Film Production – Session A application deadline
12 June 2026
In-person Program
Film and Television Summer Institute – Film Production
UCLA’s film summer program combines directing, cinematography, editing, and collaborative short-film production with professional equipment and faculty guidance.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Film Production at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Diploma holders; instructor consent
Age range / Year group
Ages 18+
Location / Region
UCLA, Los Angeles, United States
Cost
$5,761; $7,178; $7,438
Duration
6 weeks
Format
In-person
Latest deadline
24 July 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Get next-cycle reminderFilmMedia Studies
Accommodation: Optional Olympic Hall Deluxe Triple
Meals: 14 meals/week with optional housing
Campus experience: Sound stages and campus filming
Credit / Outcome: 13 quarter units of UC credit
Tutors / Faculty: UCLA Film and Television faculty
Industry access: Weekly symposium; two networking mixers
Film Production summary
UCLA combines practical filmmaking classes with collaborative short-film production, professional equipment, and industry conversations.
Students direct and edit exercises, rotate crew positions, and contribute to selected final films shown in a theater screening.
The strongest fit is someone who wants to test the everyday teamwork and technical decisions behind filmmaking, rather than focus only on film appreciation.
What is Film and Television Summer Institute – Film Production?
The Film and Television Summer Institute – Film Production is UCLA’s practical filmmaking track within its College/Professional Summer Institutes. It brings together film editing, digital cinematography, production, and an industry symposium, combining classroom study with work on short films.
Students learn from UCLA faculty while using professional cinema cameras, lighting equipment, sound stages, and campus filming locations. They rotate crew roles, develop film ideas, and contribute to collaborative final productions that culminate in a theater screening.
Why Succeed highlights Film Production
Rotating crew positions gives students practical insight into how different filmmaking roles depend on one another.
Professional cameras, lighting equipment, sound stages, and campus permits support a realistic production experience.
The curriculum connects editing and cinematography techniques with the decisions needed to tell a story visually.
A final theater screening gives the collaborative work a clear audience and endpoint.
The weekly industry symposium and two alumni mixers add professional context to the production work.
Who is Film Production for?
Best for
Aspiring filmmakers who want to practice directing, editing, and cinematography while contributing reliably to a film crew.
Not ideal if
You want a mainly theoretical course, flexible attendance, or guaranteed control over a final film’s story and direction.
Is Film Production worth it?
This is a substantial option if you want to learn filmmaking by making films with a crew. Equipment access, faculty teaching, and a final screening give the work a practical purpose beyond simply attending lectures.
The value depends on how much you want collaborative production experience and whether the academic credit serves your goals. Final directing roles are selected, attendance expectations are strict, and housing must be arranged separately, so it rewards commitment more than casual exploration.
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Cost and what is included
$5,761; $7,178; $7,438; includes UCLA coursework and its unit fees., Digital cinema cameras and lighting equipment., Production facilities and campus location permits., Weekly industry symposium., Final theater screening..
Accommodation
Optional Olympic Hall Deluxe Triple
Meals
14 meals/week with optional housing
Provider details
Review the UCLA Summer Sessions provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
6 weeks; UCLA, Los Angeles, United States.
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 Film Production need?
Effort level
High.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before your chosen session’s application deadline, allowing longer for international travel and visa preparation.
Main challenge
Balancing your creative ideas with reliable teamwork and strict attendance.
Typical preparation
Draft the statement of purpose, creative piece, and collaboration response before starting the application.
Ask your academic advisor whether the credit can support your degree requirements.
Plan housing and daily travel, and prepare the required external SSD.
Complete the assigned safety training before attending.
Useful if
You want firsthand experience of filmmaking roles and production workflows.
What do students do on Film Production?
You study the technical and creative foundations of filmmaking while making short films with other students. The work moves from individual exercises and rotating crew responsibilities to selected group productions and a final screening.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Complete the required safety training before the first program day.
- 2
Study editing, digital cinematography, production, and the industry symposium.
- 3
Direct and edit short-film exercises while rotating crew positions.
- 4
Pitch story ideas for the final collaborative productions.
- 5
Contribute to a selected film through an assigned writing, directing, or crew role.
- 6
Film the final productions over two days and share the completed films at the theater screening.
Film Production 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
Film Production – Session C application deadline
24 July 2026
Film Production – Session A
22 June-31 July 2026
Six-week on-campus session.
Film Production – Session C
3 August-11 September 2026
Six-week on-campus session.
Registration opens
18 February 2026
2026 registration opening.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Film Production – Session A application deadline | 12 June 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Film Production – Session C application deadline | 24 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Film Production – Session A | 22 June-31 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Film Production – Session C | 3 August-11 September 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Registration opens | 18 February 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Be 18 or older by the first Summer Sessions day.
Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain instructor consent and admission.
Complete required safety training before the program begins.
International students may apply.
Beginners and intermediate filmmakers from all majors are welcome.
General institute guidance requires a transcript and minimum 3.0 GPA.
How much does Film Production cost?
Program fee
$5,761; $7,178; $7,438 — Includes coursework unit fees; student type determines the rate.
Funding or discounts
- Institute registration fee: $175; $350 — $175 for UC students; $350 for non-UC students, non-refundable.
