Q. If USC owns my film, can I show it/send it to festivals/use it on college applications?
A student film may be shown/sent to festivals/use one college application as long as a proper production book is completed for that film. A production book includes permits/ releases and rights for everything in the movie (actor, location, story, music, etc.). The Production book process is outlined and explained in detail in all Summer Program production courses.
Q. Who teaches the SCA Summer Program classes? What is the faculty/student ratio?
Instructors for the SCA Summer Program are selected primarily from our regular degree program faculty. All members of the Summer Program faculty are working filmmakers, writers, producers, or critics. Our classes typically have one instructor for every ten students. Production classes also have course assistants to help with equipment checkout, usage, and production processes.
Q. Are these classes for college credit?
All classes in the SCA Summer Program are regular elective courses in the USC School of Cinematic Arts, are graded, and offer transferable university credits. These courses will be on an official USC transcript upon program completion. Once the course is completed, transcripts can be ordered from: http://arr.usc.edu/services/transcripts
Q. Do I own the rights to my film?
USC retains the copyright to ALL short films created within the class. Intellectual property (scripts, treatments, etc.) remains with the filmmaker. Only the tangible film rights are held (the piece created at USC).
Q. Does USC own the script to my short film?
No. USC only holds the rights to the physical film.
Q. If USC owns my film, am I allowed to show it/ send it to festivals?
A student film may be shown/sent to festivals as long as a proper production book is completed for that film. A production book includes permits/releases and rights for everything in the movie (actor, location, story, music, etc.). The Production book process is outlined and explained in detail in all SCA Summer Program production courses.
Q. Is Financial Aid available for the SCA Summer Program Classes?
Unfortunately, USC-sponsored financial aid is not available for summer classes. Please see the General Information Page for a list of scholarship search engines.
Q. Do I have to provide my own camera, film and processing, or digital and/or film stock?
The SCA Summer Program provides all cameras, film & processing, and digital media. Depending on the course, the equipment/media quantities may vary. Some students elect to bring their own camera or other equipment; however, USC does not insure outside gear.
Q. I have been working for a few years in film. What is available for me?
We have students who have worked in the industry but have yet to be sidetracked from their original goal of filmmaking and want to reconnect with their dreams. We have production courses for all levels of ability and interests. Our writing courses are designed for both the beginning writer and the experienced writer with works in progress.
Q. What is the cost of Seminars, Program Events and Workshops?
All SCA Summer Program seminars, events, and workshops are available to enrolled SCA Summer Program students at no additional charge.
Q. What is the cost of classes?
The University determines tuition based on the number of units in your desired class(es). Summer 2024 tuition at USC is $2,244.00 (USD) per unit. To determine your base tuition cost, multiply the collective number of units from your course(s) selection by the USC tuition value. The unit count for each class can be found in the course description.
A complete tuition calculation worksheet will be sent if accepted into the program. At the beginning of each online detailed class description, you will find the number of units for each class and the dates, days, and times it meets.
Q. Is University-owned housing available?
University-owned housing is available each summer to all SCA Summer Program students, and ample housing has always been available each year. USC offers tram service to all USC-owned housing facilities and security escorts for late hours. For more general information about adult housing, please visit their website at: http://housing.usc.edu. For more details about minor housing, please visit our information for Minors at: https://cinema.usc.edu/summer/minors.cfm.
We look forward to seeing you soon.