ACA @ UCLA

Project endeavor Hollywood

Filmmaking & Acting

Overview
Film & Acting
Campus Life
Weekend Adventures
Hawaii & San Fran Extensions

You’re Ready for Hollywood!

Home to the entertainment industry, the City of Angels is the perfect setting for the ultimate summer experience. Here, you’ll explore your passion for film production, screenwriting, acting, and directing! It’s a summer that’s sure to be filled with new friends and unforgettable experiences all right in the heart of the world’s most famous film capital. Project Endeavor is partnered with The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.

Lights, camera, Los Angeles! From oscar winning actors to the world’s biggest talent agencies, film fame is everywhere. Industry experts will give you a sneak preview to the art of acting, and cinematic crafts like screenwriting, directing, graphics & animation and more! Show off your creativity and hone your talents while getting an inside look on film industry related careers that will help you build confidence for your college career. You’ll have access to professional level equipment and facilities to create collaborative projects.

Visit Red Carpet movie premieres, tv tapings, Studio Tours, and more! Gain insight on the industry from lectures hosted by celebrity writers, directors and actors. Discover the glamour of Hollywood, and learn the secrets for breaking into the biz. You’ll leave with stars in your eyes and a bright start to a future filled with fame and success!

2025 Dates & Tuition

July 6 - July 18 $5995
2 Weeks

Add a Travel Extension

July 18 - July 23 $1995
San Fran Extension
July 18 - July 25 $2995
Hawaii Extension

Transportation is not included in tuition.

Commuter Options

July 7 - July 17 $2995

Weekday Schedule

Classes run Monday through Saturday.

Safety & Supervision

ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. 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, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, and accompany students on all activities and excursions. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.

Pepperdine’s campus adds an additional element of security, as well. The campus is a gated community with a guard booth and is patrolled 24/7.

Travel to Los Angeles*

We recommend that students fly nonstop to Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport. We will have designated times that you should fly into LA where ACA staff will meet you at baggage claim and escort you to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the brief drive to Pepperdine’s campus.

Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.

Students will return home from Los Angeles international Airport (LAX). We will have designated outbound flight times for you to schedule. ACA staff will help you with check-in and stay at the airport until your flight takes off.

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.

Commuter Option

ACA offers a commuter option for students who do not require accommodations. Commuter students join the program Monday through Saturday from approximately 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM.

Please Note: Lunch is included in the cost of tuition.

Hollywood Courses

Participate in lectures from celebrity writers, directors and actors. Enjoy visits to Red Carpet movie premieres, tv tapings and Studio Tours. You’ll have access to professional level equipment and facilities, plus film and television sound stages, as well as advanced editing technology like Avid and Final Cut Pro Suites to create collaborative projects.

Create a short film and learn the techniques and methods of your chosen course and working with your group to take it from storyboard to studio to screen. When it’s time for the big premiere, you’ll showcase your final project in a high-definition theater!

Project Endeavor is partnered with The Sidney Poitier New American Film School.

Course Options:

You will be able to one of the following options for your stay in Hollywood:

Filmmaking
Acting

Filmmaking

 Whether you want to make compelling documentaries or blockbuster feature films, you need to understand the basics before anyone yells, “Action!” This high-altitude introduction lets students actually make a film while learning all aspects of filmmaking. Express your own creative vision by producing professional quality digital films using industry-standard gear and bring them to the big screen.

You’ll also get a private tour of Warner Brothers Studios backlot to see a Hollywood production in action, and then a special lunch in the private WB restaurant – and you never know who you might see! In the past students have seen Liam Hemsworth, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Ellen, Dwayne Johnson, Mario Lopez, Ben Savage, and more. Who knows, you might be on your way to becoming the next Spielberg!

Acting

If making it to the silver screen is your dream, then start in the land where stars go to hit it big. You’ll explore the fundamentals of acting, finding your motivation, and creating dynamic scenes through conflict and resolution, while mastering any sense of stage fright. You’ll also gain the benefit of practicing these elements through both individual and duo-scene performances. Learn about the audition process, strengthen your monologue, perfect your improv, and gain a better understanding of scenework. Refine your talent further by engaging in the most popular acting theories, including Constantin Stanislavski’s “magic if,” Lee Strasberg’s “the method,” and the Meisner technique. You will gain exposure to industry professionals including directors, producers, and talent agents. To complete your acting class, you’ll also participate in a live audition with Emmy-nominated casting director Fern Champion.

The Sidney Poitier New American Film School

One of the largest, most inclusive film schools in the country, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School inspires the next generation of diverse filmmakers and storytellers. Sidney Poitier is a national hero and international icon. His talents and character have defined ethical, inclusive and powerful work in filmmaking. This is also a full-circle moment. Poitier is the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field,” which was set and shot in Arizona – as was “Stir Crazy,” the blockbuster comedy with which Poitier became the first Black director to helm a film that grossed over $100 million. The school’s commitment to excellence and inclusion and carry forward Sidney Poitier’s legacy through the lives of the thousands of students who will learn their craft and strengthen their voice at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School.

Accommodations in LA

A striking coastal town just north of Los Angeles, Malibu is home to countless celebrities, and now you can call it home, too! You’ll live at Pepperdine with an amazing group of like-minded creative students and resident advisors in dorm-style housing. We pride ourselves on the fact that our residential amenities, top-quality food service and fitness facilities offer our students the very best. You’ll kick back in comfort at Pepperdine, enjoying safe, clean and comfortable dorms with in-suite bathrooms, internet access and are for ACA only. These rooms definitely serve up cool California style!

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-campus dining facility feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, fruit, vegetables, salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries. On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Your tuition includes includes three meals Monday to Friday and brunch & dinner on weekends.

Around Town & Beyond

With the Pacific Coast in the background, Southern California offers something for everyone, and the Westwood area is packed with plenty to do. Evening and weekends are yours to enjoy. Head to the beach, check out the Santa Monica Pier, or gaze at the stars from Griffith Observatory. You will have the opportunity to socialize and build friendships while you enjoy the fun and excitement of Los Angeles’ nightlife. Many popular hangouts are located just steps from campus, and the welcoming crowd of lively locals and visitors creates an unforgettable energy!

Some activities include:

Soak up the sun at Santa Monica Beach and jump the truly gnarly waves
Get to know LA at its best during ACA’s welcome scavenger hunt!
You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
See how your hands and feet compare to Hollywood elites like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr. in front of Mann Chinese Theater
Gaze up at the Hollywood sign as you browse the fashionable boutiques on Melrose Street
LA comes to life at the Universal City Walk. Grab a bite at one of the famous restaurants and then hit the trendy shops, all set under the beautiful California stars.
Catch the sunset at Palisades Park; it doesn’t get much more iconic LA than this
Savor a latte while exploring the scene on the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Ride the dazzling Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, mini golf, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!

Weekend Adventures

Enjoy exciting weekend adventures every Sunday on Project Endeavor!

Santa monica & venice

Venice Beach– LA’s most iconic beach known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a buzzing beach town. Free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is the site of funky shops, street performers and colorful murals. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym

Abbot Kinney– Abbot Kinney Boulevard features foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars.

Santa Monica Pier– A favorite for Hollywood movie scenes, this California icon comes alive at night. Take a ride on the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel or stop by the famed aquarium to get nose-to-nose with the ocean’s most fearsome predators!

Third Street Promenade– The world-famous strip features designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, all in the heart of Santa Monica. The outdoor mall is full of colorful street entertainers and dancers enjoying perfect California weather.

Universal Studios*

Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Largest and Busiest Motion Picture and TV Studio In The World. Get Ready For The Ultimate Hollywood Experience!

*Please Note: Universal Studios replaces the day trip to Santa Monica & Venice for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)

ACA SoCal Extensions

Add 7 days to your Californian Adventure on our Hawaii Extension or 5 days to your Californian Adventure on our San Francisco Extension

You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.

(Supplemental tuition required.)

Please note: transportation is not included in tuition.

Hawaii Extension

Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders of Hawaii!

ACA will have staffed flights for the trip from LAX to Maui, Maui to Honolulu, and the return from Honolulu to LAX. Upon the conclusion of the program, students will fly home from LAX.

