Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking
Session A (June 21 – July 10, 2026)
Session B (July 12 – July 31, 2026)
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Attend Our Virtual Info Session!
Join us Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 PM PT for a virtual information session on UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Pre-College offerings for Summer 2026!
Program Overview
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking 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.
This three-week intensive workshop immerses students in every stage of the creative, technical, and collaborative process of making a short film. Students learn the fundamentals of filmmaking through hands-on workshops in visual storytelling, directing, cinematography, editing, and post-production workflows. Working collaboratively in small teams, they create original narrative projects and gain practical experience bringing stories to life on screen.
- Designed for highly motivated rising high school juniors, seniors, and 2026 high school graduates.
- Students use the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media’s editing software, digital cinema cameras, and equipment.
- Students work collaboratively on projects that are filmed as daylight exteriors on location across the UCLA campus.
- Program activities include a visit to a Hollywood Studio.
- Films will be screened during the certificate ceremony at the end of the workshop—friends and family are welcome!
As part of the program, students live in UCLA’s dorms, immersing themselves in campus life while enjoying the beauty of UCLA and the energy of Los Angeles—the entertainment capital of the world.
No prior experience is required. This is an intensive immersion experience for beginning filmmakers designed to form a basic understanding of the aesthetic, creative, and logistical decisions involved in making a film. This is a disciplined and rigorous program and requires a significant time commitment. Please refer to the program schedule for details.
Curriculum
Guided by industry professionals, students collaborate in small teams to create original short narrative films. The curriculum combines hands-on workshops, lectures, camera exercises, and post-production labs. Through this process, students build a foundation in filmmaking aesthetics, techniques, and practical workflows.
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of one excused program absence is permitted.
Portfolio Review
In the final week of the program, each student will engage in a one-on-one portfolio review with an industry professional to discuss their work, their future academic and professional goals, and their ‘next-steps strategy’ for continued creative growth.
Studio Tour
As part of the program, students tour a major Hollywood Studio and have opportunities to connect with other UCLA Emerging Filmmakers students.
Eligibility
This track is open to high-school students enrolled in 10th-12th grade in Spring 2026. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
All students will be required to successfully complete a safety training course before the first day of the program to ensure safe practices while using film equipment and sound stages. Students will be provided ample time to complete this training before the start of the program, and more information will be sent to students once enrolled.
Online Registration
Registration opens February 15, 2026.
Applicants are required to provide school transcripts and answer several personal essay questions. International applicants must also submit proof of English Language Proficiency. For more detailed information about application requirements, you can download the PDF below.
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking Application Requirements
Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within three weeks. Early application is strongly encouraged.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $35.
Attending the UCLA Film and Television Digital Filmmaking Summer Institute was one of the best decisions I could have made. Working in the film industry has always been my biggest dream, and this program made me even more excited to have a career in this industry one day! The instructors were absolutely amazing, and I made friends that I still text with every day. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that no one should pass up!”
Supply List
External Hard Drive
7200 RPM External Hard Drive or Solid-State Drive (SSD) External Hard Drive w/ minimum 500GB Storage Capacity. Connectivity/Interface: USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 2
Examples of acceptable drives:
- SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid-State Drive 500GB, USB 3.2 Gen 2, MU-PC500T/AM
- G-Technology 500GB G-DRIVE ev RaW SSD Portable External Storage with Removable Protective Rubber Bumper – USB 3.0 – 0G04755-1
Additional Details
Schedule
Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking Session A (June 21 – July 10, 2026)
Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking Session B (July 12 – July 31, 2026)
Students are engaged in activities and classes along with breaks throughout the day from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. There may be some mandatory evening classes / workshops.
NOTE: All course meeting times are in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). The program schedule is subject to change.
On Campus (Housing Mandatory)
Due to the rigorous and intense nature of the program, the residential plan, which includes a meal plan, is mandatory for all on-campus students. Students will be housed in one of the UCLA residence halls, comfortably furnished and conveniently located within easy walking distance of classrooms, libraries, and recreational facilities.
Program Costs
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
Program Fee: $6020
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $6370
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to commonly asked questions about UCLA Emerging Filmmakers