Filmmaking Summer Intensives
Overview:
SOCAPA mixes the best of elite film programs and exciting summer camps. Nowhere else will you find this level of filmmaking intensity combined with this much fun. We currently offer six different filmmaking intensives for students ages 13-19. For new students, we recommend the Core Filmmaking Program - our most popular intensive! - or our shorter one week Filmmaking Boot Camp, if your time with us is limited. For return students, we have Advanced Filmmaking and Advanced Projects as well as our more specialized Cinematography intensive. Filmmakers and writers of all levels can also hone their skills in one of our Screenwriting intensives. Click on the program boxes below for more details.
Core Filmmaking, 2 & 3wk
A college level introduction to film theory and production. Students will write, direct, and edit one film of their own per week of this course.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: Two or Three Weeks
- Projects: The Lumiere, The Porter, The Kubrick (3wk Only)
Course is good for:
- Beginner to Advanced
- Ages 13-19
Core Filmmaking Plus, 3, 4, 5 & 6wk
With an emphasis on beginning great films with outstanding scripts, Core Filmmaking Plus begins with one, two, or three weeks (depending on course length) devoted to screenwriting. Students focus first on the craft of creating and workshopping compelling stories for the screen, and continue on to follow the curriculum of our 2 or 3-week Core Filmmaking program, learning to produce, shoot and edit their work to transform their scripts into polished films.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: Three, Four, Five or Six Weeks
- Projects: The Lumiere, The Porter, The Kubrick (4+ wks only)
Course is good for:
- Beginner to Advanced
- Ages 13-19
Filmmaking Production Lab, 2 & 3wk
Join a group of like-minded filmmakers with a single mission - to make the most compelling and polished short film at SOCAPA. While collaborating with classmates on a film, students learn valuable lessons in script workshopping, preproduction, casting and auditions, shot listing and location scouting; technical skills from camera to sound, as well as post-production editing, sound design and color-grading. Contribute your talents to the group!
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: Two & Three Weeks
- Projects: The Altman
Course is good for:
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Ages 13-18
Filmmaking Boot Camp, 1wk
A great way to learn the essentials of film theory and production when precious summer time is limited. Each student will write, direct, and edit one film of their own.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: One Week
- Film Projects: The Rodriguez
Course is good for:
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Ages 13-19
Advanced Filmmaking, 3wk
Young storytellers get to exercise their filmmaking muscles while learning the advanced filmmaking techniques that bring a story to life on the screen. This course provides students with the time on-set to create a strong foundation in production. Each student will write, direct, and edit two films of their own during this course.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: Three Weeks
- Projects: The Hitchcock & The Kurowsawa
Course is good for:
- Students who have completed the 2 or 3 Week Core Filmmaking course or an equivalent program
- Ages 15-19
Screenwriting, 1, 2 & 3wk
Provides students with the time, structure, feedback, and theory to hone their writing skills with a particular focus on story and character development. Students spend time workshopping and critiquing their own and each others’ work, as well as analyzing films to discover what works and what doesn’t.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: One, Two and Three Weeks
- Projects: Group Film (2+ wks only), Individual Screenplay
Course is good for:
- Beginner to Advanced
- Ages 13-19
Advanced Filmmaking Plus, 4wk, 5wk, & 6wk
Spend the time in advance to hone your stories so you can get the most out of production time to craft the masterpiece you imagine. Start with a one, two, or three week screenwriting intensive to revise or create the stories you will go on to produce, direct and edit in advanced filmmaking. Following a screenwriting intensive, advanced filmmaking gives you the tools to produce your film with precision and technical know-how.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City, Los Angeles & Vermont
- Length: Four, Five, and Six Weeks
- Projects: The Hitchcock & The Kurowsawa
Course is good for:
- Students who have completed the 2 or 3 Week Core Filmmaking course or an equivalent program
- Ages 15-19
Cinematography, 3wk
Get hands-on practice with cameras, lenses, and equipment that only the pros use.
Course details:
- Offered in New York City Only
- Length: Three Weeks
- Projects: Dance Video, Music Video, Acting Reel
Course is good for:
- Students who have completed our Core Filmmaking and/or Advanced Filmmaking course.
- New students with equivalent formal training by Portfolio Application
- Ages 15-19
Advanced Projects, 3wk
With a focus on advanced writing and producing, the Advanced Projects program instructors work with a small group of students to guide their filmmaking ambitions to reality.
