Summer Camps

Location& Fees :

Irvine, CA

Non Refundable Application Fee: $68

Early Bird Online Tuition before Apr 10: $800(2 weeks)

Regular Tuition deadline May 10: $1200(2 weeks)

Early Bird Onsite Tuition before Apr 10:  $1200(2 weeks)

Regular Tuition deadline May 10:  $1500(2 weeks)

2 Sessions Bundle: 

Two Sessions: $2,800 (save $200!)(4 weeks)

4 Sessions Bundle: 

Four Sessions: $5,200 (save $800!)(8 weeks)

Session 1: June 22 - July 5

Music Production: "Melodies and Mechanisms (Music Box Focus)"

• Theme: Explore the basics of music production using traditional and digital tools.

• Focus: Students create a short composition combining a physical music box and digital elements.

Week 1: Basics of Music Composition and Tools

• Introduction to music theory (scales, harmony, rhythm).

• Hands-on exploration of music boxes: how they work, modifying melodies.

• Digital music production basics using DAWs (GarageBand, Logic Pro).

Week 2: Hybrid Composition Project

• Students record music box sounds and enhance them digitally.

• Focus on layering, effects, and mixing to create a polished composition.

• Final Project: A hybrid music composition presented as a short video with visuals matching the music.

Arts: "Expressive Storytelling Through Visual Arts"

• Theme: Building characters and worlds through traditional and digital mediums.

• Focus: Students create a character and their environment as part of a visual story.

Week 1: Character Design Fundamentals

• Traditional drawing and painting techniques (focus on anatomy, proportions, and emotions).

• Introduction to Procreate for digital character sketches.

Week 2: World-Building and Storytelling

• Students design a matching environment (traditional/digital).

• Integrate characters into the world to tell a cohesive visual story.

• Final Project: A polished visual story presented as a series of panels or a single detailed piece.

Film Production in Unreal Engine: "Virtual Cinematic Creations"

• Theme: Craft cinematic scenes using Unreal Engine.

• Focus: Create a short film with a focus on lighting, camera work, and storytelling.

Week 1: Unreal Engine Basics

• Setting up a virtual set and importing assets.

• Basics of lighting and virtual camera operation.

Week 2: Scene Creation and Rendering

• Students storyboard a short scene and implement it in Unreal.

• Focus on polishing visuals, applying post-processing, and exporting.

• Final Project: A 30-60 second cinematic scene rendered in Unreal.

Game in Unity: "Interactive Adventures in Game Design"

• Theme: Develop an interactive game using Unity.

• Focus: Create a short platformer or puzzle game with playable elements.

Week 1: Unity Fundamentals

• Setting up Unity, creating basic scenes, and learning scripting (C# basics).

• Introduction to level design and player controls.

Week 2: Game Development and Testing

• Students design and build a basic playable game with custom levels.

• Playtesting, debugging, and refining gameplay.

• Final Project: A short game with at least two playable levels.

Session 2: July 6 - July 19

This session is designed to expand creativity and technical skills by focusing on unique themes and innovative approaches. Students will engage in hands-on projects tailored to explore ambient soundscapes, surrealist art, dynamic film scenes, and interactive game design.

Music Production: "Ethereal Ambience – Creating Soundscapes with Foley and Synthesis"

• Objective: Learn to craft atmospheric soundscapes by blending recorded foley sounds with synthesized audio.

• Final Project: A polished ambient soundscape that tells a story or evokes a specific mood.

Day 1: Introduction to Ambient Soundscapes

• Explore the world of ambient music and soundscapes.

• Listen to examples from artists like Brian Eno and Hans Zimmer.

Days 2-5: Techniques and Tools

• Foley Recording: Capturing everyday sounds (e.g., footsteps, rustling leaves) for creative use.

• Synth Basics: Using DAWs to create atmospheric pads and textures.

• Layering foley and synthesized sounds to create depth and dimension.

• Adding effects like reverb, delay, and modulation to enhance the soundscape.

Days 6-9: Project Development

• Plan the theme and mood for the soundscape (e.g., serene nature, futuristic city).

