Filmmaking in at UCLA

Produce and film your very own short film using professional techniques, and learn directly from an adventure photographer and videographer

Summer filmmaking program for teens in Los Angeles

Program Highlights

Explore the five major elements of filmmaking, including script writing & pre-production, directing, camera operation & cinematography, sound design, and editing.
Explore the differences between on-set and "run-and-gun" filming.
Learn about different video styles to find your own voice, such as fiction short films, documentaries, cinemating expression edits, social media videos, etc.
Look at the different ways videographers are navigating the world in the age of the internet.
Gain insight and gather tips from various people working in the entertainment industry.
Tuition:

Residential Tuition :
$5,898

Commuter Tuition:
$3,198

Dates:

Session 1 :
June 23, 2024 July 5, 2024

Session 2:
July 7, 2024 July 19, 2024

Location:

UCLA
UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

Course Overview

Home to the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys award ceremonies, Los Angeles has long been recognized as the film and movie capital of the world. What better environment to complement your passion for filmmaking. Summer Springboard’s Filmmaking course on the campus of UCLA focuses on the fundamental elements of visual storytelling that enables students to direct their own projects. Whether you have little-to-no experience or considering yourself a professional, discover the foundational tools and skill sets to prepare yourself to be the next Steven Spielberg in the making.

The first week will focus on technical coursework on each element of the filmmaking process. Each day will be about a new topic of filmmaking and will be designed for students to gain new skills to use in their final projects the following week. The second week will be all about creating the final project videos. Students will break into small teams that will write, shoot, and edit their own short films. The students will take on different roles throughout production of these final projects; from directing, to acting, to editing, and more.

Meet your instructor

Kevin Willson

Filmmaking

Kevin T. Willson has written and directed hundreds of narrative commercials, short films, and documentaries, internationally, for brands such as Jeep, P&G, Nescafe, Frito-Lay, Habitat For Humanity, and Ubisoft.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On Learning


Topics may include:
- Writing: story structure, theme, character development, tension, and conflict
- Shooting: learn focus, exposure, lens perspective, film latitude, slow/fast motion, and contrast
- Editing: learn basic digital editing software to give their footage structure
- Directing: how to provide direction to actors to get effective performances

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Career Exploration


Go behind the lens and discover the secrets of movie making magic with a visit to a film studio, production facility or a motion picture business in LA.. Students may have the chance to visit the Warner Brothers Studio. With 10 backlots and 30 soundstages, Warner Bros. has made some of the most iconic performances in Hollywood history come to life on the studio's 110-acre backlot.

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Get started today

Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program