- Optional housing and meals: $2,869.20 — Six-week per-person triple-room contract with 14 meals weekly.
- UC financial aid: Eligible UCLA and visiting UC students may apply through their university.
What's included
UCLA coursework and its unit fees., Digital cinema cameras and lighting equipment., Production facilities and campus location permits., Weekly industry symposium., Final theater screening.
How to apply to Film Production
- 1
Prepare the required academic documents and three track-specific written responses.
- 2
Use UCLA’s Summer Institute application form and select College/Professional Institute, then Film Production.
- 3
Submit a statement of purpose of up to 200 words.
- 4
Submit a 150–300-word English creative piece using “the air felt charged with possibility.”
- 5
Submit a collaboration response of up to 300 words with specific examples.
- 6
Follow the emailed admission decision and acceptance instructions to complete payment, the waiver, and participant agreement.
- 7
Complete mandatory safety training before attending.
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What does Film Production cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Film and Television Symposium
Industry guests share their experiences and answer questions in a weekly seminar.
Film Editing
Study editing history, techniques, terminology, and workflows while working in Premiere.
Digital Cinematography
Explore cameras, lenses, lighting, composition, and their effects on visual storytelling.
Digital Film and Television Production
Direct and edit exercises, rotate crew roles, and collaborate on selected final films.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Film Production?
A typical day during the program.
Industry symposium
Attend a seminar with industry guests and student questions.
Film exercises
Direct and edit individual exercises while rotating crew positions.
Final production
Film selected projects on a sound stage or at campus locations.
Film screening
Share completed films in a theater with friends and family welcome.
Who teaches on Film Production?
Teaching comes from UCLA’s Department of Film, Television and Digital Media faculty. Named instructors include directors Melissa Finell and Kelly Pike, editing instructor Lia Lenart, and cinematography instructor David Berry.
Where do students stay on Film Production?
Residential plan
- Optional residence hall: The 2026 university housing option is an Olympic Hall Deluxe Triple room.
- Housing meal plan: The optional housing contract requires the 14 Regular meal plan, providing 14 meals weekly.
- Residence hall security: University halls have 24-hour front desks, surveillance cameras, and key-access entry.
Non-residential plan
- Daily campus attendance: Participants commute to UCLA for the program’s on-campus classes and activities.
- Production facilities: Students work with sound stages, professional equipment, and approved campus filming locations.
Optional housing is booked independently through UCLA Housing and paid separately from the program.
What happens after Film Production?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn 13 quarter units of UC credit.
Receive course grades on an official UCLA transcript.
Create short-film exercises and contribute to final group films.
Share completed work at the concluding theater screening.
Meet students, alumni, and industry guests through symposium and mixer events.
Credit transfer and use toward graduation requirements are decided by your home institution.
Where does Film Production take place?
The program takes place on UCLA’s campus in Los Angeles, with production work on sound stages and selected campus locations. Students travel to campus each program day, and classroom details are sent to enrolled participants.
Summer parking permits can be purchased separately.
Film Production FAQs
Yes. The track is intended for beginning and intermediate filmmakers, and applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
No. Students from all majors are welcome.
Students direct and edit their own exercises during the first half. Final group film ideas and directors are selected through pitches, and other crew roles reflect students’ interests and aptitude.
Bring a minimum 500GB external SSD with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connectivity. A headlamp and heat-resistant leather grip gloves are strongly recommended.
Housing is arranged independently through UCLA Housing and costs extra. The 2026 option is an Olympic Hall Deluxe Triple room with a required 14 Regular meal plan.
The program carries 13 quarter units of UC credit. Your home institution decides whether that credit transfers or satisfies graduation requirements, so seek advance academic approval.
Yes. International students may enroll and may qualify for an F-1 visa. Students subject to I-20 requirements must complete the applicable documentation and visa process.
A maximum of two excused or unexcused program absences is permitted. Scheduled sessions and activities require punctual attendance.
Alternatives to Film Production
For adjacent interests in storytelling and visual art, compare these summer programs.
Alternatives to Film Production
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Deadline: Not announced
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Best for
Students interested in journalism rather than film production
A summer program focused on creative writing
Creative Writing
Deadline: Not announced
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St Andrews
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Students who prefer developing written stories
A summer program focused on art
Art
Deadline: Not announced
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St Andrews
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Best for
Students exploring visual art before choosing a medium
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 & verification
Source types reviewed
- UCLA Department of FTVDM Summer Programs | UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television
- 2026 Summer Sessions Housing Rates | Housing
- Summer Sessions Housing | Housing
- Application Management
- Film Production | UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television
- College/Professional Summer Institutes - UCLA Summer Sessions
- International Student Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Summer Bruin Guide - College Professional Summer Institutes - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Calendar and Deadlines - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Registration - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Payment Information - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Fees, Payment and Financial Aid - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Enrollment and Academics - UCLA Summer Sessions
- FAQ - UCLA Summer Sessions
- Film and Television Summer Institute – Film Production - UCLA Summer Sessions
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Official program page reviewed
Session deadlines checked
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Student-type fees compared
Optional housing terms checked
Credit and attendance reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Film and Television Summer Institute – Film Production
by UCLA Summer Sessions
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