An intense project-oriented course of study in which you create a series of professional quality short digital films.

No filmmaking experience required!

Here’s what you get...

"Imagine a filmmaking program where you shoot on the first day!"
The Digital Filmmaking Program is an intense project-oriented 6-week course of study in which you will create a series of professional quality short digital films. Modeled after the first quarter of our highly successful full-time immersion filmmaking program, this course offers an overview of all facets of professional production and post-production techniques. Our teaching model concentrates on linking the complex technical requirements of filmmaking to the filmmaker's desires of creative exploration and discovery. This is not just a sampler of digital technologies; this is a chance to live it, do it, be it: that is, to be a filmmaker making films for six intense weeks.

Who should take this training?

Those who are interested in creating video content for the World Wide Web, as well as aspiring traditional filmmakers who are exploring the possibility of a filmmaking career and are unable to make the 11-month commitment of our full time immersion program. It is conveniently offered in two different summer sessions.

What will I learn?

A comprehensive hands-own program that stresses rich image creation and the professional Hollywood process.

In the first class students are trained on the use of professional broadcast quality three chip digital video cameras. In successive classed the student is presented with a series of exercises that explore character illustration, aesthetic image composition including light and color, and narrative story techniques. Weekly classes include: Producing, Screenwriting, Directing, Production Design, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, and more.

The student is guided through the process of filmmaking's three stages:

Pre-Production: story analysis and breakdown, scheduling, budgeting, production boarding, auditioning, location scouting, and dealing with permits, agreements, and contracts.

Production: crew positions and hierarchy, blocking, working with actors, grip, lighting, and camera techniques, sound gathering, set design and decorating.

Post-Production: computerized picture editing, sound enhancement and finishing, and timecode and digital rendering issues.

Presented in the final week is a brief introduction to High Definition, the highest quality digital media as well as digital media and advanced special effects. The program answers many questions about digital image making including: "How can I make video look like film?" and "What is on the technical horizon of digital imaging and presentation."

All projects will be faculty reviewed culminating in a formal screening of projects on the final day of the program in our state-of-the-art digital projection theater. Outstanding participants may be asked to join our full-time program.

Why should I sign up for this program?

You shoot early and often; you start working with a broadcast quality 3-chip camera on the first day of class and start shooting that night! You shoot your own project every weekend, working collaboratively with your classmates, rotating through the craft positions on their films. In week five you shoot your final short film, taking it through post-production on the final week. Your projects will be faculty-reviewed culminating in a formal screening of projects on the final day of the program in our state of the art digital screening room. Outstanding participants may be asked to join our full-time program.

Where will the training take place?

Students will work both on location and at the Los Angeles Film School in the heart of Hollywood, California. Our classroom facilities incorporate the latest in digital filmmaking technology providing building-block tools now needed by the growing digital job market. These include our complete production studio and post production facilities.

The Digital Filmmaking Program is an intensive 6 week, full-time program.
Students engage in 6 hours per week of classes in their chosen concentration and 6 hours in an elective concentration. Concentrations include:

• Cinematography
• Directing
• Editing
• Producing
• Production Design
• Sound Design
• Screenwriting (elective only)

Week One is the introduction period emphasizing project assignment work, collaboration, and an overview of ALL the craft concentrations. It is ten weeks long; during that time a minimum of six shooting assignments are given. Designed to give a broad common technical background and a chance to shoot quickly and expressively, this period is an ideal time for experimentation and exploration of the student's aesthetic and professional goals. At the end of this period the student chooses a concentration and an elective.
Production Period One: Crewing for Advanced Thesis Films (4 weeks)

Week Two is the skills period. The student, having now chosen his concentration and elective, begins extensive technical and artistic training in her/his chosen areas. The period is eight weeks long and culminates in the student’s Pre-Thesis Project.
Production Period Two: Pre-Thesis Production (2 weeks)

Week Three is the thesis preparation period. The program is ten weeks long. Concentration skills are evaluated, enhanced, and refined, and students are guided and drilled through the pre-production requirements of their upcoming Thesis Projects. Production Period Three: Thesis Production (4 weeks)

Week Four is the post-production/careers period. The students are guided through the post-production workflow required for the proper finishing of their thesis films. The program is eight weeks long and culminates in student career counseling which includes reel, resume, and portfolio preparation, an evaluation of the current job market, and assistance with submissions of your project to festivals and for award consideration.