Course details:
- Offered in Vermont Only
- Length: Three Weeks
- Projects: Herzog Film
Course is good for:
- Students who have completed our Advanced Filmmaking course
- Ages 15-19
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Every evening, Monday through Friday, we plan an activity for the students, whether it be a barbecue on campus, a dinner in the city, a cool-off swim, a theater/musical performance, or a film screening. On the Saturday afternoons that are not devoted to shooting and performing, we organize a group excursion. This could include a trip to a museum, the beach or a show in the city. Past evening and Saturday excursions have included trips to Coney Island Amusement Park, live tapings of MTV's TRL, outdoor concerts (The Roots, OCMS, TV on the Radio, etc.), Universal Studios, Pilobolus Dance Group at the Joyce, Disco Bowling, Broadway Shows such as Spring Awakening, Hair, Rent and Avenue Q, Six Flags Amusement Park, Fourth of July Fireworks, Bryant Park Film Screenings, and off-Broadway hits such as Fuerza Bruta and Stomp, to name a few.
MASTER CLASSES
At least once per session, SOCAPA invites a top industry professional from the New York or Hollywood film or performing arts scene to come to campus and lead a master class for all students, regardless of focus. Some past guests include Academy Award-Winning actress Melissa Leo (The Fighter, Frozen River, 21 Grams), writer/director John Hamburg (I Love You Man, Along Came Polly, Safe Men, Zoolander, Meet the Fockers, Little Fockers), actor Luis Guzman (Traffic, Boogie Nights, Punch Drunk Love, Carlito's Way, Anger Management), writer Hawk Ostby (Iron Man, Children of Men, Cowboys and Aliens), actor Brendan Sexton III (Empire Records, Welcome to the Dollhouse), the four lead characters from American Teen, filmmaker Peter Sollett (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Raising Victor Vargas), actor Sarah Clarke (TV show 24, Thirteen) screenwriter Andrew Marlowe (Air Force One, End of Days, Hollow Man), director Morgan J. Freeman (Hurricane Streets), comedian Matt Walsh (The Daily Show, Bad Santa, Upright Citizens Brigade), and the cast of Hair and Spring Awakening on Broadway.
| 11a-3p: | Airport Arrivals |
| 1-4p: | Dormitory Check-in |
| 5-6p: | Welcome Dinner |
| 6-7p | Film Program Orientation - Meet & Greet with Teachers |
| 7-8:30p: | All Programs Orientation |
| 9:30p: | Dormitory Floor Meetings & Orientation |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 7:30 – 8:30a: | Breakfast |
| 8:45a: | Meet for Attendance in Lobby |
| 9a-12p: | Filmmaking #1 |
| 12-1p: | Lunch |
| 1-3p: | Camera Tech #1 |
| 3-5p: | Writing #1 |
| 5-6p: | Get ready for dinner |
| 7-9p: | Dinner on the Town |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 7:30a – 8:30a: | Breakfast |
| 8:45a: | Meet for Attendance in Lobby |
| 9a-12p: | Filmmaking #2 |
| 12-1p: | Lunch |
| 1p-3p: | Camera Tech #2 |
| 3-5p: | Writing #2 |
| 5:30 – 6:30p: | Dinner |
| 7-9:30p: | Walking Tour of Downtown/Group Photo |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 7:30a – 8:30a: | Breakfast |
| 8:45a: | Meet for Attendance in Lobby |
| 9a-12p: | Shoot Rodriguez (Directors 1) |
| 12-1p: | Lunch |
| 1-5p: | Shoot Rodriguez (Directors 2) |
| 5:30 – 6:30p: | Dinner |
| 7-9:30p: | Guest Filmmaker - Film Screening / Q&A |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 7:30 – 8:30a: | Breakfast |
| 8:45a: | Meet for Attendance in Lobby |
| 9a-12p: | Shoot Rodriguez (Directors 1) |
| 12-1p: | Lunch |
| 1-5p: | Intro to Editing Class / Start Editing |
| 5:30 – 6:30: | Dinner |
| 7-9:30: | Work Night - Editing |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 7:30 – 8:30a: | Breakfast |
| 8:45a: | Meet for Attendance in Lobby |
| 9a-12p: | Final Edits |
| 12-1p: | Lunch |
| 1-3:30p: | Critique Rodriguez |
| 3:30 - 5:00p: | Pack and Clean |
| 5:30 – 6:30p: | Dinner |
| 7-9p: | Final Showcase |
| Wrap Party | |
| 10-10:30p: | Floor Check-in |
| 8-10a: | Students Depart |
| We will miss you!! | |
Filmmaking Faculty
SOCAPA offers small classes and an accomplished teaching staff comprised of industry professionals with recent and ongoing production experience. Drawn from some of the top universities and film schools, including the Ivy League, USC, the American Film Institute, NYU, and Columbia, the instructors at SOCAPA guide the students through the program with delicacy and skill.
