Pepperdine Endeavor Hollywood Film & Acting Summer Program For High School Students

Course Description: Pepperdine Endeavor Hollywood Film & Acting Summer Program For High School Students

Lights, Camera, Hollywood

Los Angeles, the heart of the global entertainment industry, provides the perfect environment for students who want to explore careers in film production, acting, directing, and screenwriting. Surrounded by the studios, talent agencies, and creative professionals that shape modern cinema, students experience the excitement and creativity of the film industry first-hand.

This immersive program introduces students to the creative and technical side of filmmaking and acting, combining professional instruction, collaborative projects, and industry exposure. Participants work with professional-level equipment and editing technology while learning how films and television productions move from concept to screen.

Through workshops, lectures, and practical projects, students develop their creative skills while gaining insight into the careers and opportunities available across the entertainment industry.

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Academic Programme: Film & Acting �*

The programme explores the creative process behind film and television production, helping students understand the technical and artistic skills required in the entertainment industry.

Students participate in classes covering topics such as:

• Story development and screenwriting

• Directing and cinematography

• Film editing and post-production

• Acting techniques and performance

• Animation and visual storytelling

Participants work collaboratively to produce a short film project, learning each stage of production from storyboarding and filming to editing and final presentation.

Students gain experience using professional tools and editing software used in the industry.

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Course Options

Students choose one of two specialisations during the programme.

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Filmmaking �*

Students interested in directing, producing, or working behind the camera explore the complete filmmaking process.

The filmmaking course introduces:

• Storyboarding and visual storytelling

• Camera operation and cinematography

• Lighting techniques and production design

• Editing and post-production

• Collaborative film production

Students work in teams to produce a short film, using professional-quality equipment and industry-standard production techniques.

The programme also includes visits to professional studio environments where students gain insight into how film productions operate.

At the end of the programme, students present their completed film during a special screening in a theatre setting.

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Acting �*

Students interested in performing explore the art and technique of acting for film and television.

The acting course focuses on:

• Character development and performance

• Scene study and dramatic storytelling

• Improvisation and stage confidence

• Monologues and audition preparation

• Partner scene work

Students are introduced to widely used acting approaches including:

• Stanislavski’s “Magic If” technique

• Method acting (Lee Strasberg)

• The Meisner technique

Throughout the programme students develop their performance skills through individual and paired acting exercises, preparing scenes and monologues for presentation.

Students may also participate in audition-style exercises, helping them understand the professional casting process.

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Industry Exposure �*

Students gain valuable insight into the entertainment industry through:

• Guest lectures from writers, directors, and actors

• Studio tours and behind-the-scenes experiences

• Visits to filming locations and production environments

• Opportunities to observe television tapings or industry events

These experiences provide a real-world perspective on how the film and television industry operates.

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Final Film Premiere �*

The programme concludes with a special screening event, where students showcase the projects they have created during the course.

Filmmaking students present their completed short films, while acting students perform selected scenes or presentations developed throughout the programme.

This final showcase allows students to celebrate their work and share their creative achievements with peers and instructors.

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A Typical Weekday Schedule ⏰

Students follow a structured schedule combining creative learning, practical workshops, and social activities.

08:30 – 09:15 Breakfast

09:30 – 12:30 Film / Acting Classes

12:30 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 Workshops, Film Projects, or Studio Visits

17:30 – 19:00 Free Time / Relaxation

19:00 – 20:30 Dinner

20:30 – 23:00 Evening Activities

23:00 – 00:00 Residence Hall Social Time

00:00 Lights Out

Accommodation in Malibu �*

Students live on campus at Pepperdine University in Malibu, one of the most beautiful university campuses in the United States. Located above the Pacific Ocean, the campus offers spectacular coastal views and a safe residential environment.

Accommodation includes:

• Two students per bedroom

• Four to six students per suite

• Private bathrooms within each suite

• Shared living space

• Internet access

Students are matched with roommates based on age and interests, helping create a positive residential community.

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Meals �*

Meals are served in the university’s on-campus dining facilities, offering a wide range of freshly prepared options.

Typical meals include:

• Hot entrees and international dishes

• Salad and vegetable selections

• Fresh fruit and desserts

• Fresh bread and pastries

• Beverage stations

The programme includes:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Weekend brunch and dinner

Occasionally students may enjoy meals at local restaurants as part of organised outings.

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Activities & Cultural Experiences �*

Afternoons and evenings include a wide range of activities designed to help students explore Southern California while building friendships.

Activities may include:

• Beach visits and coastal exploration

• Beach volleyball and outdoor sports

• Fitness activities and recreation

• Sunset beach walks

• Karaoke nights and social events

• Bowling and mini-golf

• Bonfires and group activities

Students also explore iconic destinations across Los Angeles.

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Weekend Adventures �*

Weekend excursions introduce students to some of Southern California’s most famous locations.

