About the Southern California Film Academy
Our Story
The Southern California Film Academy trains students between the ages of 14 and 18 in the art of movie making. From storytelling and screenwriting, to casting and film production, the Academy provides an immersive learning experience that guides students through the step-by-step process of developing their very own movie. Each session of the Academy culminates in a Film Festival to showcase student projects with the local community. Students that join the Academy will learn what it takes to forge a lucrative career in film industry, from screenwriting, cinematography, production and editing, to acting, directing, and storyboarding.
Our mission is to create pathways for all students to have accessible opportunities to gain the technical expertise and creative exposure required for them to gainfully pursue careers in the film industry.
Meet Our Head Instructor
Keyvon Pierre Adams
Professor Adams is an accomplished film professional and educator dedicated to shaping the next generation of filmmakers.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Professor Adams developed an early love of film, inspired by the work of directors such as Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, and John Singleton. After studying film and screenwriting as an undergraduate at New York University and Loyola Marymount University and as a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, Professor Adams went on to work as a freelance director, film editor, and production assistant on dozens of commercials, short films, and music videos. In 2022, Professor Adams wrote and directed his first feature film, set to premier internationally in 2023.
For the past four years, Professor Adams has dedicated himself to sharing his love of film and movie making with middle and high school students across the country, with a focus on teaching students from all backgrounds the essentials of film and video production, directing, storytelling, screenwriting, and directing.
Professor Adams' passion for the craft of filmmaking and the art of storytelling is contagious. As the current head of the Film Production department at Dominguez High School, his personal calling is to bridge the gap between film and education to create a better tomorrow.
About Our Sessions
Facilities
Sessions for the Southern California Film Academy will be held at Santa Ana College, right in the heart of Orange County. Santa Ana College is approximately 40 miles south of Los Angeles, 25 miles east of Long Beach, and 6 miles south of Disneyland.
Equipment
All students enrolled in the Academy will be provided with the computers, software programs, and technical equipment (cameras, lighting, sound, etc.) required for them to complete the coursework. No additional purchases or equipment rentals will be necessary beyond the course tuition.
Arrival & Departure
Summer Session: Classes take place from Monday through Friday, 10am PT to 3pm PT. Students are asked to provide their own lunch and will have a lunch break from 12:30pm PT to 1:00pm PT.
Fall Sessions: Classes are either held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm PT, or on Saturdays from 9:00am PT to 1:00pm PT.
FAQs
What are the age restrictions?
The Academy is open to students from age 14 through age 18.
Do I have to have any experience with screenwriting or movie making?
No experience is required to join the Summer Sessions, classes will include theory and practical instruction.
What are the dates and times of each session?
Please see the Upcoming Sessions tab for course details.
What is the cancellation policy?
Registrations for Academy are refundable up until two weeks prior to the class start date. After that timeline, registration fees will not be refundable, but course registrations can be transferred to another participant.
Partnership Opportunities
1
Sponsor a Student
The academy is committed to providing equitable access to our courses and instruction, regardless of income. Support our mission to make the Academy accessible to all by sponsoring tuition for one or more students to join the Academy.
2
Sponsor Our Film Festival
Each Summer Session of the Academy culminates with a Film Festival to showcase the screenplays and short films of our students. Sponsors of the Film Festival help make this showcase possible and enjoy broad online and experiential marketing opportunities throughout the local Southern California Community.
3
In-Kind Donations
The Academy runs on the generosity of corporate partners that provide access to computer equipment, cameras, lighting and sound equipment, software, and guest lecturers. Please contact us to learn more about making an in-kind contribution to the students of the Academy.