UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Cinematography Recently Updated

This one-week workshop welcomes motivated high school students (grades 9–12) to explore the art of cinematic lighting. Through lectures and hands-on exercises, participants learn composition, framing, blocking, lens choice, camera movement, exposure, lighting techniques, shot design, and set protocol while developing technical and creative skills.

UCLA Emerging Filmmakers: Cinematography gives students an unparalleled opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world.

This intensive program is open to:

• High school students currently in grades 9–12 (in the spring before the program)

Over the course of this one-week workshop, students are immersed in the art and craft of cinematic lighting through lectures, discussions, and hands-on exercises. Working directly on UCLA sound stages with digital cinema cameras and professional lighting equipment, students will explore:

• Composition, framing, and blocking
• Lens choice and camera movement/placement
• Exposure, lighting techniques, and equipment use
• Shot design and set protocol

This program is designed for beginning to intermediate filmmakers and requires no prior cinematography experience. Its goal is to build a foundational understanding of the aesthetic, creative, and logistical decisions involved in lighting for film and television.

Throughout the program, students will participate in workshops, group exercises, and screenings. Class projects will be shown at the end of the workshop, with friends and family invited to attend.

Key Details:

• Curriculum includes lectures and hands-on lab experiences
• Intensive immersion—only one absence is permitted
• Certificate of completion awarded (no college credit)

The UCLA Emerging Filmmakers: Cinematography track offers a unique chance to learn from UCLA’s world-class faculty, gain practical experience on professional stages, and connect with peers who share a passion for filmmaking.