Filmmaking Program in Los Angeles 2026

📅 2026 filmmaking program: limited places · Talk to a YDS advisor on +33 7 57 95 87 95

Are you a high school student or a first-year Bachelor’s student who wants to explore film and audiovisual production in depth at a leading university this summer? Summer enrichment programs in Los Angeles offer an immersive 2- to 6-week experience: you study a subject in depth, spend time on a prestigious campus and strengthen your application for an international Bachelor’s degree.

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Location
Los Angeles
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Who it’s for
High school students aged 15-18 & first-year university students
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Length
2 to 6 weeks
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Budget
5 000-12 000 $
⭐ Book with our partner

Filmmaking program: official booking

Registration, campus accommodation and YDS support are coordinated through our partner La Route des Langues, an agency specializing in campus programs in the US and the UK.

★★★★★ Trustpilot · 15+ years of expertise · Brochure and prices online

The program at a glance

Filmmaking programs in Los Angeles are run by the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the UCLA School of Theater Film & Television and the New York Film Academy (Burbank campus). The typical format is residential, with student housing on campus, meals included, and teaching by faculty or doctoral students. Admission is selective and based on an application (transcripts, personal statement, and sometimes a letter of recommendation and an interview).

Who is this program for?

Students in the last two years of high school and first-year university students planning to apply to universities abroad.

  • English level: TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (sometimes B2, assessed at interview)
  • Academic profile: an average of 15/20 or a GPA of 3.5+, with a strong record
  • Soft skills: independence and genuine curiosity about the subject

Program content and skills

Lectures, hands-on workshops, small-group projects and field visits (labs, companies or institutions, depending on the subject).

Key skills you will develop:

  • Screenwriting
  • Directing
  • Cinematography
  • Editing and post-production

You leave the program with a finished project, an official university certificate and often a letter of recommendation from your supervising instructor: a real asset for Bachelor’s applications.

To find out more, read our guide: Columbia Journalism Program 2026.

A typical day

8h30
Breakfast on campus
9h30-12h00
Morning classes (main seminar)
12h00-13h30
Lunch with the group
13h30-16h00
Workshop or hands-on project
16h00-18h00
Sports or free time
18h00-19h30
Dinner in the residence
19h30-22h00
Evening activities (clubs, campus events)

The exact schedule depends on the program you choose. Excursions and visits take place on weekends.

You may also like: Columbia Game Development Program 2026.

Cost and accommodation

2026 budget: $5,000 to $12,000, including tuition, accommodation and meals. Flights (€1,200-1,500 round trip from Paris), travel health insurance and spending money are extra. Partial scholarships are sometimes available based on need or merit.

Why YDS recommends this program

For students aiming for a Bachelor’s degree abroad, a well-chosen enrichment program does three things: (1) lets you try out university life abroad, (2) strengthens your application, and (3) gets you a university letter of recommendation that sets you apart.

Every year, the YDS team helps students choose a program and prepare their applications.

📋 Free assessment See our coaching
How it works

Booking through La Route des Langues, YDS’s partner

You register for the filmmaking program in Los Angeles through our partner La Route des Langues, which coordinates everything for you: choosing the program, handling your application, on-campus student housing, airport transfers, adult supervision and 24/7 on-site support. YDS adds admissions coaching so you can make the most of this program in your Bachelor’s application.

2026 prices and availability are on the partner page:

See prices & book →

Frequently asked questions

How long does a filmmaking program in Los Angeles usually last?

2 to 6 weeks, depending on the format. Shorter programs offer an introduction; longer ones go deeper and end with a finished project.

What level of English do I need?

TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ (B2-C1). Some programs accept B2 if assessed at interview.

How do I register?

Through our partner La Route des Langues: program selection + application + campus accommodation + on-site support. See the booking page →

How can YDS help me make the most of this program in my application?

Choosing a program that fits your long-term admissions strategy + personal statement coaching + interview preparation + coordination with your admissions timeline. See our coaching service.

🎓 Ready to sign up for the filmmaking program in Los Angeles?

2026 prices, dates and availability are available directly from our partner La Route des Langues, on a page co-branded with Your Dream School.

Book the filmmaking program →

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