15 Film Programs for High School Students in NYC
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 12 min read
For students interested in film, participating in a specialized program is valuable as it allows you to explore storytelling, production, and collaboration while gaining insight into how the industry works. You’ll benefit from proximity to independent filmmakers, major studios, film festivals, and production sets.
Why should I participate in a film program in New York City?
New York City is a good place for film programs as it is a global hub for media, entertainment, and storytelling. The city’s creative community offers opportunities to network and exposure to a range of film styles and career paths. Film programs for high schoolers in New York City stand out for their rigor, trips to local institutions, and access to industry professionals. Some are also fully funded, highly selective, and hosted by prestigious organizations , which makes them strong additions to your college applications.
With so many options available, we’ve narrowed our focus to the 15 top film programs for high schoolers in New York City.
Location: Remote, you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited, small cohorts
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Available at 34 locations nationwide; virtual option available
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Currently accepting applications with limited spots per location
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Dates: Tuesday/Thursday after school from January to May
Eligibility: Teens aged 13–19 interested in film, content creation, or storytelling
The Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking Program gives you experience through film and media projects executed over the course of the year. You learn each stage of the filmmaking process, including pre-production planning, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing. During the program, you work on a range of projects like creating a music video for an active band, producing a competition-style show, and developing a documentary in collaboration with Roku. You also contribute to a scripted scene connected to a Paramount+ project and produce a short film with guidance from Sony Pictures. Throughout the program, you engage directly with professionals working in film and television, including individuals affiliated with Sony, Paramount, and America’s Got Talent. Participants can also apply for a paid summer internship after completing this one!
Location: Museum of the Moving Image, New York, NY
Cost: No program fee; paid internship (stipend offered)
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: 15 – 17 participants
Application Deadline: October 17 (tentatively)
Dates: November – May (7-month program, tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 15 enrolled in their junior or senior year.
In the Teen Council program, you will work behind the scenes at the Museum of the Moving Image, helping organize public events for youth and museum visitors. You collaborate with other teens to shape program offerings, gaining hands-on experience in curating, event planning, and museum operations. You receive a stipend for your participation, recognizing your contribution to the museum’s mission and your commitment to the program. The program runs from November through May, with meetings and events scheduled throughout the school year. You build leadership, teamwork, and project management skills while working on real-world projects such as the annual Teen Film Festival. The council is open to NYC high school students who want to explore careers in film, media, or museum work and who are interested in contributing to youth-focused programming.
Location: Ghetto Film School, New York, NY
Cost: Free of charge for all students; transport and meals covered
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Spring
Dates: 30-month program (exact start and end dates Unspecified) (tentatively)
Eligibility: Incoming applicants ages 14–18; no prior filmmaking experience required
In the New York Fellows Program, you receive over 1,000 hours of immersive, college-level training in cinematic storytelling and production over a 30-month period. The curriculum covers both the art and business of filmmaking, preparing you for advancement in education and careers in the entertainment industry. You learn from leading filmmakers and industry experts, with opportunities for visits to live sets and studios, as well as international travel experiences. The program is free for all students, and transport and meals are provided throughout. You screen your films at prestigious venues, receive college application advising and test prep support, and are placed in internships at top media and creative companies. No previous experience in filmmaking is required, making the program accessible to students with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Location: DCTV Youth Media, New York, NY
Cost: Free of charge; some opportunities may offer paid internships
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: Programs offered throughout the year, including summer and academic year sessions
Eligibility: NYC high school students (grades 9–12), ages 13–24; beginner to advanced filmmakers welcome
In DCTV Youth Media, you will receive comprehensive, free media arts training focused on documentary filmmaking and storytelling. You develop skills in camera operation, editing, and media literacy through hands-on projects and mentorship from industry professionals. The program is designed for NYC students and offers opportunities for paid internships, screenings, and networking with media experts. You work on real-world projects that help you build a portfolio and gain experience in production, editing, and storytelling. The program is open to students of all experience levels, making it accessible to beginners and those with prior filmmaking backgrounds. You also participate in events such as film festivals and workshops that expose you to broader media communities and industry practices.
Location: BRIC, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Unspecified
Eligibility: NYC youth filmmakers; open to all ages (no prior experience required)
In the BRIC Youth Media Fellowship, you will develop and produce short films for the Concrete Stories Youth Media Festival, which showcases works by NYC youth. The festival is run by teens and gives you a platform to express your creativity and build community through filmmaking. You can submit films of any genre and may be eligible for awards in different categories. The program encourages self-expression and representation, aiming to include filmmakers of all ages. You gain experience in film production, collaboration, and event planning, with opportunities to see your work screened at a public festival. The fellowship is open to NYC youth with no prior filmmaking experience required, making it accessible to beginners and those looking to build their portfolio.