• Record foley and produce synthesized sounds.

• Edit, layer, and finalize the composition.

Day 10: Showcase Day

• Students present their soundscapes with a short explanation of their creative process.

Arts: "Dreamscapes and Abstract Worlds – Exploring Surrealism"

• Objective: Dive into surrealism and abstract art using mixed media to create unique, imaginative works.

• Final Project: A surreal mixed-media artwork combining traditional and digital elements.

Day 1: Introduction to Surrealism and Abstract Art

• Study iconic surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.

• Discuss abstract concepts and techniques.

Days 2-5: Exploration and Experimentation

• Traditional Media: Use charcoal, ink, and paint to sketch surreal elements.

• Mixed Media: Incorporate textures, collage, and unconventional materials.

• Digital Tools: Refine sketches and add vibrant elements in Procreate or Photoshop.

Days 6-9: Project Creation

• Develop a surreal theme (e.g., dreamscapes, emotional concepts).

• Combine traditional and digital techniques to bring the artwork to life.

• Refine and polish for presentation.

Day 10: Art Showcase

• Students display their artwork in a gallery-style format and explain their inspirations.

Film Production in Unreal Engine: "Virtual Set Design and Character Interaction"

• Objective: Build a virtual set for a dialogue-driven scene, focusing on character interaction and storytelling.

• Final Project: A short film showcasing a virtual set and dialogue between characters.

Day 1: Introduction to Virtual Set Design

• Overview of Unreal Engine’s tools for set creation.

• Analyze examples of dialogue scenes from movies and games.

Days 2-5: Building the Virtual Set

• Plan the setting and mood for the scene.

• Import assets and construct the set in Unreal Engine.

• Add lighting and props to enhance the atmosphere.

Days 6-9: Filming the Scene

• Animate characters and script the dialogue.

• Use cameras to frame and capture character interactions.

• Add sound and post-processing effects for a cinematic look.

Day 10: Film Premiere

• Students screen their films and share insights about their creative choices.

Game in Unity: "Logic and Physics – Designing Puzzle Games"

• Objective: Create a puzzle game featuring logic-based and physics-driven challenges.

• Final Project: A playable puzzle game with engaging mechanics and levels.

Day 1: Introduction to Puzzle Games

• Play and analyze popular puzzle games like Portal and The Witness.

• Discuss mechanics that make puzzles fun and challenging.

Days 2-5: Basics of Puzzle Game Development

• Learn Unity tools for creating interactive mechanics.

• Implement physics-based elements like gravity, levers, and switches.

• Design logic puzzles involving patterns, sequences, or spatial reasoning.

Days 6-9: Game Development

• Develop custom puzzles with increasing difficulty.

• Playtest and refine levels for smooth gameplay.

• Add visual and audio polish to enhance player experience.

Day 10: Game Expo

• Students showcase their games and allow peers to play and provide feedback.

Why Session 2 is Special

• Innovative Themes: Students explore advanced concepts like ambient soundscapes, surrealist art, and interactive storytelling.

• Hands-On Learning: Every major includes a comprehensive project that blends creativity and technical skills.

• Portfolio Development: Final projects are tailored to help students build impressive portfolios for future opportunities.

Session 3: July 20 - August 2

This session focuses on advancing students’ skills in creative collaboration, narrative storytelling, and immersive design. With hands-on projects tailored to prepare students for real-world applications, students will delve deeper into music production, sequential art, cinematic filmmaking, and interactive game design.

Music Production: "Composing for Film – Collaborative Soundtrack Creation"

• Objective: Collaborate on composing and producing an original soundtrack for a short film.

• Final Project: A professionally mixed and mastered soundtrack synchronized to visuals.

Day 1: Introduction to Film Scoring

• Learn the fundamentals of composing music for film.

• Study examples of iconic soundtracks (e.g., John Williams, Hans Zimmer).

Days 2-5: Collaboration and Composition

• Group students into production teams: composers, sound designers, and engineers.

• Analyze the short film provided (a silent fantasy-themed short).

