Film Academy for ages 13-15

Course Overview

• Students aged 13-15
• Course for upper-intermediate and above English speakers
• Residential in St. Peter's College, University of Oxford
• 2-week courses in July
• Students must be aged 13 or over before 1st September 2012

About the Course

Our Film Academy is a two-week extensive HD Digital Video Production course where students learn the whole process of video production from the initial idea through to a final film. The course shows students how to plan, storyboard, script and then shoot and edit a short drama or a documentary.

The first part of the process is to learn the basics of production – planning, script writing and development, location finding and storyboarding. Once students are ready to start filming they work in small groups using the latest HD video cameras, professional microphones and lighting equipment to shoot their production on location. Once the film is ‘in the can’ students use the latest Apple Macs and Final Cut Pro to edit their masterpiece. Credits and titles complete the production, then mastering for the students' own portfolio, for web and for release at the graduation ceremony.

The programme is very much ‘hands on’. From day one students get to use HD Digital Camcorders. The course teachers are established industry professionals with a passion for crafting moving image.

Course Details

The programme includes:

• 21 hours per week of Film Academy lessons and workshops.
• Access to the latest HD video camcorders, equipment, Apple Mac edit suites with Final Cut Pro.
• Industry professional guest speakers.
• Graduation event including film premieres.
• Full social and cultural programme with Oxford Royale students from other courses.
• Coach trips to London, Blenheim Palace and beyond.
• Live-in staff members.

Language Requirements

This course requires the students to be upper-intermediate, fluent, near-native or native English users (Common European Framework level C1 or above). Upon arrival, if a student is found to have an insufficient level of English to access the course, they may be moved to an English as a foreign language course which would be more suitable for their learning needs. If you are unsure regarding your level of English, please contact us for more information prior to booking. 

Film Academy Archive

• The Gnome
• Dream Glasses
• The Mask
• The Map
• Time Collector
• Lucky Twig

Oxford Activities and Free Time

A full cultural and recreational programme is provided as a part of the course. Activities include museum tours, visiting the botanic gardens, guest lectures and different summer sports, including the traditional English game of cricket. Students also have an opportunity to visit many of Oxford's most famous colleges and explore the fascinating museums and gardens. 

For "shopaholics", Oxford offers a wealth of charming markets and department stores. In the evenings, the programme offers students international parties, quiz nights, debates and variety performances. 

During the programme there are opportunities for students to take coach excursions where they will explore places of historic and cultural interest, as well as enjoy places such as London, Bicester Village shopping centre and a selection of English castles.

College Life

The course takes place on the campus of St. Peter's College, University Of Oxford. Single or twin rooms on the campus are provided, which are modern, homely and well lit. The rooms are within short walking distance of the teaching rooms, dining hall and computer room. There is a common room with a TV and comfy chairs for relaxing in the evenings. Male and female students are separated by corridors and/or staircases.  The course includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in college dining hall, with packed lunches available during coach excursions.

Our Staff and Students

Our experienced and friendly faculty offers our students a diverse range of teaching specialties and skills. The Film Academy teachers are industry professionals who have a long established knowledge of filming and photography, and a passion for crafting the moving image. Outside of the summer season, our tutors work on documentaries, UK television shows and advertisements; they then bring all of their experience to our Film Academy programmes during the summer. Our alumni students have rated the teaching as one of the best aspects of their experiences in Oxford, many scoring their classes a "perfect 10".

In the College itself students are overseen by the Programme Director, who implements the day-to-day running of the programme. The Director is assisted by a team of Student Counsellors who very often are current members of the University of Oxford.

The Counsellors ensure that students are looked after pastorally, culturally and socially during their programme. Students are able to talk informally and frankly to the Student Counsellors in order to raise concerns or to discuss university applications.

In terms of the demographics of the attendance of the programme, students come to ORA from all over the world. Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds and learning more about different experiences, ambitions and cultures is a central part of the ORA experience.

To see more detailed information about the nationalities of our students click here.

Dates and Fees

Useful Information

• Note that arrival day is always a Sunday and departure day is always a Saturday.
• On arrival day, students will be able to check in to their rooms after 12 midday.
• There is a welcome reception for students, friends and family at 5pm in the College grounds.
• On the departure day students need to check out of their rooms after breakfast at around 10am.
• Please note that Oxford Royale Academy does offer an airport transfer option that you can book separately. Click here for details
• Useful Information

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply:

 1. Apply Online
Click APPLY NOW

 2. Send in a paper application by Post or Fax
Application Form: Click here to go to the application page.
Address: Oxford Royale Academy, St. Catherine's College, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UJ, UK
Fax Number: +44 (0) 845 280 01 22

Procedure

You may choose to pay either the full course fee upon booking, or pay a deposit of £495 upon booking and pay the remaining balance 60 days before arrival in Oxford. As soon as the application form has been received with payment, a confirmation will be sent out to you along with further welcome pack materials.

Sample film, as made by students on this course: