SCA Summer Program Class Catalog

The International Applications is now closed.
The 2025 USC SCA Summer Program runs from Friday, June 20, to Friday, August 1.
The deadline for Applications from U.S. Citizens is Wednesday, April 30, at 5:00 PM PT. For any questions, please email us at summer@cinema.usc.edu.


 
 
Important Notice:

  • Students may only take a maximum of 8 units.
  • Students cannot take more than one production course.
  • Students cannot take a production course with any of the feature writing courses.
  • Students cannot take more than one feature writing course.
  • No auditing courses.
  • The SCA Summer Program courses are intended for students not currently enrolled at USC/SCA
  • USC/SCA students will not be granted D-Clearance for SCA Summer Program courses.

USC Warner Bros. Producing and Directing Class - 8 Units

Units: 8
Student Level: All

Jun 23 - Aug 1   - Unavailable
In-Person - Ages 16+
Schedule: Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 9:00am - 3:50pm
Max. Seats: 21
Faculty: John Palmer

Experience the Magic of Filmmaking with Warner Bros. Studios & USC!

Get ready for an adrenaline-charged journey through the heart of Hollywood filmmaking, where dreams come alive on the Warner Bros. lot! This exclusive filmmaking workshop, in partnership with Warner Bros. Studios and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, offers you unparalleled access to one of the world’s most legendary film studios. It’s more than just learning about film—it’s about stepping into the very world where cinematic legends are made.

Course Description

From your first day, you’ll be transported from the classrooms of USC to the iconic backlot of Warner Bros. in Burbank, where classics like Casablanca, The Dark Knight, Inception, and Barbie were brought to life. Imagine crafting your own film in the same spaces where movie magic has been created for generations. Over the course of this high-octane workshop, you won’t just learn the theory of filmmaking—you’ll dive headfirst into the action, experiencing the entire filmmaking process from start to finish.

- Hands-On Filmmaking: You’ll write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit two short films, with your final project taking place on the legendary Warner Bros. backlot. You’ll bring your cinematic vision to life in one of the most famous locations in film history.
 
- Exclusive Studio Access: Each week, you'll embark on exciting trips to the WB lot, gaining insider access to key departments like costume design, scenic design, and post-production. Learn from the professionals who’ve worked on some of the biggest films in history and understand the collaborative magic that goes into creating a blockbuster.

- Expert Guidance:  Receive hands-on tutorials in cinematography, lighting, sound design, and AVID editing, using the same professional-grade equipment that Hollywood filmmakers rely on. You’ll gain invaluable skills from industry veterans who will mentor you every step of the way.

- Comprehensive Learning: This course goes beyond the camera. You’ll explore storytelling, character development, and the cultural impact of cinema while diving into the business side of filmmaking—learning about development, production, distribution, and marketing. By the end of the program, you’ll not only know how to make a film, but you’ll also understand the ins and outs of the film industry.

- Collaborative Environment: Filmmaking is all about teamwork, and this course teaches you how to thrive in a collaborative production setting. You’ll lead, follow, and work seamlessly with a creative team, learning to communicate your vision and execute it professionally in any industry environment.

Additional Information

- All projects are created outside of scheduled class time.
- Additional tutorials may be taught outside scheduled class dates and times.
- All dates and times of the course are subject to change.
- SCA has a strict ban on the use of prop weapons during the SCA Summer Program.
- This 8-unit SCA Summer Program class includes CNTV 405: Studio Producing and Directing and CTPR 460: Film Business Procedures and Distribution.

This isn’t just a class—it’s an invitation to step behind the scenes of Hollywood, immerse yourself in the art of filmmaking, and bring your own stories to life in one of the most iconic film studios in the world. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and transformed as you embark on an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're aiming to break into the industry or elevate your filmmaking skills, this course will give you the tools and experience to make your mark. Hollywood awaits—are you ready to create cinematic magic?

INSTRUCTOR: John Palmer