Session A (June 21 – June 26, 2026)
Session B (July 5 – July 10, 2026)
Session C (July 12 – July 27, 2026)
Session D (July 26 – July 31, 2026)
To stay up to date please join our interest form and follow us on Instagram at @uclaemergingfilmmakers
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!
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers Cinematography gives students an unparalleled opportunity to study cinematography at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world.
This one-week program immerses students in the concepts, creativity and technique of cinematic lighting through a combination of lectures and hands-on lighting exercises.
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.
This program offers an introduction to the concepts and practices of lighting for film and television through lectures, discussion, group exercises, and intensive hands-on experience. Students will form a foundational 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.
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 program absence is permitted.
This track is open to high school students currently in 9th to 12th grade. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 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.
Registration opens February 15
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 Cinematography 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.
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 21 – June 26, 2026)
Session B (July 5 – July 10, 2026)
Session C (July 12 – July 27, 2026)
Session D (July 26 – July 31, 2026)
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.
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.
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
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.
