Summer Documentary Projects Intensive

Coming Summer 2020!

Do you want to spend the summer learning valuable film skills in one of the best film cities in the country, while earning college credits that you can transfer to your home school?

With Columbia College Chicago's Summer Documentary Projects Intensive, you'll spend 3.5 weeks learning advanced techniques in the process of documentary filmmaking. You will create a fully-developed original short documentary film under the guidance of Columbia's award-winning faculty while working alongside students from around the world.

Please note: This class is only open to international students who are not currently enrolled at Columbia and have completed at least one year of university. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply. More information will be available starting September 2019.

Why Columbia?

Columbia faculty members are working professionals, filmmakers, documentarians, and editors who stay up-to-date with industry trends and teach them in the classroom. As a student, you will also have access to a number of creative spaces equipped with industry-standard software and technology.

Why Chicago?

The third-largest city in the United States, Chicago is home to a thriving number of major film and TV productions. You will have the opportunity to explore the vast cultural and professional opportunities that abound in this world-class city.

More Information

If you have a specific question, you can contact Pattie Mackenzie at pmackenzie@colum.edu. 

• Documentary Projects Course Details

  The Documentary Projects course (CINE 377) helps students develop advanced techniques in the process of documentary filmmaking, from idea, research, treatment and shooting techniques to editing. Students produce a fully developed short documentary film which exhibits a sophisticated approach to documentary concepts, practices, aesthetics, and ethical problems encountered in contemporary documentary filmmaking. Students will workshop ideas leading to a production that communicates meaning, demonstrates an ethical concern for its subjects, affects its audience, and reflects an individual voice. 

  Classes include lectures, group discussions, technical demonstrations, screenings, field trips, and guest speakers.

  Transferring Credits

  Following completion of the course, Columbia can provide a transcript showing the three-credit course. Please check with your home institution for more information about the transfer of credits.

   

• Program Costs

  The program fee is $4,255.

  
  The program fee includes:

  • Tuition for the 3-credit transferable course
  • Housing for one month at the University Center, located in the heart of Columbia's campus in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood
  • Course registration
  • Use of film equipment
  • Instructional resources and activity fees
  • Mandatory health insurance
  • City bus and train pass
  • Events hosted by Global Education

  The program fee does not include:

  • Airfare (check flights from your country).
  • SEVIS fee, and visa application fees.
    • Columbia will notify you whether you will be issued an F-1 or J-1 visa.
    • Please plan to pay up to $400 for these fees.
  • Meals
    • Expect to spend approximately $20-60 per day on food. Your housing will have kitchens to store groceries and cook meals, and there are many restaurant options near campus.
• Application Process and Deadlines

  Check back in September 2019 for more information about our Summer 2020 program.

  By the program deadline, you must submit: your completed application, including documentary questions, proof of English proficiency (review English language proficiency requirements), copy of your passport with name and photo showing, transcript from your home institution showing that you have completed one year of higher education, and a video that you have made.

  These materials will be reviewed by the program director in consultation with documentary faculty. Applicants are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis

• Important Course Dates
  • June 29-30: Move in
  • July 1: Classes begin
  • July 4-5: No classes (Independence Day holiday)
  • July 26: Classes end
  • July 27-28: Move out

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who teaches the course?

  Jeffrey Spitz is an Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker and Associate Professor in Columbia’s Cinema and Television Arts Department. He also works at Groundswell Educational Films. 

  Read Jeff's bio

• Where will I stay during the program?
  You will live in a furnished residence apartment in the University Center, the first multi-college residence center in the country. The University Center is located in the heart of our urban campus, in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood.
• Will I have free time?

  You should expect to be fully engaged in the documentary filmmaking process which includes daytime and possibly evening work. However, during field trips and weekends, you can experience much of the vibrancy, culture, and diversity that Chicago offers.

  World-renowned Millennium Park and Lake Michigan are a few blocks away.

  During the July 4-5 holidays, you’ll be close to music venues, celebrations, dancing under the stars, and fireworks.