business sides of a producer’s role, from shaping a project to identifying the team that can bring it to life.
Planned project: A pitch and career kit that presents a project and connects your learning to possible next steps.
In development. Final scope, prerequisites, duration, and pricing are still being developed.
Our online classroom is on MoodleCloud. Courses are currently being built.
Student login ↗PRODUCTION OFFICE / MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi, I’m Melody Donovan.
Producer. Writer. Creative.
A little curiosity can be the beginning of a life in film.
Melody’s experience spans film, television, and commercials, with work both on set and behind the scenes.
She created Mel’s Producer Lab to make producing understandable and approachable—connecting imagination with budgets, teamwork, and the decisions that bring a story to the screen.
The goal is simple: give young people room to explore, build practical work, and discover where they might belong.
View my IMDb credits ↗
Listed on IMDb as Melody Ziko.
PRODUCTION NOTES / PARENTS & SCHOOLS
A clear place to start.
For students learning at school or at home. The planned format pairs independent learning with practical projects and feedback from Mel.
Can we use charter or ESA funds?
Charter vendor acceptance and ESA eligibility have not been confirmed. Before purchasing, families will need to check the specific course and provider with their own school or program.
Will the courses count for academic credit?
No academic credit or accreditation is currently claimed. Credit acceptance is a separate decision made by your school or program.
What will students do?
The planned courses combine lessons, practice activities, and projects. Midpoint and final project feedback from Mel is planned. Full course details are still in development.
When can we enroll?
Enrollment is not open. Pricing, schedules, course requirements, and confirmed funding options will be published before families are asked to enroll or pay.
YOUR NEXT CUE
Make room for your film dreams.
Already have classroom access? Continue to Mel’s Producer Lab on MoodleCloud.
Student login ↗