Santa Monica & Venice

Students explore two of Los Angeles’ most vibrant coastal areas.

Highlights include:

• Venice Beach and the famous boardwalk

• Street performers, murals, and beach culture

• Abbot Kinney Boulevard shops and cafés

• Santa Monica Pier and its iconic Ferris wheel

• Third Street Promenade shopping district

Optional Excursion: Universal Studios

Students may choose to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, where they can experience movie-themed attractions and explore one of the world’s most famous film studios.

Manhattan Beach

Students may also visit Manhattan Beach, a coastal town known for its scenic shoreline, boutique shops, cafés, and relaxed California atmosphere.

Safety & Supervision �*

Student safety is a top priority throughout the programme. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve. As part of our commitment to student safety, Staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions. We always use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.

Safety measures include:

• Low student-to-staff supervision ratios

• Staff members living in student residence halls

• Staff supervision during all activities and excursions

• Private transportation for organised trips

• 24-hour campus security at Pepperdine University

The campus itself is a gated community with controlled access and continuous security patrols.

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Travel Information ✈️

Students typically arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

At designated arrival times:

• Staff meet students at baggage claim

• Students are escorted to organised transport

• Comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles transfers take students directly to the Pepperdine campus

Students depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at the end of the programme.

Airport transfers are arranged according to scheduled arrival and departure times.

If you are attending the San Francisco Extension, you will return home from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  If you are attending the Hawaii Extension, you will return home from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 

*Transportation is not included in tuition.

Optional Program Extensions 🌺�*

Students may extend their California summer experience with an additional supervised travel programme. These extensions allow participants to continue exploring with the same staff support and many of the friends they have already made during the main programme.

Both options require supplementary tuition.

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Hawaii Extension �*

Students can add 7 extra days to their California experience by joining a multi-island Hawaii extension. This extension includes time in Maui and Honolulu, combining beaches, cultural experiences, outdoor adventure, and historical visits.

Students remain under staff supervision throughout and travel together as a group.

Maui Highlights �*

In Maui, students experience the island’s natural beauty, coastal scenery, and local culture. Activities may include:

• Exploring Lahaina, a historic whaling village with shops, galleries, and restaurants

• Snorkelling from a catamaran among tropical fish and sea turtles

• Enjoying a traditional Hawaiian luau with music and hula performances

• Discovering the island’s famous beaches and scenic viewpoints

• Experiencing the atmosphere of the “Valley Isle,” known for its dramatic landscapes and sunsets

Honolulu Highlights �*

In Honolulu, students stay near Waikiki Beach and explore some of Hawaii’s most iconic sites. Activities may include:

• Surf lessons at Waikiki Beach

• Hiking Diamond Head for panoramic views of Oahu’s coastline

• Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and learning about Pearl Harbor

• Exploring Iolani Palace, the only official royal palace in the United States

• Visiting the Dole Plantation and tasting the famous Dole Whip

• Enjoying shopping, dining, and beach time in Waikiki

Important Note ✈️

Flights for the Hawaii extension are organised in a supervised group setting, but transportation within the extension is not included in tuition.

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San Francisco Extension �*

Students can also add 5 extra days to explore San Francisco and the Bay Area. This extension introduces students to one of California’s most famous cities, blending culture, history, university visits, and coastal scenery.

San Francisco Highlights �*

Activities may include:

• Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping, entertainment, and waterfront views

• Exploring Pier 39, including its shops, attractions, and sea lions

• Touring Alcatraz Island, with its historic prison and fascinating history

• Visiting the Japanese Tea Garden

• Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge

• Shopping and sightseeing in Union Square

• Exploring Chinatown, one of the most historic in the United States

• Enjoying desserts and shopping at Ghirardelli Square

• Riding one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars

Nature & University Visits �*

Students may also take part in:

• A scenic hike from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach through towering redwoods and coastal landscapes

• A visit to Stanford University in Palo Alto

• A visit to the University of California, Berkeley, including time around Telegraph Avenue

This extension gives students the chance to experience a different side of California, with a strong mix of city culture, nature, and academic inspiration.

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Why Choose an Extension? ✨

These optional extensions are ideal for students who want to make the most of their time in the United States by continuing their travels in a safe, structured, and social environment.

Students benefit from:

• Continued staff supervision

• Travelling with familiar peers

• Additional cultural and historical experiences

• More sightseeing, adventure, and university exposure

• Comfortable accommodation and organised activities throughout

What's Included

Your program tuition is all inclusive of lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week, breakfast and dinner on the weekend, 2 electives, and activities as listed. Not included is lunches on the weekend, snacks, personal spending money for souvenirs, laundry, airport transfers, and transportation to and from the program. Transportation on the Hawaii Extension is not included in tuition.

We also offer travel insurance that is not included, but highly recommended.