Exceptional Creative Writing and Film Program for High Schoolers at University College London | Best Parents
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University College London Campus, UK

Creative Writing and Film - University College London

About the provider: "Exceptional" - Founded 2012, global leader in pre-college experiences with 7000+ alumni from 125+ countries, 97% recommended, 4.6 stars on TrustPilot

age icon 15-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

The Creative Writing & Film program caters to those eager to enhance their creative writing skills, with a special focus on screen-based storytelling, including film and TV scriptwriting.

  • You'll delve into media criticism and develop academic-level media writing skills.
  • The course guides you in creating your own screenplays, understanding the significance of workshopping, editing, and interacting with established authors and screenwriting professionals, offering a real-world perspective on your creative journey.
  • Our small class sizes, averaging just seven students, ensure personalized attention from expert university tutors with extensive experience.
  • You'll participate in one-on-one career coaching for personal support and guidance for success.

This program is not run by the campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for this program in any way.


& More

We have so much more, activities, excursion etc. If you want to explore more get more details here it.

Location

Astor College address: 99 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QB.

  • Astor College, UCL is the campus location, near Euston, Kings Cross, and St Pancras International stations in Bloomsbury, London.

  • Direct 55-minute journey from London Heathrow Airport to King’s Cross, then a 25-minute walk or short Underground ride to Astor College.

What's Included

  • 13 nights accommodation in central London

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Visits to leading industries

  • 40 hours of project sessions from subject experts

  • Real-world project workshops

  • 1:1 Career Coaching

  • Full and half day excursions to iconic London landmarks

  • Formal dinner at a top London restaurant

  • Graduation ceremony and certificate

  • Detailed Career Development Plan from your personal coach

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance

  • Mentor family photograph

Activities

  • Ice-Breaker Games
  • Quiz Night
  • Game Show
  • Tennis/Football
  • Talent Show
  • Lates Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
  • Graduation Party & Prizes

Accommodations

  • Students will reside at Astor College, UCL’s student accommodation in Fitzrovia, central London.

  • Astor College features modern communal lounges, an outdoor courtyard, and open plan dining areas.

  • Provides a comfortable base for attending workshops, industry visits, and social activities.

  • Accommodation includes single bedrooms, both standard and en-suite.

  • Access to common rooms and social spaces with pool tables and quiet study areas, perfect for downtime.

  • Breakfast and dinner provided by experienced catering teams in the accommodation.

  • Catering staff familiar with various dietary requirements.

  • Students with food allergies should speak to staff at mealtimes for allergen information.

  • Dietary information is shared with catering teams prior to student arrival.

  • During term time, the accommodation is used by University of London undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Excursions

  • Visit iconic London landmarks
  • Explore a world-famous museum after dark
  • Learn new skills at an indoor skate park
  • Catch award-winning theatre on the West End
  • Experience exceptional urban regeneration at the Olympic Park

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 4 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival.

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £100 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

  • Optional taxi service available with Addison Lee (Travel to and from the program is not included in the participation fee.)

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from subject experts
  • Visits to leading industries
  • Real-world project workshops
  • 1:1 Career Coaching
  • Average class size of 7, maximum class size of 10 students
  • Detailed Career Development Plan from your personal coach

Develop Your Creative Portfolio

  • Create a portfolio showcasing creative work from your chosen subject.
  • Portfolios highlight skills and accomplishments, crucial for university applications.
  • Benefit from two 1:1 sessions with an expert tutor for portfolio development.
  • Receive personalized advice and feedback to enhance your portfolio.

Unique Industry Insights

  • Explore the history of cinema at The Cinema Museum and gather insights for period drama projects.
  • Visit the British Film Institute (BFI) to research significant art contributions to film.

Sample Modules

Module 1: Story Telling and Craft

  • Delve into crafting compelling stories for the screen.
  • Analyze elements of great storytelling across various genres for screenwriting development.

Module 2: The History of Screenwriting

  • Trace the evolution of screenwriting from early films to modern-day cinema.
  • Study influential scripts and their on-screen adaptations, enhancing critical thinking about film techniques.

Module 3: Film and Television Criticism

  • Focus on analyzing film and TV productions, interpreting stories and their impacts.
  • Encounter feminist and post-modern film theory criticism, applying these to film analysis.

Module 4: Exploring Genres

  • Broadly examine different genres in screen and TV writing.
  • Develop an understanding of basic components for writing in various genres.

Module 5: Scriptwriting

  • Learn the fundamentals of scriptwriting, including formatting and essential do's and don'ts.
  • Build a foundation for effective script production for film and TV.

Module 6: Script Development (Portfolio Project)

  • Apply skills in screenwriting to a personal scriptwriting project.
  • Workshop, receive feedback, and practice reading scripts aloud.
  • Gain insights into script editing, publishing, and entering competitions.
  • Receive expert evaluation and feedback on your script for further development.

Sample timetable Career insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Louis R:

  • Louis has a BA in Film Studies from King’s College London.

  • He earned an MSc in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology from the University of Oxford, studying the impact of awe-inspiring experiences on human generosity.

  • His films have been showcased in prestigious venues across Europe, including Tate St Ives, the British Film Institute, and International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £100 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience


Video

Watch the video to have a sneak peek for your child’s adventures!


Session Dates

Good News! You are not going to pay the full fee today, just a small deposit. After paying today, you will first get an enrollment form, and then receive a booking confirmation.

July - Boarding

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

July - Commuter

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,980

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