Location: Jacob Burns Film Center Media Arts Lab, Pleasantville, NY (one hour from NYC)
Cost: No cost to participate; $1,000 stipend provided for transportation and lost wages; dinner provided on class nights
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective, cohort of 10 students
Application Deadline: August 17
Dates: October 3 – December 5 (Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM, except final class and showcase on December 5, 4:30 PM – 8:45 PM)
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students in the fall
In the Director’s Cut: Emerging Screenwriter Fellowship, you participate in a ten-week, fully funded screenwriting program led by an NYU Tisch adjunct instructor. The program includes fifteen sessions at the Jacob Burns Film Center, where you will learn screenwriting, editing, and revision, and build collaborative skills in a workshop environment. You work closely with peers and mentors to develop a finished screenplay for a short film, which is performed in a table read by professional actors at the end of the program. You receive a stipend to cover transportation and lost wages, access to industry-standard equipment and software, and mentorship from an experienced instructor. The program culminates in a showcase event where your screenplay is performed, and you receive feedback from industry professionals. Admission is competitive, based on a completed application, personal statement, creative résumé, and virtual group interview.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Dates: Open to starting any time!
Eligibility: Open to all aspiring filmmakers
StudioBinder provides free, self-paced online courses that you can use to learn core filmmaking concepts. The lessons cover topics such as cinematography, screenwriting, and pre-production through guided video instruction. In addition to coursework, you have access to practical tools for building shot lists, storyboards, and production schedules. These features help you organize and plan film projects independently. If you are interested in directing, writing, or producing, the platform offers structured resources to support skill development at your own pace.
Location: Jacob Burns Film Center Media Arts Lab, Pleasantville, NY (one hour from NYC)
Cost: No cost to participate; $1,000 stipend provided for transportation and potential lost wages; dinner provided on class nights
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective, cohort of 10 students
Application Deadline: February 1
Dates: March 7 – May 30 (10 Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM); course not held March 28, April 4, or May 23; culminating screening, Q&A, and reception on June 2
Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11, and 12
In the Director’s Cut: Documentary Filmmaking Fellowship, you will participate in a ten-week course focused on documentary production, led by NYU Tisch faculty and Imagine Entertainment advisors. You learn research, interviewing, shooting, and editing techniques, and collaborate with peers to produce a short, interest-driven documentary film. The program includes in-person classes, four weekday afternoon Zoom sessions with industry experts, and a set/production visit to Imagine Entertainment offices. You receive a stipend to cover transportation and lost wages, access to industry-standard equipment and software, and mentorship from experienced professionals. At the end of the program, you showcase your documentary at a screening event attended by family and friends. Admission is competitive and based on a review of your application, personal statement, creative résumé, and interview.
Location: University of Mount Saint Vincent Campus and Great Point Studios, Lionsgate, New York, NY
Cost: $5,250 tuition; housing and meal plans available (additional fees apply); students may incur minor production expenses (up to $250 for transportation, meals, props, wardrobe)
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified
Application Deadline: Unspecified (tentatively)
Dates: TBA (25-day program, tentatively five weeks in summer)
Eligibility: Open to adults and high school students
In the Filmmakers Collective, you will participate in a five-week intensive filmmaking program focused on storytelling and technical skill development, culminating in a finished short film project. You learn screenwriting, directing, camera operation, lighting, sound, editing, and producing through hands-on classes and workshops led by industry professionals. You produce and direct your own 4–6 minute film, working on all aspects from script to screening, with support from instructors and staff throughout the process. The curriculum is structured so that each day builds on previous sessions, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. You participate in casting, scheduling, and production, and are responsible for organizing your crew, locations, and equipment. The program includes a premiere night where you screen your finished project for family and friends. College credit is available through Sarah Lawrence College
Location: Jacob Burns Film Center Media Arts Lab, Pleasantville, NY (one hour from NYC)
Cost: No cost to participate; $1,000 stipend provided for transportation and potential lost wages; dinner provided on class nights
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective, cohort of 10 students
Application Deadline: February 23
Dates: March 23 – June 8 (8 Sundays, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM; course not held April 13, April 20, May 11, May 25; culminating screening, Q&A, and reception on June 10) (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11; no GPA minimum
In Director’s Cut: Narrative Filmmaking, you will participate in an eight-week intensive course focused on creating a short narrative film, led by NYU Tisch adjunct faculty. You collaborate in small crews to pitch, storyboard, shoot, and edit a finished film, learning core camera, lighting, and audio skills. The program includes hands-on sessions, live demonstrations, and film screenings, with guidance on critical thinking and problem-solving on set. You receive a stipend for transportation and lost wages, access to industry-standard equipment and software, and mentorship from experienced instructors. At the end of the program, you screen your final project at the Jacob Burns Film Center Theater for family and friends. Admission is competitive and based on a review of your application, personal statement, creative résumé, and interview.
