Would you like to learn the movie-making process in a hands-on, professional, and collaborative environment? Come with us on a fun cinematic journey! From pre-production and photography through post-production, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade along the way. Learn about camera operation, lighting, grip control, sound recording, design and logistics, and editing. With many technical aspects in film production, it is an exciting art and a science. Your creativity will be guided by expert instruction, movie industry experts and technology. Finally, you will present your completed project at a theatrical-style film screening. 

Digital Cinema Production (DCP) “Lights, Camera, Action! A Digital Cinema Production Summer Academy” Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can a student miss any day or part of the Academy? In order to learn as much as possible about filmmaking in a short time frame, applicants must be present from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. for each day of the Academy. Learners should not plan to arrive late or leave early as they will miss critical instructions. Failing to follow this rule will likely result in the applicant losing their place in the Academy.
2. Who can apply for this Academy Applications open on March 1 and will be accepted until April 1. Any Oklahoma high school student in grades 10-12 may apply for this free educational experience. The applications will be reviewed and scored, and the top 20 applicants will gain admission to the Academy!
3. What kind of an Academy is a “commuter Academy?” This means that learners come/go from campus each day. There are no on-site accommodations available for learners. Everyone is responsible for their own transportation for the duration of the Academy. There is free parking available on the OCCC campus.
4. Will lunch be provided during the Academy? Yes, lunch and snacks will be provided to attendees of the Academy. Should an applicant have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please list those on the application. This will help our team plan lunches that will be suitable for all.
5. Can siblings, guardians, or friends attend the Academy along with the applicant? Unfortunately, no. Only the applicant can attend the Academy each day. However, we do encourage family and friends to come to the “red carpet event,” which is at the end of the Academy (since this is where we will showcase the short project made by the learners!) DCP also offers regular tours of the college program, so this can be arranged at a later time for those interested in viewing the facilities.
6. What should an applicant bring/not bring to the Academy? Applicants must wear comfortable and appropriate clothing as well as closed-toed shoes every day to the Academy. Clothing must be free of obscene or hate-filled content as this is a safe and respectful space for all learners. Clothing must not be revealing in nature. Loose fitting t-shirts and jeans are traditional learner attire.
   1. Applicants will want to bring a notebook or notepad and pen each day for note-taking purposes during the Academy.
   2. No weapons or dangerous items are to be brought to the Academy for safety concerns.
   3. No illegal substances are to be brought to the Academy.
   4. No food or drink will be allowed in the studio spaces during the Academy. There will be lunch and snacks provided each day. Students needing medical accommodations concerning food and drink can bring items to be stored/consumed near the workspace.
7. What behavior is appropriate for Academy members? Everyone should plan to conduct themselves with respect at all times. No cursing, yelling, fighting, or insubordinate behavior will be tolerated during the Academy. Applicants should plan to follow directions and pay attention at all times. No cell phone use or headphone use while instruction is occurring. Failure to abide by these rules may result in an applicant being removed from eligibility from the Academy.
8. Who will Applicants meet at the DCP Summer Academy? Applicants will meet a variety of experienced professionals in the filmmaking industry. Learners will get the chance to engage in hands-on filmmaking with these experts guiding the way and answering questions as the Academy film project comes to life!
9. What can an applicant expect to learn at this Academy? Applicants will learn movie-making from the ground up, in a fun and hands-on environment. Pre-production, photography, and post-production will be covered along with camera operation, lighting, grip control, sound recording, design and logistics and editing. We have an impressive facility with over a million dollars of equipment at OCCC, so learners will be immersed in a professional educational environment. The Academy will conclude with a wrap party (just like a real film set) and a “red carpet screening” where the group’s film project will be played “on the big screen” for friends and family!
10. What are the next steps after the Academy Application is submitted? After April 1, a panel will review and rank submissions. A representative of OCCC will contact all applicants to appraise them of their status (i.e. accepted, waitlisted, or denied) via email around April 15. Further steps will be shared at that time.
11. What if I have a question that is not listed here? Please contact the OCCC Arts, English, and Humanities division office by phone at 405-682-1611 extension 7558. You can also email the Arts, English, and Humanities Dean, Dr. Woolston, at Jennifer.M.Woolston@occc.edu. We will endeavor to answer your question or connect you with someone who can!