Applications deadline
17 May 2026
Final general admission deadline for the 2026 cycle.
In-person Program
Filmmaking High School Course
A hands-on pre-college filmmaking course where students explore the production process and collaborate on a short film at UCLA.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
In-person Program
Filmmaking High School Course
A hands-on pre-college filmmaking course where students explore the production process and collaborate on a short film at UCLA.
Last verified: 26 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.
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Filmmaking Summer Course at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Recently closed
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; minimum 3.0 GPA
Age range / Year group
About 14-18 / Grades 9-12
Location / Region
UCLA, Los Angeles
Cost
$6,298 residential; $3,298 commuter
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person pre-college course
FilmMedia Studies
Accommodation: Residential and commuter options
Meals: All meals residential; commuter lunch
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and recommendation letter
Sessions / cadence: 9 x 3-hour morning classes
Main output: Collaborative short film
Tutors / faculty: Industry instructor and guest professionals
Filmmaking Summer Course summary
This is a practical pre-college course covering scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound design and editing.
Students spend the first week developing core skills, then collaborate during the second week to produce a short film.
It best suits students who want to test several filmmaking roles while experiencing university campus life and the Los Angeles entertainment industry.
What is Filmmaking High School Course?
The Filmmaking High School Course is a practical Summer Springboard pre-college experience held on the UCLA campus. It introduces the creative and technical stages of production, including scriptwriting, directing, camera operation, cinematography, sound design and editing.
Students practise core skills before working in teams to create a short film. Industry instruction, professional insight and course-related visits connect classroom work with filmmaking careers in Los Angeles.
Why Succeed highlights Filmmaking Summer Course
The course culminates in a concrete collaborative short film rather than classroom study alone.
Students experience several production roles before choosing where to focus their contribution.
Nine three-hour classes provide a clearly documented practical teaching structure.
An experienced industry instructor and entertainment professionals connect learning with real career practice.
Residential and commuter routes make the same academic course accessible through different attendance models.
Who is Filmmaking Summer Course for?
Best for
High school students who want hands-on experience across writing, directing, camera, sound and editing before choosing a filmmaking specialty.
Not ideal if
You want an accredited course, individual rather than team production, or a program focused only on advanced technical specialization.
Is Filmmaking Summer Course worth it?
The course can be worthwhile for students who need structured practical experience and want to understand how different filmmaking roles work together. Producing a short film gives the learning a tangible endpoint, while industry exposure may help clarify future study or career interests.
The main limitation is cost, especially once the mandatory application fee and travel are considered. The group format also means each student contributes to a shared film rather than necessarily completing an individual production.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$6,298 residential; $3,298 commuter; includes Residential: academic course, lodging, all meals and excursions, Residential: weekend excursions and basic linens, Commuter: academic course, lunch and excursions, Commuter: weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Four 90-minute college-readiness workshops, Completion certificate and professor recommendation letter.
Accommodation
Residential and commuter options
Meals
All meals residential; commuter lunch
Provider details
Review the Summer Springboard provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; UCLA, Los Angeles.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Filmmaking Summer Course need?
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Begin planning three to four months before a future session so there is time for the application, payment, travel and required forms.
Main challenge
Collaborating under time pressure to take a short film from concept to completion.
Typical preparation
Watch several short films and note how image, sound and editing shape the story.
Develop one or two simple story ideas that could be filmed with a small team.
Practise giving and receiving specific creative feedback.
Prepare application details, travel documents and health forms well before departure.
Useful if
You are willing to try unfamiliar production roles and contribute reliably to a team.
What do students do on Filmmaking Summer Course?
Students move from guided exploration to practical production, using the first week to build core skills and the second to create a team short film.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore scriptwriting, pre-production, directing, camera operation, cinematography, sound and editing.
- 2
Compare controlled set production with faster run-and-gun filming styles.
- 3
Study video forms ranging from commercials to feature films.
- 4
Plan shots, storyboard scenes and practise directing performers.
- 5
Choose a production role that matches your interests and strengths.
- 6
Collaborate on writing, producing, filming and editing a short movie.
- 7
Join a course-specific excursion, guest talk or industry activity.
Filmmaking Summer Course dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Session 1
21 June-3 July 2026
Two-week Filmmaking course.
Session 2
5-17 July 2026
Two-week Filmmaking course.
Session 3
19-31 July 2026
Two-week Filmmaking course.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications deadline | 17 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 1 | 21 June-3 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 2 | 5-17 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Session 3 | 19-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students entering Grades 9-12
Minimum 3.0 GPA or local equivalent
Students starting high school in fall may qualify
Spring high school graduates may qualify
International students must demonstrate English proficiency
Essential eligibility criteria must be met
Student must participate in the application
How much does Filmmaking Summer Course cost?
Residential tuition
$6,298 — Includes lodging, all meals, course and excursions.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter tuition: $3,298 — Includes lunch, course, excursions and weekday programming.
- Program deposit: $600 — Paid with the application to reserve a place.