• Brainstorm and create leitmotifs and themes to reflect characters and scenes.

Days 6-9: Production and Mixing

• Record and produce individual pieces of the soundtrack.

• Synchronize music with the visual elements of the film.

• Add sound effects to enhance emotional impact.

Day 10: Screening and Showcase

• Present the completed short film with the original soundtrack.

• Teams share their creative process and challenges.

Arts: "Sequential Storytelling – Creating Comic Panels"

• Objective: Learn the art of sequential storytelling by creating a short comic strip or graphic narrative.

• Final Project: A polished 4-6 panel comic illustrating a complete story.

Day 1: Understanding Sequential Art

• Study the basics of comic storytelling, including panel layout, pacing, and transitions.

• Analyze works by artists like Will Eisner and Stan Lee.

Days 2-5: Designing Characters and Worlds

• Create character designs, focusing on personality and emotion.

• Develop the setting and visual style of the comic.

• Write a script and storyboard the narrative.

Days 6-9: Panel Creation

• Sketch and refine comic panels.

• Use Procreate or Photoshop to add line art, color, and effects.

• Balance text and visuals for clarity and impact.

Day 10: Comic Exhibition

• Display completed comics in a gallery-style format.

• Students share the inspiration and process behind their stories.

Film Production in Unreal Engine: "Fantasy Cinematics – Building Immersive Scenes"

• Objective: Create a cinematic fantasy scene in Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on lighting, environment design, and visual storytelling.

• Final Project: A short cinematic video capturing a magical or otherworldly setting.

Day 1: Introduction to Fantasy Cinematics

• Study iconic fantasy films and games (e.g., Lord of the Rings, The Witcher).

• Learn about world-building and creating visual moods.

Days 2-5: Building the Fantasy World

• Plan the concept for the scene: theme, mood, and narrative.

• Design and construct a fantasy environment using Unreal Engine assets.

• Add atmospheric elements like fog, lighting, and particle effects.

Days 6-9: Cinematic Filming

• Animate characters or creatures within the scene.

• Use Unreal Engine cameras to choreograph cinematic shots.

• Add sound and post-processing to enhance the final video.

Day 10: Fantasy Film Premiere

• Students showcase their fantasy-themed cinematics in a screening session.

• Each student explains their creative decisions and technical processes.

Game in Unity: "Exploration and Branching Narrative Design"

• Objective: Develop an exploration-based game with branching paths and player choices.

• Final Project: A playable exploration game with unique paths based on player decisions.

Day 1: Introduction to Exploration Games

• Study exploration games like Journey and Firewatch.

• Discuss key elements: world design, player immersion, and choice mechanics.

Days 2-5: Designing the Game World

• Sketch the game map and decide on key locations.

• Create assets and textures for the game environment.

• Develop a narrative with branching choices that impact the outcome.

Days 6-9: Game Development

• Build the exploration game in Unity, integrating branching paths.

• Add interactive elements like dialogue, collectibles, and environmental puzzles.

• Playtest and refine the game mechanics for a seamless experience.

Day 10: Game Expo

• Students present their exploration games, highlighting the unique paths and player experiences.

• Peers play each other’s games and provide feedback.

Why Session 3 Stands Out

• Advanced Skills: Projects emphasize collaboration, technical refinement, and complex storytelling.

• Diverse Creative Focus: From composing soundtracks to designing branching narratives, students gain versatile experience.

• Portfolio-Ready Projects: Final works are designed to showcase students’ technical and creative growth, preparing them for future opportunities.

Session 4: August 3 - August 16

In this final session, students will push their skills to new heights, creating advanced, portfolio-ready projects that demonstrate their mastery of music production, art, film, and game design. This session focuses on producing polished, professional-grade works that reflect each student’s unique vision and talent.

Music Production: "Mastering the Full-Length Track"

• Objective: Compose, arrange, and produce a full-length track that showcases diversity in instrumentation and musical styles.

• Final Project: A professionally mixed and mastered track ready for streaming platforms.

Day 1: Advanced Track Production Overview

• Explore different musical genres and structures.

