Session A (June 23 – June 28, 2025)
Session C (July 7 – July 12, 2025)
Session D (July 14 – July 19, 2025)
Program dates for 2026 will be announced this fall.
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UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Cinematography gives participants an unparalleled opportunity to study cinematography at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. This one-week intensive workshop is designed for highly motivated high school students currently in 9th to 12th grade in Spring. Participants are immersed in the concepts, creativity and technique of cinematic lighting through a combination of lectures and hands-on lighting exercises. Participants will explore such concepts as composition, framing, blocking, lens choice, camera movement/placement, exposure, lighting techniques/equipment, shot design, and set protocol.
This is an intensive immersion experience for beginning to intermediate filmmakers designed to form a basic understanding of the aesthetic, creative, and logistical decisions involved in lighting for film and television. Previous experience in cinematography is not required.
This program offers an introduction to the concepts and practices of lighting for film and television through discussion and intensive hands-on, laboratory experience. Through lectures, discussions, workshops and group exercises, participants will form a basic understanding of the aesthetic, creative, and logistical decisions involved in lighting for film and television. This includes composition, framing, blocking, lens choice, camera movement/placement, exposure, lighting techniques/equipment, shot design, and set protocol. Class exercises will be screened at the end of the workshop. Friends and family are welcome!
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 program absence is permitted.
This track is open to high school students currently in 9th to 12th grade. 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.
Registration opens February 15
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
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.
Grip Gloves
Headlamps can be found for purchase at your local sporting goods store, hardware store, Target, Wal Mart, Amazon, or at many other online retailers. The make or model of the headlamp doesn’t matter, so long as it fits on your head and is easy to use.
Session A (June 23 – June 28, 2025)
Session C (July 7 – July 12, 2025)
Session D (July 14 – July 19, 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.
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Digital Filmmaking is a commuter program. Participants must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.
Program Fee: $2600
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $2950
Email: summer@tft.ucla.edu
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to commonly asked questions about UCLA Emerging Filmmakers