Jamie Yerkes
Film Program Director, New York City
MFA Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. Has worked in the film industry as a cinematographer, an editor, and a writer/director. First short film was an Official Sundance Selection in 1996 and has won awards at festivals worldwide. First feature, Spin the Bottle, was released by TLA Releasing in 2001. Taught for over five years as a Professor of Film at Long Island University. Originally from Vermont.
Jennifer Gerber
Film Program Director, Los Angeles
MFA Film, Columbia University. Served as Senior Producer for Manning Productions and as Director/Writer/Editor for Sagebrush Productions. Award Winning Director: Regional Finalist for the Student Academy Awards, Princess Grace Honorarium, two-time Columbia College Chicago Big Screen Finalist, and winner of two Telly awards. Her debut feature film, The Revival, was an Official Selection of Outfest 2017. She is originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and remains active in the film industry there. [jengerber.com]
Jacob Okada
Film Program Director, Vermont
BFA Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. LA based writer, director, editor and cinematographer. His short film, “Curtis,” received an honorable mention at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Shot and co-produced the feature documentary, Off and Running, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was nominated for a 2011 Emmy Award. He has worked as a freelance film editor with credits for PBS and many emerging filmmakers. Most recently, he has produced several episodes for the TV series Vet School and Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER, and the two short films Poor Fit and For I Must Hold My Tongue. [jacobokada.com]
Nick Ordway
Advanced Filmmaking, New York City
MFA Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. Before entering the world of film, Nick studied literature and theatre at Princeton University and taught English at Chiang Mai University in Thailand. His films have played at Lincoln Center. Assistant Director on the 2011 Academy Award-winning short “God of Love.” He is currently developing a dark romantic comedy. Originally from Manhattan but also spent time, growing up, in Westport, CT.[nickordway.com]
Javier Loarte
Core Filmmaking, New York City
MFA Film, Columbia University. Awarded with a Fulbright scholarship to pursue his MFA in Film Directing and Screenwriting at Columbia University. His award-winning short films have been screened in more than 150 Film Festivals and Contemporary Art Museums including Telluride Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival and Pompidou Centre in Paris. Originally from Madrid, Spain. [javierloarte.com]
Ishai Setton
Advanced Filmmaking, Los Angeles
BFA with Honors Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. His first feature film, The Big Bad Swim, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and screened at festivals around the world, including Karlovy Vary, Munich, Zurich and Istanbul Film Festivals. The film follows an adult beginner’s swim class and stars Paget Brewster and Jess Weixler. The Big Bad Swim received a runner-up Audience Award for Best Director from the Seattle International Film Festival and won best American Independent from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival among others. Ishai’s latest feature film, The Kitchen, stars Laura Prepon, Bryan Greenberg, Dreama Walker and Amber Stevens. That film opened in theaters in LA in March, 2013, and was released in the US by Monterey Media. Ishai won a Vimeo Filmmaker Grant for The Kitchen and the film is currently airing internationally on The Sundance Channel. Ishai was selected as a member of the 2014-2016 ABC/Disney DGA Directing Fellowship. In addition to directing, Ishai also works as an editor. He edited the feature documentary Artifact, which was directed by Jared Leto. He also worked as an editor on the TV shows Glee and Scream Queens.[ishaisetton.com]
Miguel Silveira
Core & Advanced Filmmaking, Vermont
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Miguel Silveira lives and works in NYC. After wrapping his first feature-length documentary I Am a Visitor in Your World (Official selection - Woodstock Film Festival, Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Athens Film + Video Festival) Miguel completed his thesis film at Columbia University, a political thriller titled Devil's Work. The film was selected by Columbia University's festival jury as one of the seven best films to come out of the program in 2014. The film also received the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation production grant, the Caucus Foundation award for excellence in filmmaking, the DGA awards for best film in its category and it was selected as a semi-finalist at the Student Academy Awards competition. Miguel developed and directed the Venezuelan chapter of MTV's documentary series Rebel Music, executive produced by Shepard Fairey, which aired worldwide in 2015. Miguel has taught in institutions such as Columbia College Chicago, EICTV in San Antonio de Los Banos, Cuba as well as Columbia University. He is also a proud sponsor of the Telluride Film Festival City Lights Program. After receiving his MFA from Columbia University, Miguel co-founded NoPort Films and is currently in production for the feature film American Thief and in development for DROPHOUSE, a political-thriller to be shot in Detroit in 2017.[miguelsilveira.com]
Christoph Rainer
Core Filmmaking, New York City
Christoph Rainer is an Austrian filmmaker who graduated from The Filmacademy Vienna with a concentration in directing. He then received a Fulbright scholarship to pursue his MFA at Columbia University in New York, where he graduated with honors. His short films have been invited to over 250 film festivals worldwide, screened at museums such as the Tabakelera in San Sebastian and the MoMA in New York and have won numerous awards such as the TIFF Emerging Filmmaker Award at the Toronto Film Festival.