Maui, Hawaii

Welcome to Island Life! We will fly to the land of Tropical Paradise – Hawaii! Our first stop, is to the stunning “Valley Isle,” which is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island is beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala. Visit Lahaina, a Maui Hotspot, and explore this historic whaling village which boasts top-notch art galleries, shops, eateries, and live entertainment. All aboard our double-deck catamaran to snorkel amongst more than 250 species of colorful tropical fish and giant Sea Turtles off the coast at Coral Gardens, one of Maui’s premier snorkeling destinations. Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau at sunset! Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Our stay near Waikiki Beach is located on the south shore of Honolulu. The world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and is famed for its iconic crescent beach backed by palms and high-rise hotels. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue, you’ll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities. Hike Diamond Head, a crater formed from the eruptions of the Ko’olau Volcano many years ago, and marvel at the panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu’s south shore. Catch the waves at Waikiki Beach during our thrilling surf lessons. Tour the Dole Pineapple Plantation, Hawaii’s “Pineapple Experience”, and sample the famous pineapple-flavored Dole Whip! Visit the USS Arizona Memorial Center to learn the historical lessons of Pearl Harbor through the exhibitions and pay tribute to those lives lost at the Remembrance Circle.

Hawaiian Island Adventures include:

Waikiki Beach – Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
Dole Plantation Tour – Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
Diamond Head – The iconic silhouette of Diamond Head State Monument sits along the Honolulu skyline just beyond Waikiki. Known as Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian. Formed more than 100,000 years ago, the crater was used as a strategic military lookout beginning in the early 1900's. Today, Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu's south shore.
Pearl Harbor & The USS Arizona – Pearl Harbor, named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii, a World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the many Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
A Traditional Hawaiian Luau – Sunset is the perfect time for a traditional Hawaiian luau. Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.
Iolani Palace – The only official state residence of royalty in the United States, Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
Maui – Known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.

San Francisco Extension

Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders San Francisco and the Bay area!

From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the natural beauty of Muir Woods, the City by the Bay is no doubt one of the prettiest on the Pacific, if not all of America! And for things to do, San Francisco is second to none.

Fisherman's Wharf – Set overlooking beautiful San Francisco Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf features great shopping, some of the freshest seafood in the country, and amazing street performers of incredible variety. Fisherman’s Wharf has been THE place to be in San Francisco since 1946!
Pier 39 – Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 packs a serious punch! You can see the sea lions, take a whale-watching tour, find your way through the incredible Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, thrill to the ride of your life on RocketBoat, or ride the movies (you heard us!) at the Turbo Ride 4-D Experience. This place is FUN!
Alcatraz – Formerly the home of America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz Island also has astonishing marine life, rare flowers and plants, and buildings dating back to the Civil War. There’s no end to what you can learn and see.
Japanese Tea Garden – Take a trip that feels like you’ve gone across the ocean and back in time. The five-acre Japanese Tea Garden is an enchanting and fascinating experience – not to be missed!
Golden Gate Bridge – Completed way back in 1937, this fantastic bridge remains a technical marvel and the most recognizable symbol of San Francisco. Put on some comfortable shoes and walk the 1.7 miles across for a view you won’t believe!
Union Square – San Francisco’s shopping paradise! Be it in fashion, food or anything else, you’ll find all the very best names. A great place for serious shoppers or to just walk around and take in the sights.
Chinatown – Breathtaking in its scope of history, beauty, art, architecture (and food!), spending part of your day in San Francisco’s Chinatown is an exotic vacation in and of itself.
Muir Woods to Stinson Beach Hike – Take an unforgettable hike through the majestic Redwood forest to the stunning views of the California Coast. Along the way you’ll see eye-popping ravines, lush and diverse plants, and wildlife of every sort. An absolute must for the hiker or nature lover!
Ghirardelli Square – Shops, restaurants and – of course – chocolate! One of San Fran's historic sites, it’s an ideal place for people-watching, putting a dent in your credit cards, and noshing on decadent desserts.
Cable Car – Originally an alternative to horses on the slippery San Fran slopes, the cable car system is a must for anyone wanting a timeless tour of this beautiful city. It’s Frisco's favorite way to get around!
Stanford University – Set in the tech capital of the world, Palo Alto, Stanford is noted as one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
University of California, Berkeley – The oldest campus of the University of California system, UC Berkeley is one of the nation's top public universities. Be sure to check out the cafes, shops and music stores on Telegraph Avenue.