FILMMAKING PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Become a Filmmaker
Through Real Film Production
Students gain practical, on-set experience by writing, shooting, directing, and editing their own films—while also serving as essential crew members on fellow students’ projects. You will rotate through roles such as director, cinematographer, writer, and editor, learning what it truly means to be part of a film production.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF OCCUPATIONAL SCIENCE IN FINE ARTS & FILMMAKING
A professional program designed to prepare students for careers in film, television, and digital media.
SEMESTER-BY-SEMESTER COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Our four-semester program guides students from foundational acting and filmmaking techniques to advanced directing, production, and post-production training.
1st Semester — Foundations
Improvisation (Beginner/Intermediate)
Learn to create strong improvised scenes (3–5 minutes) by trusting instincts, embracing “Yes, and…,” and unlocking natural impulses.
Acting Technique: Meisner
Scene work, truthful listening, emotional responsiveness, and imaginary circumstances.
American Film History
Explore the evolution of filmmaking and the rise of Hollywood.
Meisner Class
Repetition, deep listening, truth-based character development.
Storyboarding & Cinematography
Training with cameras, lighting, exposure, composition, workflows, and color correction.
Directing Theory
Fundamentals of directing, casting, text analysis, blocking, and visual storytelling.
Film & Script Analysis
Scene breakdowns, themes, director’s vision, and in-class direction.
Writing a Short Film
Structure, outlining, symbolism, metaphors, and script development.
Golden Box Workshop
Comprehensive overview of Meisner, Strasberg, Adler, Chekhov, Stanislavski, and more.
2nd Semester — Production & Directing
Directing Actors: Scenes
How to communicate with actors and build a collaborative creative process.
Pre-Production
Develop your feature screenplay outline; cast actors from the acting program for table reads.
Filming a Short Film
Hands-on directing experience—decision making, leadership, problem solving.
Editing & Post-Production
Work with dailies, build your cut, revise, and finalize picture, sound, color, and VFX.
Producing a Web Series
Write, produce, and shoot episodic content.
Directing a Web Series
Learn pacing, consistency, logistics, and directing across multiple episodes.
3rd Semester — Advanced Techniques
Stanislavski Technique
Emotional recall, effective memory, personalization, and monologue work.
Directing on Camera
Cast actors, direct scenes, and refine directing through repeated exercises.
Stage Combat Filming
Safe fight choreography for film and on-stage action.
Directing Scenes
Advanced communication and collaboration between director and actor.
Improvisation (Advanced)
Sustain 5–8 minute scenes and develop characters immediately.
Film & Script Analysis
Scene breakdowns, director-actor dynamics, in-class directing practice.
Music Video Production
Develop and shoot a music video using prior filmmaking skills.
4th Semester — Industry Preparation
Acting Technique – Strasberg
How to communicate with actors and build a collaborative creative process.
Business of Filmmaking
Understanding production design, art direction, and visual storytelling.
Write a Feature Film
Develop a full-length script focusing on structure, character, and theme.
Make a Movie Part 1
– Pre-Production
Make a Movie Part 2
– Proof of Concept
Make a Movie Part 3
– Post-Production
Complete a film from initial planning to final cut, including editing, color, sound, and VFX.
ELECTIVES — INDUSTRY ESSENTIALS
Art of the Pitch
How to pitch effectively and communicate project value.
Casting
Audition strategies and insight into what casting directors look for.
Outline Treatment
Present a full story in a concise professional format.
Production Design
Hands-on exploration of art direction, sets, visual storytelling, and design problem-solving
Accent Reduction
Develop a standard American accent and improve clarity for film and TV work.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
– F1 VISA SUPPORT
The Los Angeles Acting Conservatory is authorized to enroll non-immigrant students through the F1 student visa program. International students may study:
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Acting
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Filmmaking
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Digital Film Workshops