Filmmaking Program - UCLA

Diverse Discovery! Activities and sights to suit every interest await in the vibrant surroundings:

• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Lawn games, and more.

• Accommodation in double or triple rooms, with triples being more common.

• Rooms equipped with shared bathrooms.

• Gender-specific housing, with separate rooms for different genders.

• Room amenities include Twin XL beds, desks, drawers, a mirror, and a closet.

• Basic linen package provided, including sheets, blanket, pillow, pillowcase, and bath towel.

• Most meals served in the on-campus dining hall.

• Wide food selection catering to various diets: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and specific food allergies.

• Griffith Park/Observatory: Panoramic views of L.A. and the Hollywood sign, hiking on Mt. Hollywood Trail.
• Ovation Hollywood: Explore the complex at Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, visit the Walk of Fame.
• Beverly Gardens Park & Rodeo Drive: See the "Beverly Hills" sign, optional stroll on Rodeo Drive.
• Santa Monica Pier & Sunset: Experience the pier's amusement park and shops, stay for a sunset.
• The Grove & Farmers Market: Visit open-air retail and restaurants, explore the Farmers Market.
• Amusement Park Visit: Enjoy a day at a local park like Six Flags or Knott's Berry Farm.

Educational Excursions:

• Visits to area production companies like Warner Brothers Studios, Paramount Pictures, Melody Ranch.
• Tours of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, showcasing film sets, movie memorabilia, and live production.
• Opportunities to hear from guest speakers, depending on availability.
• Insight into various "non-film" aspects of the industry.

• Group airport transfers: $95 each way.

• Transfers outside of the official group pick-up and drop-off time window: $195 each way

Arrivals During Flight Window:

• Greeted by campus staff.

• Stay at the airport with staff until the flight window closes and all students have arrived.

• Transported to campus after the flight window ends.

• No immediate meeting by staff; must wait for the official arrival window.

• For late arrivals(within reason), for those that pay a transfer fee will be met at the airport.

General Departure Information:

• Students who opt for departure transfer (with a $95 fee) will arrive at the airport at maximum 10:00am.

• Suitable for flights departing at 12:00pm or later.

• With additional fee, there might be service for flights departing before 12:00pm.

Program Overview:

• Explore the major elements of filmmaking, including script writing & pre-production, directing, camera operation & cinematography, and more.
• Explore the differences between on-set and “run-and-gun” filming.
• Learn about different video styles to find your own voice, from commercials to feature films.
• Work in a team to produce a short film in the manner that most interests you - whether that's script writing, directing, acting, filming, editing, etc.
• Gain insight and tips from people working in the entertainment industry.

Course Schedule:

• First week: Five 3-hour classes, 9am-12pm, Monday to Friday
• Second week: Four 3-hour classes, 9am-12pm, Monday to Thursday
• Wednesday afternoons of each week are dedicated to students' course-specific academic excursion, guest speaker, or activity.
• 6 hours of Enrichment Electives

Kevin T. Willson:

• Extensive experience in writing and directing narrative commercials, short films, and documentaries.

• Worked internationally with brands like Jeep, P&G, Nescafe, Frito-Lay, Habitat For Humanity, and Ubisoft.

• Notable for writing & directing three top-rated comedy Super Bowl commercials.

• Airport Shuttle service: $95 (Each way)

• Registration fee: $99

• Pocket Money: We suggest an extra $100 per week.

Criteria for Admission:

• Vaccination Requirements: May be necessary for in-person programs, depending on university policies.

• Academic requirements:

  • For students entering grades 9-12

  • A grade point average of 3.0 (or equivalent)

• English Proficiency for International Students: Telephone interview or minimum test scores:

  • TOEFL: 490 (paper) or 60 (iBT).

  • Cambridge: PET-Distinction or FCE-C.

  • SAT: 450 in Reading/Writing.

• Decisions are emailed within 7 to 10 business days after application review.