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Sunday, June 28 - Friday, July 9, 2027

 

From First Take to Final Cut

Have you ever imagined seeing your own story come to life on the big screen? At Point Park University's Film Intensive Summer Camp in Pittsburgh, you'll experience the filmmaking process firsthand, from developing your original story to directing scenes, operating professional cameras, and editing your finished film.

Over two action-packed weeks, collaborate with fellow aspiring filmmakers, explore the art of cinematography, and bring your creative vision to life using professional filmmaking equipment and editing software. With guidance from experienced film professionals, you'll create your own short film and showcase your work at a final screening, all while experiencing college life in Downtown Pittsburgh.

What You'll Experience

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Pre-Production

Plan Your Story from the Ground Up

Every great film starts with a vision. Develop your ideas through brainstorming, screenwriting, storyboarding, shot planning, and creative collaboration as you prepare to bring your story to life on screen.

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Production

From Script to Screen

Step onto the set and start filming! Work with cameras, direct scenes, collaborate with your crew, and learn the hands-on process of capturing footage as you turn your ideas into a real short film.

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Post-Production

Shape the Final Cut

Bring everything together in the editing room. Explore post-production through video editing, sound, pacing, and visual storytelling as you transform raw footage into a finished film ready for the screen.

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Experience Pittsburgh

College Life at Point Park

Discover what it’s like to study film in Downtown Pittsburgh. Connect with fellow young filmmakers, explore campus, build friendships, and experience college life while pursuing your passion for storytelling and cinema.

Kelly Donnellan, M.F.A. - Instructor

Kelly Donnellan, M.F.A., is an award-winning editor, director, and educator with more than 25 years of experience in filmmaking and post-production. She has edited feature documentaries and more than 50 short films, including the Student Academy Award-winning Dying Green and the acclaimed documentary I Throw Rocks!. Her directorial work on I is Another earned her the Best Female Director – Woman to Watch award at the Underexposed Film Festival. At Point Park University, Donnellan brings her extensive industry experience into the classroom, helping aspiring filmmakers develop their storytelling, directing, and editing skills.

Kelly
Associate Professor, Film Production

Program Details

Experience the excitement of filmmaking at Point Park University's Film Intensive Summer Camp! This two-week program introduces aspiring filmmakers to the creative and technical sides of film production, from pre-production planning and on-set collaboration to editing and post-production. Students gain hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment and industry-standard editing software while developing their own short films in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Program Dates: June 28–July 9, 2027 (Monday–Friday, two weeks)

Program Format: Two-week intensive with commuter and residential options available.

Who Can Attend?

Film Intensive is designed for high school students interested in filmmaking, directing, cinematography, screenwriting, video editing, and visual storytelling. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking to develop your filmmaking skills, no previous experience is necessary!

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in Fall 2027 and/or 2027 high school graduates.

Explore the Camp Handbook

Want a closer look at the experience? Explore our previous Film Intensive Handbook for information about filmmaking workshops, production activities, campus life, student expectations, and program logistics.

View the 2026 Film Intensive Handbook

Please note: The 2026 handbook is provided as a reference. Confirmed 2027 program dates, schedules, and pricing on this page take precedence over previous-year information.

Cost and Campus Life

Kelly

Commuter

$1,700 Total Program Cost

Bring your filmmaking vision to life at Point Park University's Film Intensive while commuting to campus each day. Spend two weeks developing your storytelling skills, working with professional filmmaking equipment, and creating your own short film.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Program Tuition: $1,500

  • Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $200

  • Total: $1,700

What's Included: Daily lunch, hands-on filmmaking workshops, access to film production equipment and editing software, collaborative production activities, and a final film screening.

Kelly

Residential

$3,300 Total Program Cost

Take your filmmaking experience beyond the set! Live on campus at Point Park University, collaborate with fellow aspiring filmmakers, and experience college life in Downtown Pittsburgh throughout the two-week intensive.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Program Tuition: $1,500

  • Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $200

  • Room & Meals: $1,600

  • Total: $3,300

What's Included: University housing, campus meals, hands-on filmmaking workshops, access to production equipment and editing software, collaborative film projects, and supervised residential activities.

Kelly

On-Campus Housing

Students in the intensive may receive housing assignments on campus in either Lawrence Hall or Thayer Hall. Housing is limited each summer, so register early!

Housing assignment accommodation requests can be made through CampDoc, but cannot be guaranteed.

Activities

Each weekday evening, students are welcome to attend activities between 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on campus. Some evening activities include crafting, slime-making, bingo, and more! 

Weekend activites are planned in advance and may include trips to the local theaters, amusement parks, markets, or can be used as days for rest. 

Kelly

Contact Us

Office of Pre-College Programs
211 Lawrence Hall

Phone: (412) 392-3456
Email: summercamps@pointpark.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mailing Address:
Point Park Pre-College Programs
201 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Learn more about the Office of Pre-College Programs staff.

Payment Options & Available Discounts

Registration & Payment: A $100 non-refundable registration fee is required to reserve your place and is included in the total program cost above. Registration and payments are processed through CampDoc. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and electronic checks are accepted. Payment plans are available.

Point Park Family Discount: Point Park University employees, alumni, and their eligible immediate family members receive 30% off program tuition. This discount does not apply to registration fees, housing, or meals.

Enter Discount Code: PPUMEMBER27

Sibling & Multi-Program Discount: Families registering multiple children or enrolling a student in more than one program can receive a $50 discount, applicable once per eligible account or program.

Enter Discount Code: MULTISUMMER27

Important Discount Information: To receive an eligible discount, you must enter the applicable promotional code during the CampDoc registration process. Discounts are not applied automatically. Only one discount code may be used per registration, and discounts cannot be combined. Please ensure your discount is reflected in your total before completing registration.

All program fees must be paid before the start of camp. Please review our Pre-College FAQs for cancellation and refund policies.