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

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Program Highlights

Learn how to write, shoot, direct, and edit your very own short film.

Discover pre-production knowledge from story structure to character development.

Explore on-set production concepts such as focus, exposure, and contrast with a HDSLR camera.

Gain insight and gather tips from various people working in the entertainment industry.

Residential Tuition :
$5,498

Extended Commuter Tuition:
$3,598

Commuter Tuition:
$2,998

Session 1: June 26-July 8, 2022

Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA

Course Overview

This course focuses on the fundamental elements of visual storytelling that enables students to direct their own projects. Whether you have little experience, or are a Steven Spielberg in the making, gain experience in the entertainment capital of the world. Over the course of this two week program, students spend 3 hours each morning doing in-class instruction, and the afternoons doing on-set production, so as to convert theory from the morning into practice and real experience. On the last day, students will get the opportunity to present their short film (5-15 minutes).

Excursions in Los Angeles – may include a visit to Warner Brothers studio or another film studio, production facility or a motion picture business in LA.

Meet your instructor

Matt Miller, BA

Filmmaking

Matt Miller is an adventure photographer and videographer from Tennessee, currently working in San Diego and LA.

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 with HDSLR camera
- Editing: learn basic digital editing software to give their footage structure
- Directing: how to provide direction to actors to get effective performances

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.