Film Industry Primer for High Schoolers at UCLA

This three-week Film Industry Primer at UCLA (part of the Summer Discovery/Summer Institute offering) gives high-school students hands-on exposure to both performance and production aspects of filmmaking. Participants study acting techniques and on-camera work, learn filmmaking fundamentals including writing, pitching and producing a short film, and explore digital cinematography, lighting, sound design and editing.

Students also benefit from industry insights via guest speakers (directors, producers, talent agents) and leave with a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition. The program runs on UCLA's campus with structured, supervised residential and day options, and includes academic tuition, housing for residential participants, two meals per day (where listed), campus activities and transportation for included excursions.

The course is aimed at motivated high-school students (ages 14-18). A completed Summer Institute application is required to secure a place. International students receive visa support documentation, optional airport shuttles (fee applies) and international student services as described on the program page.