• Study techniques used by artists to create engaging full-length tracks.

Days 2-5: Composition and Arrangement

• Compose melodies and harmonies using a variety of instruments and digital tools.

• Focus on advanced techniques like counterpoint, layering, and dynamic contrast.

Days 6-9: Recording and Production

• Record live or digital instruments, incorporating vocals or foley for added texture.

• Use advanced mixing techniques to polish the track, such as EQ, compression, and reverb.

• Master the final track for optimal sound quality across platforms.

Day 10: Listening Party and Feedback

• Students present their tracks, explaining their creative choices and techniques.

• Receive constructive feedback to enhance future work.

Arts: "Large-Scale Polished Artwork"

• Objective: Create a gallery-worthy piece that integrates all the skills learned in previous sessions.

• Final Project: A large-scale, high-quality piece that demonstrates mastery of technique and concept.

Day 1: Concept Development

• Brainstorm ideas for a final piece that combines personal expression and technical skill.

• Create a detailed plan for composition, medium, and execution.

Days 2-5: Execution of Artwork

• Begin creating the large-scale piece using mixed media, digital tools, or traditional methods.

• Apply advanced techniques in composition, perspective, and color theory.

• Experiment with textures and layering to enhance visual impact.

Days 6-9: Refinement and Presentation

• Refine details, ensuring a polished and professional appearance.

• Prepare the artwork for display, including framing or digital formatting.

Day 10: Art Gallery Showcase

• Host a gallery-style exhibition for students to present their work.

• Students discuss their creative process and receive recognition for their achievements.

Film Production in Unreal Engine: "Emotional Cinematics – Crafting Dialogue-Driven Scenes"

• Objective: Develop a short cinematic film in Unreal Engine focusing on emotional storytelling and dialogue-driven scenes.

• Final Project: A polished cinematic scene that demonstrates character interaction and dramatic depth.

Day 1: Exploring Emotional Storytelling

• Analyze cinematic scenes from films and games that evoke strong emotions (e.g., The Last of Us, Inside Out).

• Discuss techniques like framing, lighting, and dialogue delivery.

Days 2-5: Scene Development

• Write a script for a dialogue-driven emotional scene.

• Design a virtual set that enhances the mood and supports the narrative.

• Create and animate characters, focusing on realistic facial expressions and body language.

Days 6-9: Cinematic Refinement

• Film the scene using Unreal Engine’s virtual cameras.

• Add voice acting, sound effects, and music to enhance emotional resonance.

• Apply post-processing effects for a professional finish.

Day 10: Premiere Screening

• Present the completed cinematic projects in a film showcase.

• Students share their creative journey and receive audience feedback.

Game in Unity: "Arcade-Style Game with Multiplayer Features"

• Objective: Design and build an engaging arcade-style game with unique mechanics and multiplayer functionality.

• Final Project: A fully playable arcade game with competitive or cooperative multiplayer modes.

Day 1: Introduction to Arcade Game Design

• Study classic arcade games (e.g., Pac-Man, Street Fighter, Tetris).

• Discuss what makes arcade games addictive and engaging.

Days 2-5: Game Mechanics and Prototyping

• Brainstorm unique mechanics and gameplay ideas.

• Build a prototype, focusing on intuitive controls and fast-paced action.

Days 6-9: Multiplayer Integration and Polishing

• Implement multiplayer functionality, either competitive or cooperative.

• Add power-ups, leaderboards, and sound effects to enhance gameplay.

• Test and refine the game for balance and playability.

Day 10: Arcade Expo

• Host an arcade event where students showcase their games.

• Peers and mentors play and review each other’s projects, celebrating creativity and innovation.

Why Session 4 Stands Out

• Portfolio-Ready Projects: All final works are designed to highlight students’ advanced skills, making them excellent additions to college or professional portfolios.

• Comprehensive Skills Application: This session integrates all the knowledge and techniques learned throughout the program.

• Celebratory Conclusion: Students leave with polished projects and newfound confidence, ready to pursue further creative endeavors.