Summer Springboard
Filmmaking
ON THE CAMPUS OF UCLA
EXPLORE THE MAJOR ELEMENTS OF FILMMAKING, INCLUDING SCRIPT WRITING & PRE-PRODUCTION, DIRECTING, AND MORE RIGHT IN THE HEART OF LOS ANGELES.
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Filmmaking @ UCLA
- Dive into key filmmaking elements such as scriptwriting, pre-production, directing, camera operation, and cinematography.
- Understand the differences between controlled on-set filming and fast-paced “run-and-gun” shooting styles.
- Discover various video styles—from commercials to feature films—to develop your own creative voice.
- Collaborate in a team to create a short film, focusing on the role that excites you most, whether it’s writing, directing, acting, filming, or editing.
- Learn from experienced industry professionals who share valuable insights and practical tips.
- Discover the magic of filmmaking with exclusive visits to film studios and production companies. Explore real film sets, movie memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes production.
Summer Springboard
Filmmaking
About This Course
A film program for teens on a university campus in Los Angeles
Summer Springboard’s Filmmaking course, held on the UCLA campus, covers the essential components of the craft of filmmaking, including scriptwriting and pre-production, directing, camera operation and cinematography, sound design, and editing. Known as the home of the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys, Los Angeles has earned its reputation as the world’s film and entertainment capital. It’s the perfect setting to fuel your passion for filmmaking.
Throughout the program, students will discover which areas of filmmaking ignite their passion and get hands-on experience putting their skills to the test. Working in collaborative groups, they will write, produce, and film a short movie from start to finish. Guided by an experienced industry instructor and supplemented by insights from entertainment professionals, students gain valuable knowledge and practical tips.
During the first week, participants will dive into the core aspects of filmmaking through interactive lessons and practice. In the second week, they will join forces in teams to bring a short film to life, focusing on the role that best matches their talents and enthusiasm.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students gain practical experience by working through all stages of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and directing to camera work and editing. They’ll explore different filming styles, discover their creative voice, and collaborate in teams to produce a short film. Guided by industry professionals, students apply their skills in real-world scenarios, making the learning fully hands-on and immersive.
Career Exploration
Located in the heart of the film industry, this course gives students a unique chance to explore various filmmaking careers firsthand. Through visits to iconic studios and production companies, plus guest talks from industry professionals, students gain insider insights into both creative and behind-the-scenes roles. This experience helps them better understand the diverse career paths available in entertainment and decide where their passion truly lies.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I learned much more than I thought I would. I have a much better understanding of filmmaking and now am prepared to start making short films on my own. The community is great, I made lots of friends and the staff were super supportive!”
-Harper K. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Filmmaking
Meet Your Instructor
Meg Weck is an award-winning cinematographer based in Los Angeles. She is a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA program. Meg was the recipient of the 2024 ASC Haskell Wexler Student Documentary Award and a 2022 recipient of the Panavision New Filmmaker Program Grant.
Her work has been selected for screening at, among others, LA Shorts Fest, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival. Her work was a First Place Award Winner at the DGA Student Film Awards and was nominated for the Yugo Student BAFTA Awards. She has won first place at the USC First Look Awards for both documentary and narrative cinematography, and her work was selected in 2024 for the Frameline Finishing Fund.
MEG WECK
“I learned a lot about film and made a lot of new friends, as well as learned to feel more confident and secure about my future in the college setting.”
-Bella D. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Filmmaking
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 21 – July 3, 2026 |
| Session 2: July 5 – July 17, 2026 |
| Session 3: July 19 – July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,998 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Apply by November 30 to lock in the lowest prices of the year. Tuition increases on December 1.
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Los Angeles |
| State: California |
| Campus: UCLA |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.