Calendar of Events

Precollege Programs: Filmmaking Institute

  • Precollege
  • Summer
  • Session-I
  • Session-II

Learn innovative ways to tell compelling stories and bring your creative aspirations to life on the screen. 

Explore the art and craft of visual storytelling—from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography and editing. Whether you’re passionate about narrative films, documentaries, or experimental projects, our hands-on courses and expert guidance will equip you with the skills and confidence to transform your ideas into captivating films. Join us and start your journey toward becoming a visionary filmmaker.

2025 Filmmaking Institute Highlights

Grades 9–12 

Filmmaking is both an art unto itself, and the combination of all the arts at once. There are many elements at work on a film: photography, writing, acting, choreography, set design, lighting, costumes, props, hair & makeup, special visual effects, music, sound effects, editing and graphic design. We use all of these disciplines to make movies. During the Filmmaking Institute we will break down film scenes  into their components and see how these components are pieced together to create a story visually.

Typical Day

9:30am - 12:00pm

Morning Sessions

Each day begins with a mini lesson introducing a new film technique—such as camera moves, green screen effects, sound recording, or slow motion—giving students a clear understanding of how these tools shape a scene. Afterward, they put these techniques into practice through short film projects in small groups, gaining hands-on experience and building technical confidence.

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Lunch

Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to enjoy lunch outdoors with their Teaching Assistants, soaking in the beauty of the Purchase College campus, connecting with fellow students, and recharging their energy before heading into afternoon classes and activities.

1:00pm - 3:30pm

Afternoon Sessions

Filming continues throughout the day, allowing students to put their newly learned techniques into practice, or previously filmed scenes are taken into the edit bays for post-production work. In the edit bays, students gain hands-on experience with editing software, learning how to assemble shots, adjust pacing, add sound, and refine their scenes. This process helps them understand how performance, camera work, and post-production all come together to create a polished final product.

Note: We move fast here at the Filmmaking Institute, that way we can cover as many of the essential film concepts as possible. One or more master classes will be added when appropriate.

Final Day 

The program will culminate with a film festival for family and friends on the last day of the program.

Program Details

YTH 9530 / Filmmaking Institute
Sessions I and II: (4 weeks)  June 29 - July 24, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm (20 sessions)

$2,200 for the first registration
$1,980 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees, alumni, Broadview members and early registrations (paid in full by May 1, 2026.)

Empire State Arts Scholarship Information

For a well-rounded summer, add Acting on Camera Workshop or Writing for Film to maximize your performance experience.  

Program Notes

  • Returning students will be able to expand on their experience and are encouraged to come in ready to shoot with a script or script idea.
  • Small groups usually consist of four to five students working with a teacher or teacher’s assistant.
  • Students must supply their own camcorder or DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera. They should also remember to have the connection cables and the manual for their device available.
  • Gratuitous violence, use of guns, and/or offensive language are not permitted.
  • One of the highlights of this program is collaborating with like-minded people who love film. The ways in which we collaborate makes the program unique.

Suggested Camera and Software

  1. A DSLR, mirrorless camera, camcorder, or fairly new smartphone that shoots video.

  2. A free editing program such as iMovie or DaVinci Resolve.

  3. A free screenwriting app such as WriterDuet, Fade In, Highland, or Celtx.

Institute Certificate

Students enrolled in the Filmmaking Institute who have attended at least 80% of the classes, are eligible for a certificate of completion which acknowledges the successful completion of prescribed coursework.

Instructor

Interested in Undergraduate Film Programs at Purchase College?

Check out the film BFA program, the cinema and television studies BA program (and the Film/Video Production minor), and the playwriting and screenwriting BA program in the School of Film and Media Studies, and the new media BA program.