Welcome to Summer Film Camp!

Fridays: July 11, 18, 25. 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Emerson College, Boston
For Emerging Filmmakers Ages 16–24
Free with Registration | Space is Limited to 15 Participants

Summer Film Camp offers emerging filmmakers a hands-on introduction to cinematic storytelling, with practical training in camera work, lighting, and production. Through three hands-on workshops, participants will build core skills in camera operation, lighting and grip, and on-set production through collaborative exercises. The series culminates in a filming day, where students take on crew roles and work together to block, light, and shoot scenes inspired by the visual style of three different films. All sessions take place at Emerson College, where students will train with professional equipment and film on a working soundstage.

Register below! Participants must be able to commit to attending all three workshop dates.

Workshop Schedule

July 11 — Camera Workshop

In this hands-on session, students will learn how to build and operate a professional digital cinema camera from the ground up. Working in pairs, participants will cover the essentials of tripod setup, lens selection, monitor operation, and camera support. The workshop explores key differences between prime and zoom lenses, cine-style and still lenses, and handheld versus tripod configurations. Students will also practice focus pulling, setting marks, and navigating the camera menu system. The session concludes with exposure and focal length tests that lay the groundwork for visual storytelling.

July 18 — Lighting & Grip Workshop

This immersive workshop introduces students to the essential tools and techniques of studio lighting and grip. Participants will get hands-on experience with gear like C-stands, flags, sandbags, and lighting stands, while learning safe setup practices and grip roles on set. The session covers key lighting concepts such as color temperature, LED vs. tungsten sources, CRI, and diffusion. Students will explore how light quality, shape, and direction influence a shot, and practice techniques like three-point lighting and motivated lighting setups. The workshop also includes a demonstration with a dolly and accessories, giving students insight into camera movement and support.

July 25 — Filming Day

In the final session, students bring together everything they’ve learned for a full filming experience. Taking on real crew roles — DP, Camera Operator, AC, Gaffer, Key Grip, and more — participants will recreate lighting and camera setups inspired by three different film scenes. After reviewing test footage from the previous session, students will analyze visual references, plan blocking, and design lighting diagrams for each setup. Each team will block, light, and shoot a scene with an actor, gaining firsthand experience in set etiquette, on-set communication, and collaborative filmmaking. The day concludes with a group screening and discussion of all three looks.

Where

Emerson College

Emerson Paramount Soundstage

555 Washington Street, 4th Floor. Boston, MA 02111

Use the entrance to the right of the Paramount Center.

Emerson College is accessible by MBTA Red Line, Orange Line, Green Line, and Bus connections. mbta.com

Paid parking is available in the nearby Boston Common garage.

Register

Fill out the brief questionnaire in the order form to complete your registration.

Please note: All participants will be required to sign a Release of Liability & Consent Form prior to attending. Participants under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.

FAQs

Who is Summer Film Camp for?

The program is open to emerging filmmakers, ages 16–24, who are interested in learning the fundamentals of filmmaking. It's a great fit for students who are interested in working in film, television, or digital media.

Do I need experience to attend?

No prior experience is required. This is an introductory program designed for beginners to access professional equipment. Whether you're completely new to film or have just a basic understanding of media production, this camp will help you build foundational skills in a hands-on environment.

Who leads the Summer Film Camp workshops?

Workshops are taught by professional faculty, studio technicians, and graduate assistants from Emerson College, including cinematographers and lighting specialists active in the local production community.

Will meals or snacks be provided?

A snack break is provided each day, but participants are encouraged to bring their own re-usable water bottles.

Is there a cost to attend?

No — the Summer Film Camp is free to attend, but space is limited and registration is required.

Can I register if I can't attend all three sessions?

Unfortunately, no. Participants must be able to commit to attending all three sessions.

What happens if the camp is full when I try to register?

Once we reach capacity, a waitlist will be enacted. If a spot opens up, we’ll notify waitlisted participants in the order in which they signed up. We encourage you to register early to secure your place.