Applications will open on December 15th

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.

Horror Film Production - 4 Units

Units: 4
Student Level: All

Jun 23 - Aug 1   - Unavailable
In-Person (Ages 16+)
Schedule: Tue/Thu 9:00am - 12:50pm
Max. Seats: 18
Faculty: TBD

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Step into the pulse-pounding world of horror filmmaking, where creativity meets terror and imagination knows no bounds! This electrifying course plunges deep into the history of horror, unraveling how the genre has evolved in response to societal shifts, wars, social movements, and cultural trends both nationally and globally. From the eerie classics to groundbreaking modern horror, you’ll explore the genre’s chilling impact on audiences and how it continues to be a reflection of our darkest fears.

Course Description

Prepare to embark on a thrilling six-week journey where you'll not only learn the secrets behind crafting horror films but also create your very own spine-tingling projects. This course brings you face-to-face with top industry experts through riveting panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and immersive lectures that reveal the inner workings of fear.

But it doesn’t stop at theory—over the course of the program, you’ll direct and produce three short films, each one honing your ability to create nail-biting suspense and unforgettable scares. Through practical exercises, you'll master the tools of the trade, from innovative sound design that raises goosebumps to creating monsters and creatures that haunt the screen.

Course Objectives

Whether you're a novice or an experienced filmmaker, this course is designed to sharpen your skills and expand your creative vision. You'll gain essential techniques for horror filmmaking, including:
- Crafting heart-pounding scare sequences that keep audiences on edge
- Utilizing cutting-edge sound design to heighten tension and fear
- Writing, directing, cinematography, and producing specifically for horror
- Exploring the genre’s vast sub-genres—from supernatural thrillers to psychological horror
- Creating realistic special effects, monsters, and creatures that leap off the screen
- Navigating the essential pre-production process, including storyboarding, casting, and securing permits

In addition, you’ll gain hands-on training in key areas of filmmaking, with tutorial sessions on cinematography, production lighting, sound design, and non-linear AVID editing. From storyboard to the final cut, this course will give you the confidence to bring your darkest ideas to life.

You’ll have full access to state-of-the-art equipment, including digital cameras, lighting kits, tripods, and sound stages, giving you the tools needed to execute your vision with precision.

Additional Information

- All projects are created outside of scheduled class time.
- Additional tutorials will be available outside of regular class hours.
- Course schedules are subject to change.
- SCA enforces a strict ban on prop weapons during the summer session.

This is more than a class—it's your gateway into the world of horror filmmaking. Whether you're looking to create the next genre-defining masterpiece or simply perfect your craft, this course will inspire, challenge, and thrill you. Get ready to turn your darkest visions into cinematic reality!

INSTRUCTOR: Seth Koury