Courses

Vacation plus Film

Section 1: Overview

Is this course for me?

This course is perfect for students who want to combine English language with an introduction to filmmaking and film theory.
Study for a 4-week period during the summer, with plenty of free time to explore your surroundings and practice your English outside of class.
No prior film experience is necessary.

Key Facts

Available in

Los Angeles

Start dates:

23 June, 21 July, 18 August 2025

Entry level:

Lower Intermediate (Kings Level 4)

Age:

Duration:

4 weeks

Class size:

Maximum 15

Lessons per week:

20 lessons (15 hours) English and Filmmaking

Included in the price:

20 lessons per week (15 hours)
Welcome Information Pack
Access to multi-format course materials
Placement test on arrival, weekly assignments, group participation and progress tests
Use of Computer Learning Center and film production equipment
Free Wi-fi at school
Full access to Kings social programme, with at least two free activities per week
Full access to join Kings' school clubs and societies
Optional weekly lecture programme
End-of-course certificate (90% or higher attendance required)

Section 2: Course structure and content

20 lessons (15 hours) per week of English and Filmmaking

English and filmmaking lessons

Topics vary each week, but students receive in-depth instruction of pre-production, production, and post-production through lectures, interactive communicative activities, and hands-on participation.

Group work is an essential element of this course, so attendance is critical to students' success.

Lessons will cover the following:

Screenwriting
Story structure, concept development, visual storytelling methods, script formatting.
Acting basics
Techniques for role preparation, working within a frame, playing according to shot size, expression through body and language.
Production
Filming techniques, cinematic framing, lighting and sound.
Post-production
Video editing techniques and practice, color correction, sound editing.
Contemporary filmmaking
The history of Hollywood — the business of making films, from blockbusters to independent film.

Assessment

Assessment is based on weekly assignments, group participation, tests.

Filmmaking equipment

Vacation Plus Film students have access to the following at Kings Los Angeles:

Classrooms equipped with an interactive projector or smart television for interactive learning experience
iMac desktops with user-friendly scriptwriting program software installed
Production equipment including prosumer DSLR camera, sliders and dollies, lighting tools, microphones, tripods
Professional, up-to-date film editing software

Transfer agreements

Kings LA offers transfer agreements with the New York Film Academy and the Musicians' Institute.

Online content

Student-produced short films and scenes can be viewed on the dedicated Kings YouTube channel.

Sample timetable

Please note:

Sample timetable is subject to changes
Placement test, induction, locality walk and ice breaker activities, which take place on the students' first day at Kings, are an essential part of the teaching programme, included in the weekly hours of lessons.

	Mon	Tues	Weds	Thurs	Fri
09:00 – 10:30 (Lessons 1 & 2) English and Filmmaking	Film terminology and skills quiz Group review and feedback	Vocabulary Screenwriting vocabulary to describe story and structure	Reading Small group analysis of sample scripts	Instruction Framing lessons and practice with cameras	Editing practice Fundamentals of editing a narrative
10:30 – 11:00	Break	Break	Break	Break	Break
11:00 – 12:30 (Lessons 3 & 4) English and Filmmaking	Video Introductory scenes: how to visually introduce locations, characters and plot. Group discussion.	Writing Practice writing a short story using the structure introduced in class.	Speaking Sample acting scenes: practicing dialogue, body language and movement.	Filming practice Filming short stories: 'Where are my shoes?'	Discussion Presentation of edited stories. Group discussion of work.

Mon

Tues

Weds

Thurs

Fri

09:00 – 10:30
(Lessons 1 & 2)

English and Filmmaking

Film terminology and skills quiz
Group review and feedback

Vocabulary
Screenwriting vocabulary to describe story and structure

Reading
Small group analysis of sample scripts

Instruction
Framing lessons and practice with cameras

Editing practice
Fundamentals of editing a narrative

10:30 – 11:00

Break

11:00 – 12:30
(Lessons 3 & 4)

English and Filmmaking

Video
Introductory scenes: how to visually introduce locations, characters and plot. Group discussion.

Writing
Practice writing a short story using the structure introduced in class.

Speaking
Sample acting scenes: practicing dialogue, body language and movement.

Filming practice
Filming short stories: 'Where are my shoes?'

Discussion
Presentation of edited stories. Group discussion of work.