Location: New York University Tisch School of the Arts, New York, NY
Cost: $8,008 tuition (4 units), $200 program fee, $1,820 housing (4 weeks), $824 meals (10 meals/week for 4 weeks), $690 film narrative lab and insurance fee; $75 application fee. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need
Application Deadline: TBA
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 5 – August 1
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors (rising seniors) only; students must be at least 15 to reside in NYU housing
In the Filmmakers Workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of digital filmmaking, including shooting with digital video cameras and editing with Adobe Premiere. You work in crews to develop your skills in writing, directing, and editing as you produce short film projects, including a final 3–4 minute movie. Special emphasis is placed on storytelling through visual language, helping you communicate ideas effectively on screen. The program gives you hands-on experience in all stages of production, from concept to final edit, and encourages collaboration with peers. You live in NYU housing and are automatically enrolled in a meal plan, with the option to increase meals if desired. The program includes activities facilitated by Residential Life & Housing and a film narrative lab with an associated fee.
Location: New York Film Academy, various campuses (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and others)
Cost: Unspecified (varies by program length and format; additional details on the NYFA website)
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Currently accepting applications
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Dates: 1-week, 3-week, 6-week, and 2-day holiday camps available in summer; exact dates Unspecified (tentatively)
Eligibility: Teens aged 14–17; level-two camps require completion of level-one
In NYFA’s filmmaking summer camps, you will build skills in filmmaking and content creation through experience with professional instructors. You learn to write, shoot, direct, and edit your own original content, working on short film projects throughout the camp. The program offers different formats, including in-person and online camps, with options for 1-week, 3-week, 6-week, and 2-day holiday sessions. No previous experience is required for level-one camps, but level-two camps require completion of a level-one program. You participate in coursework, practical projects, and set time, gaining both creative and technical skills in filmmaking. The camps are designed for teens interested in storytelling, visual media, and content creation, and provide a foundation for further study or creative work in film and media. Alumni often use their training to pursue creative careers in acting, filmmaking, television, content creation, production, media, and entertainment.
Location: SOCAPA, New York (NYU), Los Angeles (Occidental College), and Burlington, VT (Champlain College)
Cost: Varies by program and location; additional details on the SOCAPA website
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment with limited spots per location
Application Deadline: Varies based on location
Dates: Core Filmmaking and Screenwriting programs offered in sessions ranging from 2 to 6 weeks in summer; specific dates are unspecified
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18
In SOCAPA Film Camps, you will write, direct, and edit your own short films, focusing on storytelling from script to screen. You collaborate with other students, working as crew on one another’s projects and gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of production. The camps are held on college campuses, providing access to undergraduate facilities and dormitories for residential students, or as day programs for those who prefer to commute. You learn technical skills such as using dual system sound recording, camera operation, and editing, while also engaging in evening and weekend activities that foster community and creativity. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and real-world filmmaking experience, with opportunities to attend master classes led by industry professionals. Whether you are new to filmmaking or have prior experience, SOCAPA offers tailored programs to help you develop your skills and express your unique perspective through film.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $299
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Dates: January 12 – February 8 for the upcoming session
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Completion of Film Production 101 or equivalent knowledge and/or experience is required
This four-week online summer program introduces you to the fundamentals of film editing with a focus on storytelling and structure. You study storyboarding and sequence construction while learning how editing practices have changed from early cinema to contemporary approaches. The curriculum examines a range of styles, including classical Hollywood editing and more experimental techniques, alongside case studies of influential editors such as Thelma Schoonmaker and Walter Murch. Through scene breakdowns and re-editing assignments, you practice shaping pacing, rhythm, and emotional tone. You apply these skills across multiple genres, including action, horror, comedy, and drama. The program concludes with a final project in which you produce a short, edited video designed for social media platforms.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1–1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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