Erlingur Thoroddsen
Advanced Filmmaking and Advanced Projects, New York City
Erlingur Thoroddsen is an award winning writer and director born and raised in Reykjavík, Iceland. He is a graduate from Columbia University's MFA Film Directing Program.
Erlingur’s first feature, CHILD EATER, based on his short film, premiered as the Closing Night film of the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in 2016. His films have screened at various international festivals such as South By Southwest, Stockholm International Film Festival, Puchon International Film Festival and Screamfest.
His second feature, the psychological thriller RÖKKUR (e. RIFT) will premiere as the Closing Film of the 40th Göteborg International Festival in February 2017. [erlingurthoroddsen.com]
Levi Abrino
Advanced Filmmaking and Advanced Projects, New York City
Levi Abrino is a writer and director based in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently, he wrote for Amazon Prime's award-winning kids series Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street. And, he helped produce and script the feature-length romantic comedy It Had To Be You, starring Cristin Milioti (Fargo, Wolf of Wall Street), currently in festivals. Levi is a graduate of New York University's prestigious Film Directing MFA program, and his short films Little Horses, The Lonely Bliss of the Cannonball Luke, and I Ran with a Gray Ghost have screened and won awards at numerous film festivals in the US and abroad. He is also an accomplished editor, notably cutting the Oscar-winning short film God of Love and the feature film Lovesick, starring Matt LeBlanc.
Levi grew up with three siblings on a dairy farm in rural Western Pennsylvania. He has degrees in Geography and Filmmaking from Penn State University, which, after graduating, he was able to parlay into a job on the teller line of a small town bank. Here, his duties included cashing checks, taking deposits, and playing the crook in Friday-morning bank robbery drills. [leviabrino.com]
Craig Johnson
Core and Advanced Filmmaking, Los Angeles and New York City
MFA Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. Craig's thesis project, True Adolescents, was released in 2009 as his first feature film. He has since written and directed a second feature, The Skeleton Twins, released in 2014 and recently directed Wilson, starring Woody Harrelson, Judy Greer and Laura Dern, due for release in 2016. Craig is originally from Bellingham, Washington where he studied theatre at the University of Washington and worked for several years in theatre and sketch comedy. He currently lives and works as a screenwriter and director in Los Angeles, California.
Luke Matheny
Core and Advanced Filmmaking, Los Angeles and New York City
MFA Film, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. Luke's thesis film, God of Love, which Luke wrote, directed and starred in, won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film in 2011. Luke continues to work as a writer, director, and producer of film and television. Luke's first feature co-writing credit, A Birder's Guide to Everything was released in 2014. He has since directed the feature film Lovesick, starring Matt LeBlanc, and the TV series' Maron and Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street.
Lisa Rubin
Screenwriting, New York City
Lisa received her B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania and her MFA in film from Columbia University. She is currently in pre-production for a new Netflix original series, Gypsy. She is also adapting the best-selling novel I Was Hereby Gayle Forman for New Line Cinema, and has been tapped to adapt the novel Food Whore: A Novel of Dining and Deceit by Jessica Tom for DreamWorks Studios.
Andrew Ruiz
Screenwriting, New York City
MFA Film, Columbia University. Andrew received a Sloan Foundation Treatment Fellowship for his feature-length screenplay 40 Watts From Nowhere, and the screenplay for his short film Fish won the Katharina Otto-Bernstein Development Grant. Andrew’s experience teaching and working with teens ranges from helping to create the “Young Artist Film Lab,” working as an inaugural instructor for “Project FOCUS (Filmmakers Of Color United in Spirit),” and working as a Screenwriting Preceptor for a 15-week screenwriting course at Columbia University.
Sample Work
We are incredibly proud of the work our students create at SOCAPA. Check out some of the best films below or explore an actual Student Film Portfolio!
Student Films
Advanced Project Films
Student Cinematography Reels
"My experience at SOCAPA was great! I learned a lot about filmmaking and at the same time I met wonderful new friends from all over the world. Classes were interesting, filming was exciting and editing was long but enjoyable. I'll definitely see you next summer!"