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Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking

Session A (June 23, 2025 – July 11, 2025)
Session B (July 14, 2025 – August 1, 2025)
Program dates for 2026 will be announced this fall.
To stay up to date please join our interest form and follow us on Instagram at @uclaemergingfilmmakers

On-campus housing is back for Summer 2026!

Program dates will be announced soon. Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

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Program Overview

UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking gives participants 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 program is a three-week, intensive production workshop designed for highly motivated rising high school juniors, seniors, and 2025 high school graduates. Participants are immersed in the creativity and technique of cinematic storytelling and challenged to create entertaining narrative projects.

  • Participants use the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media’s editing software and digital cinema cameras.
  • Participants work collaboratively on projects that are filmed as daylight exteriors on location across the UCLA campus.
  • The program curriculum consists of a combination of lectures, practical camera exercises, guest speakers, and post production labs.
  • Program activities include film screenings, guest speakers, and a visit to a Hollywood Studio.
  • Participants will engage in one-on-one portfolio reviews focused on career pathways, including opportunities, tools and strategies available to aspiring filmmakers.
  • All films will be screened during the certificate ceremony at the end of the workshop. Friends and family are welcome!

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. While previous experience in digital filmmaking is not required, this is a disciplined and rigorous program and requires a significant time commitment. Please refer to the program schedule for details.

Curriculum

Under the guidance of working industry professionals, participants will work together in small production groups to develop a narrative short film from development, pre-production, production, and post-production. Participants will be encouraged to think critically about their own work and engage in feedback sessions to support the development of each project produced throughout the course. The program will explore filmmaking’s aesthetics, techniques, and practices and allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience through a combination of lectures, workshops, and camera exercises.

Participants will engage in one-on-one portfolio reviews focused on career pathways, including opportunities, tools and strategies available to aspiring filmmakers.

UCLA Emerging Filmmakers will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.

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 participant will have a one-on-one portfolio review with an industry professional to discuss their writing, their future academic and career goals and their ‘next-steps strategy’.

Eligibility

This track is open to high-school students enrolled in 10th-12th grade in Spring 2025 as well as undergraduate students who are freshman to juniors in Spring 2026. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

All participants 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. Participants will be provided ample time to complete this training before the start of the program, and more information will be sent to participants once enrolled.

Online Registration

Registration opens February 15, 2025.

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

  • An unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For undergraduate students, please provide an unofficial transcript from your college/university.
    • If your school transcript utilizes a different grading system, please submit your transcript as is. If available, please attach a translation/equivalency guide.
    • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you are an international student, a transcript refers to your complete secondary academic record. To learn more about converting your grades into a US-based GPA, please click here.
      • If your school has a translation/equivalency guide, please also include it with your transcript. If you do not have a translation/equivalency guide, please still submit your most up-to-date transcript as is for staff to review.
    • International students must also submit:

Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within two 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!”

– Digital Filmmaking Student 2024

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

Program dates for 2026 will be announced this fall.
Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking Session A (June 23, 2025 – July 11, 2025)
Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking Session B (July 14, 2025 – August 1, 2025)

Participants 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 via zoom.

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 participants. Participants 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

Contact Emerging Filmmakers

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to commonly asked questions about UCLA Emerging Filmmakers