Summer Film Camp Schedule
July 13-17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Emerson College, Boston MA (Downtown Crossing)
Presented by the Massachusetts Production Coalition (MPC) in partnership with Emerson College’s School of Film, Television, and Media Arts.
Welcome to Summer Film Camp!
We're excited to spend the week with you as you explore the creative and collaborative world of filmmaking. Throughout the week, you'll receive hands-on instruction in cinematography, lighting, directing, on-set production, and editing while working with professional cameras, lighting and grip equipment, and production workflows. You'll learn from Emerson College faculty, graduate instructors, and film professionals while working in the college's production facilities and soundstage alongside fellow students.
The schedule below provides an overview of each day's activities, instructors, and goals. Please plan to arrive each morning at 8:45 am and be prepared to participate in the full day's program. We can't wait to welcome you and spend an exciting week making movies together. See you Monday!
Where
Emerson College
Emerson Paramount Soundstage
555 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
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.
Questions?
Contact Massachusetts Production Coalition
David Hartman, Executive Director
david@massprodcoalition.org
617-444-9408
Daily Schedule
Monday, July 13
Camera & Cinematography
Time: 8:45 Check in | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Harlan Bosmajian
Location: Paramount Soundstage
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Overview
To kick things off we’ll introduce the fundamentals of cinematography and roles in the camera department, exploring how visual choices help tell a story. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain experience with the camera tools, techniques, and collaborative workflow behind cinematic storytelling.
Topics Covered
Camera department roles and responsibilities
Camera builds and accessories
Lens selection and focal length
Composition and camera movement
Focus pulling
Camera menus and operation
Exposure and camera testing
Tuesday, July 14
Lighting, Grip & Electric
Time: 8:45 Check in | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Travis Trudell
Location: Paramount Soundstage
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Overview
Power on! Students explore the fundamentals of professional lighting and grip while learning how crews shape light, create mood, and work safely with industry film equipment.
Topics Covered
Grip and electric department roles
Set safety and equipment handling
C-Stands, flags, sandbags, and grip hardware
LED vs. Tungsten lighting
Color temperature and CRI
Light quality, direction, and diffusion
Three-point lighting
Hands-on lighting exercises
Wednesday, July 15
Directing & Story Development
Time: 8:45 Check in | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Hanadi Elyan
Locations: Directing Studio & Paramount Soundstage
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Overview
Step into the director's role by breaking down a script, rehearsing with live actors, and preparing scenes for production. Working in teams, we'll explore how directing choices can transform the same scene into different genres, including action, drama, and film noir.
Topics Covered
The role of the director
Scene analysis
Script breakdown
Story development
Working with actors
Blocking and rehearsal
Thursday, July 16
Production Day
Time: 8:45 Check in | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructors: Hanadi Elyan, Harlan Bosmajian, Travis Trudell
Location: Paramount Soundstage
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Overview
We’ll bring together everything we’ve learned so far by filming scenes with live actors, exploring how cinematography, lighting, and directing can transform a script across different film genres. We’ll also rotate through production crew roles and experience the collaborative workflow of a professional film set.
Topics Covered
Crew roles and responsibilities
Blocking, lighting, and shooting scenes
Camera, lighting, and grip teamwork
Lighting diagrams
Production workflow
Scene production
Group review and discussion
Friday, July 17
Editing & Screening
Time: 8:45 Check in | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor: Allyson Sherlock
Locations: Ansin Building Editing Lab & Bright Family Screening Room
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Overview
Discover how filmed scenes come together in the editing room, transforming raw footage into finished sequences. Together we’ll explore how editing, sound, music, and color work together to shape story, emotion, and pacing before sharing their work in a final viewing.
Topics Covered
Adobe Premiere Pro
Editing workflow
Building a scene
Audio mixing
Music and sound
Color correction
Exporting projects
Viewing Party!
FAQs
Before You Arrive
Arrival
Please plan to arrive by 8:45 AM each morning so we can begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
Check-In
Staff will greet you in the lobby of Emerson College at 555 Washington St each morning and guide you to the day's classroom or studio.
Photo ID
Please bring a photo ID, if you have one, to help with Emerson College building security.
Release & Consent Form
Please have your parent or guardian complete the online form before the program begins. Let us know if you need any help coordinating.
Lunch & Dietary Restrictions
Lunch will be provided each day. Please let us know by Friday July 10 if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
MBTA Passes
MBTA passes will be distributed on Monday morning to students. Please confirm by Friday, July 10 if you'll use an MBTA pass.
Running Late?
If you're delayed, sick, or have a last-minute emergency, please contact David Hartman (MPC) at 617-444-9408.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. You'll be working in studios and active production spaces throughout the week.
Do I need previous filmmaking experience?
No. Summer Film Camp is designed for students with a wide range of experience levels. Whether you've made films before or are just getting started, you'll build new skills through hands-on instruction, teamwork, and practical experience throughout the week.
What can I expect from Summer Film Camp?
Summer Film Camp is a fun, hands-on, and collaborative learning experience. You'll work in small crews, rotate through different production roles, learn from Emerson College faculty, graduate instructors, and industry professionals, and gain practical experience with professional film equipment while making new friends who share your interest in filmmaking!
