UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
Film and Television Summer InstituteSession A: Jun 24 - Aug 2 | All tracks
Session C: Aug 5 - Sept 13 | Film Production only
The UCLA Film & Television Summer Institute gives students from across the country and around the globe an unparalleled opportunity to study filmmaking at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. The UCLA Film & Television Summer Institute shapes the filmmakers of tomorrow – right in the heart of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Students can choose from four specializations: 1) Creative Producing; 2) Film Production (offered in Session A and Session C); 3) Animation; 4) Digital Media Studies;
Track 1: Creative Producing
The Creative Producing track provides college students the chance to study the role of the creative producer and studio or network executive while engaging in internships in Hollywood companies.
Track 2: Film Production - Session A
This intensive immersion filmmaking workshop allows college students and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (20 years and above) to collaborate on short film projects as they learn the aesthetics, techniques and practice of filmmaking from beginning to end. This track is offered in Session A (June 24—August 2) and Session C (August 5—September 13).
Track 3: Animation
The Animation track introduces students to the world of animation. Students learn to write and draw their animated movies. No drawing experience required – just a boundless imagination.
Track 4: Digital Media Studies (Cancelled for summer 2013)
Videogames and 3D films are two of the fastest growing segments in the entertainment industry. Students learn about the history of these increasingly important aspects of digital media, including discussion of current trends, effects of new technologies and are given hands-on experience with different game platforms and 3D styles using our Digital Lab and through field trips.
Track 5: Film Production - Session C
This intensive immersion filmmaking workshop allows college students and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (20 years and above) to collaborate on short film projects as they learn the aesthetics, techniques and practice of filmmaking from beginning to end. This track is offered in Session A (June 24—August 2) and Session C (August 5—September 13).
The Tracks
Track 1: Creative Producing
The Creative Producing track provides college students the chance to study the role of the creative producer and studio or network executive while engaging in internships in Hollywood companies. In class, students study the history of the Hollywood studio system and gain a critical perspective on the contemporary industry while learning practical tools for developing and producing motion picture and television projects. In their internships, students apply those skills “on the ground” and build important relationships with other industry professionals. In this way the Creative Producing track is the perfect combination of theory and practice and contributes to a well-rounded liberal arts education that will benefit a wide range of majors from the humanities and social sciences.
Internships
Creative Producing students pursue internships in entertainment companies during the day. In the past summer institute students have interned at companies such as NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, MGM, Sony Pictures Studios, Mandalay Entertainment, Wonderland Sound & Vision (“Nikita,” “Supernatural”), Comedy Central, Material Pictures (“Rock of Ages”), Chernin Entertainment (“Terra Nova”), DeLine Pictures (“The Green Lantern”), and many others. Students are responsible for applying for their internships, and our friendly internship coordinator advises and assists students throughout the process. However, because summer is a very competitive season for internships, early registration is required to ensure sufficient lead time for the application process.
Track 2: Film Production - Session A
This intensive immersion filmmaking workshop allows college students and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (20 years and above) to collaborate on short film projects as they learn the aesthetics, techniques and practice of filmmaking from beginning to end. Students work closely with each other under the direction of UCLA faculty to study cinematography, directing, editing, production, and creative collaboration while shooting on state-of-the-art Nikon D7000 full 1080p HD digital cameras. Students collaborate in small production groups of ten and rotate as director, producer, actor, cinematographer, editor and crew in short film exercises before they collaborate on a short film project in their last two weeks.
Track 3: Animation
The basic philosophy of the world-famous UCLA Animation Workshop is "one person, one film." One individual does an entire film. This philosophy allows each filmmaker complete control over his or her film. Animation is defined as the movement of created images in recorded time, allowing static painting to come to life. Animation has only two limitations: your imagination and exhaustion.
Track 4: Digital Media Studies
The Digital Media Studies track provides students with experience in the study of videogames and 3D technology. Videogames and 3D films are two of the fastest growing segments in the entertainment industry. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the history of these increasingly important aspects of digital media, including discussion of current trends, effects of new technologies and are given hands-on experience with different game platforms and 3D styles using our Digital Lab and through field trips.
Track 2: Film Production - Session C
This intensive immersion filmmaking workshop allows college students and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (20 years and above) to collaborate on short film projects as they learn the aesthetics, techniques and practice of filmmaking from beginning to end. Students work closely with each other under the direction of UCLA faculty to study cinematography, directing, editing, production, and creative collaboration while shooting on state-of-the-art Nikon D7000 full 1080p HD digital cameras. Students collaborate in small production groups of ten and rotate as director, producer, actor, cinematographer, editor and crew in short film exercises before they collaborate on a short film project in their last two weeks.
Symposium
In the exclusive Summer Institute Symposium, students from all tracks meet and listen to some of Hollywood’s most accomplished professionals. Taught by studio executive Navid McIlhargey, the series features high-wattage guests as Simon Kinberg (Writer/Producer, X-Men: First Class, Mr. & Mrs. Smith); Zak Penn (Writer, The Incredible Hulk); Chris Gorak (Director, The Darkest Hour); John Hegeman (Chief Marketing Officer, New Regency Productions); and many others.
Hollywood & Networking
When you are in Hollywood, you have to visit a studio set and you got to schmooze! As part of the Summer Institute students tour a major Hollywood movie studio and attend the taping of a television show. On Closing Night we show all the movies from the Film Production and Animation tracks and host a not-to-be-missed networking mixer for students and alumni of our program.
Admission
Admission to the program is by instructor consent only. At registration applicants will be prompted brief essay questions that will determine their suitability for each track. View the essay questions for more information about the essay process. As space is limited for both tracks, early registration is highly recommended. Please remember that even after you have been approved, official enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Creative Producing:
This track is open to current undergraduate students only (rising juniors and above). Due to visa restrictions, international students are not eligible. For students holding completed bachelor's degrees, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television offers a 10-week Professional Program in Producing.Film Production:
This track is open to college students (rising juniors and above) and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (over 20), including international students. Applicants are required to submit creative writing samples that demonstrate creativity and a strong original voice.Animation:
This track is open to all college students (freshmen and above) and aspiring filmmakers of all ages (18 and above), including international students. Applicants are required to submit creative writing samples that demonstrate creativity and a strong original voice.Digital Media Studies:
This track is open to all college students (freshmen and above) and aspiring film lovers of all ages (18 and above), including international students. Applicants are required to submit short essays that demonstrate critical thinking.