
Summer Institute Filmmaking
July 10–July 28, 2023
Three weeks
Three college credits
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & evening studio hours
This immersive, three-week experience will introduce students to the fundamentals of filmmaking, with classes on cinematography, sound, editing and directing taught by UArts faculty and using cutting-edge digital cinema technology.
Each participant will develop, direct and produce their own short film—narrative or documentary—that can be the center of a strong college portfolio. The program also teaches the importance of community and collaboration, with students collaborating on one another's projects and, in the process, honing their filmmaking skills. Supplemental workshops will focus on screenwriting, nonfiction story filmmaking, storytelling in virtual reality and site visits to local studios.
Overview
Overview
Learn from professional filmmakers, who will help to expand your understanding of the filmmaking process and guide you in developing your creative voice. Learn filmmaking skills, digital cinema technology and explore a range of workshops in fields like screenwriting and storytelling in virtual reality.
At the end of this program, you will
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create your own short film that can be part of a strong portfolio.
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create collaborative work with a network of peers while holding multiple roles across projects.
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expand vocabulary and technical skills in digital filmmaking.
Programming
Core Classes
You’ll take the following courses.
Directing
Work across themes, styles and genres by leading the creative strategy in collaborative projects.
Cinematography
Explore lighting, exposure and composition for motion pictures while learning about strategies for camera movement.
Sound for Film
Introduction to sound editing and design for motion pictures. Complete exercises in post-production sound acquisition, editing and mixing.
Editing
Improve and expand your digital-editing capabilities through creative assignments relating to the logic of shot relationships.
A Week in the Life
Monday
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9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m. Directing & Producing
Tuesday &
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9 a.m.–12 p.m. Screenwriting
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1– 4 p.m. Cinematography
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4– 6 p.m. Optional film screenings
Wednesday
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9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–4 p.m. Editing
Thursday
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9 a.m.–12 p.m. Screenwriting
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1– 4 p.m. Editing/Post-Production
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4– 6 p.m. Optional open studios
Friday
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9 a.m.–12 p.m. Sound Design
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1–4 p.m. Film Analysis & Field Trips
Saturday
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Optional off-campus field trips
Note: Students break for lunch between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. every day. Some evening activities are part of this program’s curriculum. Commuters should plan accordingly.
Faculty
Students in the Filmmaking program work with professional filmmakers. Many of our faculty members teach in the degree programs at UArts. Our expert instructors are seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborating with the next generation of filmmakers.
How to Apply
Our Summer Institute 2024 application will open soon.
Application Requirements
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Complete the Summer Institute application.
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Submit an essay or portfolio. Students applying for a scholarship must submit a portfolio.
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Essay
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Include an essay of a maximum of 300 words that discusses a film you’ve seen recently and how it impacted your interest in filmmaking.
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Portfolio
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Upload four to eight examples of your artwork. Your portfolio can include 2-D, 3-D, time-based media or screenwriting. For time-based media, include a YouTube or Vimeo link.
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Pay the $15 application fee.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition: $3,400
Program fee: $150
Housing and meals: $1,425
Commuter total: $3,550
Residential total: $4,975
Supplies
Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared a month before the program starts, with cost estimates.
Spending & Miscellaneous Expenses
Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.
Scholarships
Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship.
Questions?

Contact Pre-College programs
precollege@uarts.edu, 215-717-6430, Pre-College Programs, 211 S. Broad St., Terra Hall, Room 910, Philadelphia, PA 19107