Summer High School Filmmaking Workshop

The Summer High School Filmmaking Workshop offers high school students a unique opportunity to learn the art of film and television production from experienced entertainment professionals in a collegiate setting. Participants come from all over the world and have included students from five continents.  Students also receive college academic credit for successfully completing the workshop.

Philosophy

The best filmmaker has a thorough understanding of all aspects of the filmmaking process! After taking intensive instruction in writing, directing, lighting, casting, art direction and many other key areas, students are divided into teams – or, as we know them, crews. While one student directs, others work in supportive capacities to make their group project a success. They then switch key roles and move through various crew positions.  Each student directs at least one of the films, but all come to appreciate the collaborative nature of the film medium.

Click here to watch “Blind Date”, the film that won the Best Picture award at a previous High School summer film program!

Phase I

You learn screenwriting from initial story idea to final draft. You learn how a director brings that script to visual life. You also learn how the camera operates, and how to use light. There is instruction in acting so you can better communicate with your performers, and a casting professional offers you knowledge of how to find the best actor for the role. We also have a professional make-up artist show you how to make the character look as written on the page, and an art director teaches the importance of focusing on every aspect of the frame.

Phase II

You shoot your film and the films of the other students. Directing combines with cinematography and lighting so you understand how to visually represent what is on the page.

Phase III

Time to edit as you learn the basics of post production while you complete the process of creating your film.

Workshop Dates

Session 1: July 9 – August 4, 2012

OR

Session 2: July 23 – August 18, 2012

Classes meet from 9 am – 5:30 pm, Monday thru Friday, with special events on weekends. So that you get the individual attention you expect, each class has no more than 10 students.

The fee per session is $2,495 and includes all equipment and supplies needed, and a daily lunch. A limited number of need-based partial scholarships are available and early registration is encouraged to guarantee a space in the workshop of your choice.

Each session culminates with a Saturday film festival that recognizes your accomplishments. This includes a screening, awards ceremony and barbecue with all the trimmings. Family and friends are, of course, invited!

Housing

Students desiring housing are accommodated at Oakwood community, the CCH dormitory facilities in nearby Woodland Hills and located approximately 4 miles from our campus. Housing provided is in a shared double-room with another workshop participant.  The housing cost is $1,500 per student and includes room, board and daily shuttle transportation to the Columbia College Hollywood campus.

Apply Now!

Applications are being accepted now and early registration is recommended, as space is limited. Join us and realize your potential at Columbia College Hollywood. We believe in your dreams!

The Application Requirements

1. A completed Registration form signed by both the student and parent.
2. $50.00 non-refundable registration fee that will be credited toward the session cost.
3. A one-page personal essay describing your interest in film and television production. The essay helps us gauge the area of film and television that most interests you, and should be typed or neatly handwritten.

The above materials should be sent to us at the following address:

Columbia College Hollywood
Summer High School Filmmaking Workshop
18618 Oxnard Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Phone: (800) 785-0585
Email: workshops@columbiacollege.edu

Links

Program Brochure
Registration Form
Scholarship Application

Frequently Asked Questions

I am entering high school as a freshman in September after your workshop begins. Am I eligible?

Yes, as long as you’ve finished junior high (or middle school) and are about to enter high school, you are eligible to participate.

What do we do on weekends?

When not shooting, activities are planned for each Saturday and includes a tour of Hollywood and a tour of a movie studio. Sundays are generally free to do whatever you like as we want you to have fun too!

Do I earn college credit for attending your workshop?

Yes, you can earn 4 units of college credit toward for your attendance and we will send you an official transcript if you successfully complete the workshop. However, as with all credits, it is up to the college you decide to attend to determine whether they will accept your credit toward your graduation requirement.

I just finished high school and am about to attend college. Can I still participate?

Yes, as long as you haven’t been out of high school for more than six months and have not taken any college courses, you can participate.

I don’t have any film experience. Would I feel out of place?

Of course not. Although many of the workshop students have made student films before, many have not. Our instructors tailor their instruction based on each student’s skill set.

How do we get actors to act in our movies?

You will place a casting call on LA Casting and select professional actors from the casting call just like in a Hollywood production. You will love some and you will reject some.  It’s Hollywood!

Who are my crew members?

Your fellow students are your crew members as we want all participants to learn all the various positions on a film set.

Do I get a copy of my movie to take home?

Yes. You get a copy of your movie and all the other movies also.

Can I sit in on some of CCH’s college courses?

Yes. You can speak to your Academic Advisor about setting this up once you are enrolled in the program and we encourage all participants to do this.