Are you a teen passionate about filmmaking, storytelling, or digital media? This blog shares 10 exciting film and media programs made just for young creators like you. Whether you dream of making movies, editing videos, or learning scriptwriting, these programs offer the perfect start. Explore, learn, and take your first steps into the world of media!
1. USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program
Focus: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Animation, Game Design, and Media Production
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles (In-person and Online)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older, college students, and working professionals
Deadline: Varies by course; early application is recommended due to limited seats
From production and directing to writing and game design, the USC School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program offers over 20 courses that represent the breadth of the film and media industry. Students gain real-world experience and cutting-edge direction from USC faculty and industry leaders. The program provides online and in-person options, and is open to creators who are new to the space, as well as to experienced creators. It’s a great entry level introduction for teenagers who want to play around with different methods of media and storytelling.
2. UCLA TFT Film, Television and Digital Media Summer Programs
Focus: Filmmaking, Digital Media, Screenwriting, and Animation
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (In-person and Online)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
Deadline: Applications typically open in February; deadlines vary by course
High school students can get an experience of what it’s like to study film and media in college with summer programs at the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. Participants, while creating their own projects, learn the fundamentals of storytelling, screenwriting, editing, and production. The courses are taught by faculty members of UCLA as well as industry professionals and they are designed to give students practical, real world experience as well as theory. This is a great program since it can be pursued online or on terrace.
3. New York Film Academy (NYFA) Youth Programs
Focus: Filmmaking, Photography, Animation, Acting, and Musical Theatre
Location: Several campuses, including those in Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and online
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (ages 10–17)
Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application is encouraged to secure a spot
The NYFA Youth Program offers fun, project-based workshops to young story-tellers who are interested in visual and performing arts. Students are free to take a crack at everything from acting and filmmaking to 3D animation and game design. The programs are hands on and students are taught real world projects mentored by professionals.
4. Syracuse University Summer College Filmmaking Program
Focus: Cinematography, sound recording, scriptwriting, animation fundamentals, editing, and post-production are all aspects of filmmaking.
Location: Campus of Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2025 high school graduates
Deadline: Rolling admissions; it is advised to apply early.
For young artists ages 5 to 18, Sparks Film School provides interactive filmmaking, animation, and photography classes.Students participate in hands-on workshops where they learn how to write scripts, direct, act, and edit their own productions at venues throughout the United Kingdom, such as London, Oxford, and Guildford. With classes available on the weekends, during school breaks, and during summer camps, aspiring filmmakers have a variety of flexible options. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, creativity, and teamwork to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
5. UNCSA Filmmaking Summer Intensive
Focus: Filmmaking (Digital editing, directing, producing, cinematography, and screenwriting)
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA: University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
Eligibility: High school students and incoming college freshmen (ages 15–18) are welcome.
Deadline: May 1, 2025
The five-week UNCSA Filmmaking Summer Intensive program starts with an online component from June 15–20 and then moves to an on-campus component from June 22–July 19. After completing rigorous coursework and practical filmmaking experiences, students will produce and present their own short films. Director and screenwriter Janos Kovacsi is one of the program's seasoned instructors.
6. Georgia Film Academy (GFA)
Focus: Film and Television Production, Set Operations, Post-Production, and Digital Entertainment
Location: Multiple campuses across Georgia + on-set learning experiences
Eligibility: High school students (dual enrollment), college students, and adult learners
Deadline: Varies by partner institution and semester; check the specific school or GFA site for details
The Georgia Film Academy offers hands-on training to students who wish to work behind the scenes in digital, television, or film. Through partnerships with Georgia's high schools, colleges, and business professionals, students acquire technical skills such as camera operation, editing, and set safety. Real-world experience on professional film sets is frequently a part of GFA programs. GFA offers a useful and engaging foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career in production or simply studying media.
7. SFFILM Youth Filmmakers Camp
Focus: Filmmaking (Cinematography, Directing, Producing, Editing, Screenwriting
Location: San Francisco, California, USA: University of San Francisco
Eligibility: 14–18-year-old teenagers
Deadline: Rolling admissions; it is advised to apply early
For aspiring filmmakers between the ages of 14 and 18, SFFILM Youth Filmmakers Camp is an immersive summer program. There are two tracks available to participants: the Starter Lab for novices and the Advanced Lab for those who have already made a film. Storyboarding, editing, sound, cinematography, and screenwriting are just a few of the subjects covered in the curriculum. While working on real-world projects and switching between different roles on a movie set, students utilize sophisticated editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. A red carpet event and a screening of the students' short films mark the end of the camp.
8. Film2Future Program
Focus: Filmmaking (Animation, Music Video Production, Post-Production)
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) from underserved communities in Los Angeles
Deadline: February 16, 2025
A nonprofit organization called Film2Future is committed to giving underprivileged youth in Los Angeles free, top-notch filmmaking instruction. All facets of filmmaking, from concept to post-production, are covered in the program's intensive animation and music video production tracks. For in-person program days, students are provided with all required supplies, equipment, and transportation. Students are expected to return annually to learn new aspects of filmmaking and the latest technological advancements. A screening and awards ceremony honoring the students' efforts mark the program's conclusion.
9. Northwest Film Camp
Focus: Acting, directing, editing, screenwriting, and filmmaking
Location: Portland, Oregon
Eligibility: Students in middle and high school (usually between the ages of 10 and 17) are eligible
Deadline: Rolling admissions; since spots fill up fast, early registration is advised
Northwest Film Camp offers rigorous and exciting summer programs that teach students the ins and outs of filmmaking, from writing and directing to shooting and editing their own short films. Designed for young artists, the camp fosters teamwork and creative thinking while teaching useful production techniques. A student film showcase concludes each session, which is taught by professionals in the field. It's a fantastic chance for aspiring filmmakers to gain self-assurance and create films in a nurturing setting.
10. Sparks Film School
Focus: Photography, Animation, and Filmmaking
Location: London, Oxford, Guildford, and other places in the United Kingdom
Eligibility:Teens between the ages of ten and eighteen are eligible
Deadline: Rolling admissions; reservations are advised in advance
For young artists ages 10 to 18, Sparks Film School provides interactive filmmaking, animation, and photography classes. Students participate in hands-on workshops where they learn how to write scripts, direct, act, and edit their own productions at venues throughout the United Kingdom, such as London, Oxford, and Guildford. With classes available on the weekends, during school breaks, and during summer camps, aspiring filmmakers have a variety of flexible options. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, creativity, and teamwork to inspire the next generation of storytellers.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!