The Game, Cinema, & Animation Summer Academy

students in alley with film equipment          
student working on digital animation scene          
classroom with students       
closeup of female student with camera equipment       
students in alley using camera
          
two students working on game
       
       

Program Details

Program Details

The 2025 Summer Academy will be held July 14 through 18.

DePaul University welcomes high school students interested in the film, television, and game industries to join us for the 2025 Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy. The Summer Academy will be held July 14 through 18, 2025 from 10am to 5pm at DePaul University’s Loop Campus.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction using the latest equipment and technology taught by full-time DePaul faculty from our nationally-recognized programs:

  • #11 Film School in the US (The Hollywood Reporter)
  • #15 Animation program in the US (Animation Career Review)
  • A Top Game Design School (The Princeton Review)

Students must have completed their freshman year of high school by July 1, 2025 to be eligible for the program. Seniors who will be graduating in 2025 are also eligible.

Lunch will be provided for participants each day of the Academy. Housing is not provided. Please see local hotels and AirBnBs for housing needs.

view sample schedule (pdf)  

Choose from Five (5) Tracks:

Film and TV Production Track

Students will work in groups to write, produce, shoot, and edit short films. Students will have the opportunity to take on multiple roles within the productions. Students will learn basic editing techniques to complete their films. This track will be taught by Gary Novak, Susanne Suffredin, and Meghan Artes.

Game Development Track

Along with students in the 3D modeling and animation track, game development students will work in teams to brainstorm, design, program, and produce assets for a 3D computer game. Students will have the opportunity to explore multiple roles in the game production process. The games will be designed and programmed using a game development platform. This track will be taught by Mike DeAnda.

Hand-Drawn Character Animation Track

Students will be introduced to the basics of classical hand-drawn character animation. Students will get hands-on practice with animation software. This track will be taught by Scott Roberts and Brian Ferguson.

3D Modeling and Animation Track

Students will learn the basics of computer animation and modeling. Along with students in the game development track, students will work in teams to brainstorm, design, program, and produce assets for a 3D computer game. Students will design, model, and texture creatures, vehicles, and environment objects, and learn how to import them for use in a working game. This track will be taught by Joshua Jones.

Screenwriting Track

Students will learn the basics of script format and visual writing style, while being introduced to story structure, character development, and the business of screenwriting. A series of in-class and take-home writing assignments will push students to discover their own unique point of view in a creative workshop environment. This track will be taught by Brad Riddell.

For additional questions, email us at CDMSummerAcademy@depaul.edu.

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