- Application fee: From $99 — Mandatory and nonrefundable.
- Alumni scholarship: $500 — Published for the 2026 enrollment cycle.
What's included
Residential: academic course, lodging, all meals and excursions, Residential: weekend excursions and basic linens, Commuter: academic course, lunch and excursions, Commuter: weekday programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Four 90-minute college-readiness workshops, Completion certificate and professor recommendation letter
How to apply to Filmmaking Summer Course
- 1
Open the official application portal and enter basic contact information.
- 2
Confirm the verification email and complete the account details.
- 3
Choose UCLA, a session, Filmmaking and residential or commuter tuition.
- 4
Complete the student information and short-answer application questions with the student present.
- 5
Submit the $600 deposit and mandatory application fee.
- 6
Wait for the enrollment decision, normally issued within 5-7 business days.
- 7
Complete the additional agreement, medical and pre-departure forms after acceptance.
What does Filmmaking Summer Course cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Writing and pre-production
Develop scripts, plan shots and use storyboards to prepare a production.
Directing and performance
Explore directing choices and practise working with actors.
Camera and cinematography
Develop camera-operation and visual storytelling skills across filming styles.
Sound and editing
Use sound design and editing to shape the finished story.
Collaborative production
Take a team short film from script through filming and post-production.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Filmmaking Summer Course?
A typical day during the program.
9 a.m. 12 p.m.
Filmmaking classes run Monday-Friday in week one and Monday-Thursday in week two.
1:30 p.m.
Students join an academic excursion or recreational activity.
3:30 p.m.
College-readiness or True You workshops support wider personal development.
7 p.m.
Residential students join clubs before the 10:30 p.m. night check.
Who teaches on Filmmaking Summer Course?
The published instructor is Meg Weck, an award-winning Los Angeles cinematographer and USC School of Cinematic Arts MFA graduate. Students also receive practical insight from other entertainment professionals through talks or course activities.
Instructor and guest availability may change between cycles.
Where do students stay on Filmmaking Summer Course?
Residential plan
- UCLA dormitory lodging: Students live in gender-separated campus housing with communal wing bathrooms.
- Full meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with several dietary needs accommodated.
- Residential support: Program staff live in the dorms and provide 24-hour emergency support.
- Campus security: Dorms have 24-hour security, electronic access and regular police patrols.
- Evening and weekend activities: Clubs, social activities and weekend excursions extend the campus experience.
Non-residential plan
- Weekday attendance: Commuters attend programming from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Commuter lunch: Lunch and weekday course excursions are included.
Official 2026 materials differ on whether rooms are double or triple; communal bathrooms are consistently stated.
What happens after Filmmaking Summer Course?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Use the collaborative short film as evidence of practical creative experience.
Identify preferred roles for future filmmaking study or independent projects.
Apply scriptwriting, shooting and editing skills to new short films.
Receive a completion certificate and professor-completed recommendation letter.
Use industry visits and professional insight to explore entertainment careers.
The program does not award UCLA or other college credit.
Where does Filmmaking Summer Course take place?
The course takes place on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, placing students near a major global center for film and entertainment. Campus activities are complemented by course-related visits that may include film studios, production facilities or motion-picture organizations.
Summer Springboard runs the program independently of UCLA.
Filmmaking Summer Course FAQs
It covers scriptwriting, pre-production, directing, camera operation, cinematography, sound design and editing. Students also compare different filmmaking styles and production approaches.
Students work in teams to create a short film from script through production. Each participant can focus on the role that best matches their interests and strengths.
Students explore and practise the main filmmaking elements during the first week. The second week centers on collaborative short-film production.
The course has nine three-hour classes. Classes run from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday in week one and Monday-Thursday in week two.
The published instructor is award-winning cinematographer Meg Weck. The program also draws on insight from other entertainment professionals.
No. Students can choose residential tuition with lodging and all meals or commuter tuition with lunch and weekday programming.
No college credit is awarded for this UCLA-based course. Students receive a completion certificate and a professor-completed recommendation letter.
Campus dining states that it can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal and specific food-allergy requirements.
Alternatives to Filmmaking Summer Course
Compare these related creative programs if you want a different medium, production focus or campus experience.
Alternatives to Filmmaking Summer Course
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Students drawn to design, games and digital production.
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Deadline: Not announced
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Students more interested in reporting and written storytelling.
Studio-based art and design exploration
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Students who prefer making physical or visual artwork.
Creative writing and literary development
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- 2026 HS 2-week Filmmaking V2
- General Information FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Main FAQ | Knowledge Base | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Terms & Conditions | Policies & Terms | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- (1) New Messages!
- Summer Filmmaking Program for Teens in Los Angeles
- Apply Now | Enrollment | Summer Springboard - Summer Springboard
- 2026 HS 2-week UCLA V4
- (1) New Messages!
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 26 Aug 2026)
Course content reviewed
Dates checked
Tuition verified
Eligibility reviewed
Schedule confirmed
Accommodation checked
Application process reviewed
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How Succeed uses this information
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