Learn the “Hollywood Way” to make movies!

Challenge your imagination and explore your desire to become a Filmmaker by becoming part of US Performing Arts’ Digital Film Camp at Pepperdine University. Students are immersed in the world of film-making from day one and are taught the “Hollywood Way” to make movies! Here’s what our students can expect to learn:

WRITING
Students will be given the tools needed to identify which of their ideas are script ready and worthy of development into a feature-length screenplay. Students also learn that having a Great Script is the foundation for having a Great Film, as well as the importance of Story Structure with the emphasis on Compelling Characters, Exciting Conflicts and Thrilling Conclusions.

DIRECTING
Students learn the artistic and dramatic aspects of visualizing a script while learning the art of Casting and Directing Actors as well as Storyboards, Coverage and Visual Storytelling with the emphasis on the learning the language of film-making.

PRODUCTION WORKFLOW
Students will learn about Pre-Production, Production & Post Production and that managing the details in each of these important areas will enable them to deliver a Professional Looking Film no matter what camera or editing systems they may be currently using.

EDITING
Finally, Students will learn key Editing techniques that shape the film and guide the emotions of the audience, and the profound effect that having The Best Dialogue, Sound Effects and Music, will have on the final presentation of their Finished Films.

GUEST SPEAKERS
We will also present Industry Professionals and Visiting Filmmakers who will talk about their work on Hollywood Productions and demonstrate some of the cutting edge equipment used by today’s Producers, Directors, Cinematographers and Editors. Our students will be working with the latest in State-Of-The-Art Digital Cameras, Apple Computers, and Final Cut Pro X Editing Software. They will all be formed into Production Teams of 5 or 6 students and Develop, Write, Direct, Storyboard, Cast, Shoot and Edit their own Films. All of the student’s productions will be presented at the “Works in Progress” screening on the final day of the program. Each Digital Film-making Camp will be intensive, filled with new information and technology and an ideal place for finding new friends, learning how to network, collaborate and especially having a lot of fun in the Southern California surf and sun.

Many of the students have continued their studies at some of the best film schools in America: USC, New York University, Chapman University, Loyola-Marymount, UCLA and Cal Arts to name a few.

Note: Specific equipment, editing software, and computers used will be selected by faculty instructors.

Examples of past equipment and software used include:

EQUIPMENT
– Sony PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder
– Sennheiser ME66 Super-Cardioid Shotgun Condenser Microphone Kit
– Sachtler Ace M Fluid Head Tripod System

EDITING SOFTWARE
– Final Cut Pro X
– Adobe Premiere Pro

COMPUTERS
– Apple iMacs