Core Filmmaking is SOCAPA's most popular summer film camp intensive. Equivalent to a college-level introduction to filmmaking course, Core Filmmaking is a fun, hands-on introduction to narrative filmmaking that challenges students to write, direct and edit their own films. Each young filmmaker also has the opportunity to work as a Director of Photography, Sound Technician, or Production Assistant as they crew on their classmates' films.
Most students take the course for the full three weeks but there is also a shorter two-week option where they do not make the final "Kubrick" project.
Filmmaking is best learned through experience and only improves with practice. Each project presents new challenges that help students quickly build their skills and grow as filmmakers. By making a film a week, SOCAPA students become fluent in the process and production required to make a movie—knowledge they take home to apply to future films and creative projects.
Curriculum & Schedule
Screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, sound, editing, and weekly screenings.
Core skills, then the Lumière project
The first two days ground students in fundamentals across writing, directing, producing, cinematography, and sound. By midweek, each crew (3–5 students) is in production on their first project—the single-shot Lumière Film—supported by actors from our Acting program and guided by an experienced production instructor.
Post-production and Friday screenings
Once the film is "in the can," the focus shifts to editing and sound design. Each film is critiqued in class and then screened for the entire camp at our weekly Friday Night Showcase.
Idea generation, structure & shot design
Monday and Tuesday mornings focus on idea generation, three-act structure, and script workshops. Directing explores film language, camera placement, and shot construction.
Camera, audio craft & set practice
Afternoons cover camera and audio craft: shooting exercises, image review, and production audio strategies using handheld recorders, a variety of mics, and slating techniques.
SOCAPA offers immediate access to current digital filmmaking tools. In the Core Filmmaking intensive, students use state-of-the-art 4K video cameras. All students are encouraged to edit on Adobe Premiere Pro, the industry standard (experienced editors may consult their instructor regarding alternative systems).
Core Filmmaking also introduces the Hollywood method of dual-system, sync-sound production where image and sound are recorded by separate crew members. Students learn professional audio recorders, production slates, and how to sync audio in post.
Film Projects
In a single shot of up to two minutes, a group of students tells a simple story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Named for early cinema pioneers Auguste and Louis Lumière, this project focuses on mise-en-scène—carefully arranging camera movement, composition, blocking, props, and lighting to tell the story visually.
Inspired by Edwin S. Porter and his pioneering use of continuity editing in "The Great Train Robbery," this 3–4 minute project explores cutting for story flow. Students have four hours to shoot and one day to edit.
Building on everything learned, students craft a 4–5 minute film inspired by the cinematic mastery of Stanley Kubrick—from staging and lighting to design, performance, and editing. Students have a full day to shoot and two days to edit.
Student Films
A few of our highest-rated portfolio picks from the Core Filmmaking experience.
2026 Summer Intensives
Four incredible campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Burlington, Vermont.
Core Filmmaking
Our Core Filmmaking offerings vary by campus. Filter by campus, age and session length below.
Online Screenwriting · 6 Week
Warm up for Core Filmmaking (or any SOCAPA film intensive) by joining our live, online 6-week Screenwriting program. Draft and polish a short film script before you step on set, and meet future classmates from across the country.
Use the spring to develop pages instead of just ideas. Arrive at your summer filmmaking intensive ready to focus on directing, cinematography, and performance.
Connect with writers and filmmakers who may be on your campus this summer, and start building the creative relationships that power great films.
Online course is optional but highly recommended for Core Filmmaking students who want to focus production time on visuals and performance.
Tell us a bit about your student and what you're looking for. Our team can help you choose the right campus, dates, and session length.
Toll Free USA: (800) 718-ARTS
Email: info@socapa.org
