Study cinematography at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world
Explore the concepts, creativity, and techniques of cinematic lighting using the latest technology
As of 6/15/2023, the Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography enrollment is closed.
The UCLA Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography gives high school students 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 rising juniors and seniors, and spring 2023 high school graduates. Students are immersed in the concepts, creativity, and technique of cinematic lighting through a combination of lectures and hands-on lighting exercises. Students will explore concepts such as composition, framing, blocking, lens choice, camera movement/placement, exposure, lighting techniques/equipment, shot design, and set protocol.
- Students work on UCLA sound stages with the latest digital cinema cameras and lighting equipment
- The program curriculum consists of a combination of lectures and hands-on lighting exercises
- All class exercises will be screened in a state-of-the-art theater during the certificate ceremony at the end of the workshop. Friends and family are welcome!
- This program carries two units of UCLA college credit
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.
Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography Program
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, students 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. Letter grading.
Application deadline: June 1, 2023
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2023
Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15th. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to June 1st, is highly recommended.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
- Responses to all of the following essay prompts:
- Why you would like to participate in the program, and what you expect to gain from the experience? (100 words or less)
- What prior experience, if any, do you have in cinematography? Include both academic coursework and extracurricular activities. Previous experience in cinematography is not a requirement. (100 words or less)
- Cinematography requires creative collaboration at every stage. Describe an example of your collaboration experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. (250 – 300 words)
- Artistic creativity and expression can be a vulnerable process, especially when working with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Describe how you foster an environment of inclusiveness when working collaboratively. (200 – 250 words)
- As a program that carries UC college credit, students are expected to exhibit maturity inside and outside of the classroom and to abide by the UCLA Student Conduct Code. Bullying, academic dishonesty, and disorderly behavior, among other violations, will not be tolerated. If you were to witness bullying or disrespectful behavior among your classmates, how would you respond? (150 – 200 words)
- Is it better to be perfect and late, or good and on time? (100 words or less)
- This is a disciplined and rigorous program. Describe a time you took on an academic challenge. What were some of the obstacles you encountered and how did you overcome them? (250 – 300 words)
- An unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks.
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2023 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Summer 2023 deadline to apply: March 15.
Students will receive a letter grade upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.
Due to the intense nature of the Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography and the time commitment involved, living in on-campus housing is mandatory.
For more information on UCLA housing precollege programs, please see the Housing for Minors page.
Many of our precollege programs with mandatory housing (only) also feature non-curricular evening and weekend activities, the availability of which is at the sole discretion of the academic department offering the program, and are not operated by UCLA Summer Sessions. To learn more about whether (and when) your selected program will host such activities, please consult the schedules for each program or contact the department in question directly: summer2@tft.ucla.edu
As of 6/15/2023, the Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography enrollment is closed.
Session A:
June 25 – July 1, 2023
Admission based / In-person
Session B:
July 30 – August 5, 2023
Admission based / In-person
Session C:
August 6 – August 12, 2023
Admission based / In-person
Program Eligibility: 10th-12th grade in Spring 2023
UCLA Coursework: Film TV 75; 2 units
Application deadline: June 1, 2023
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2023
Program schedule and syllabus are subject to change.
Fees and Payment Info
The program fee includes the unit fees for the UCLA coursework offered as part of the program and thus varies by UC student status. In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer. This is a summary of fees that commonly apply to the selected student type.
Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Visit the fees, payment, and financial aid section for important disclaimer, as well as more details on fees, payment instructions, and information on delinquency, refunds, and financial aid.
Meet your Instructors
Instructors for the UCLA Film and Television Summer Institutes are UCLA Department of Film, Television and Digital Media faculty.
Film and Television Summer Institute – Cinematography FAQ
Students will learn composition, framing, blocking, lens choice, camera movement/placement, exposure, lighting techniques/equipment, shot design, crew positions, as well as sound stage and set protocol.
Previous experience is not required. The Cinematography track is intended for beginning and intermediate levels. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Students should expect to complete about an hour of homework per day.
No, a laptop is not required.
Please have the following supplies for your Summer Institute:
External Hard Drive – You will need a 500gb (minimum) external hard drive to save your film work this summer. It should be:
- 7200rpm or SSD
- With either a USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connection. USB 2.0 is supported, but not recommended, as it will be very slow for video editing.
- Examples of acceptable drives:
- Samsung T5 Portable SSD – 500GB – USB 3.1 External SSD (MU-PA500B/AM)
- G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE ev RaW USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Rugged Bumper
Grip Gloves:
You will need your own pair of Grip Gloves for lighting exercises. Your Grip Gloves must be heat resistant.
Here are some examples of Grip Gloves:
- Leather Grip Gloves: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1119248-REG/arri_850010_leather_grip_gloves_large.html?sts=pi
- Ironclad Work Gloves: https://a.co/d/9ban1wV
- Heat Resistant Leather Gloves: https://a.co/d/9fqc6nz
Yes, all class exercises will be screened in at the end of the program. Friends and family are welcome to join!
Students will receive a letter grade upon completion. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.
Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.