The Senior Project Process

Students in Production

FALL QUARTER (Junior): PRE-PRODUCTION

Leading up to the fall quarter, students have the chance to submit their scripts and project ideas to the Film faculty to get greenlit. Students start to form their teams and assign roles on the project.

The first 10 weeks of Senior Project is focused on casting and planning out the logistics for your shoot. Students hold casting calls in Los Angeles, go location scouting, budget, and coordinate all the details for production.

A Student in Production

WINTER QUARTER (Senior): PRODUCTION

After months of planning, it’s go time! Production normally takes place at some point during the winter quarter, and most projects will have between 3 and 6 days of production on set. Filming can take place in the University’s soundstage, off campus, or both.

Students in Post-Production

SPRING QUARTER (Senior): POST-PRODUCTION

It’s the final quarter of senior projects! This last phase is focused on post-production and bringing your project to completion. Work with your team on editing, color grading, sound mixing, ADR, foley recording, and VFX compositing. Throughout the process, you’ll test screen your rough cuts in small focus groups to refine and polish your story.

Students in Editing Software

SUMMER QUARTER (Senior): ADDITIONAL POLISHING

This final quarter of your time at JPCatholic gives you a number of additional opportunities, including our Feature Film Program and our L.A. Quarter. But if you need extra time to polish up your Senior Project, these ten weeks give you extra time to make those edits.

Senior Project premier in cinema theatre

GRADUATION WEEK: DISTRIBUTE

You and your team have worked hard over your senior year bringing your project to life, and now it’s time to show it off!

The day before Graduation, JPCatholic rents out a screen at Regal Cinemas in Escondido to premiere the senior projects to friends, classmates, and family. You’re able to showcase your work on the big screen and celebrate your accomplishments with your team.

But it doesn’t end there. Students are encouraged to submit their projects to film festivals. In the past, senior projects have garnered awards from festivals such as San Diego IndieFest, Sherman Oaks Film Festival, and the Independent Short Awards.

After running the film festival circuit, the films can be published online. Scroll down to watch some senior projects on our Student Showcase!

Watch Senior Project Films

Chow Bella

Chow Bella
A woman goes on a series of failed dinner dates, with unexpected results.

Watch here
La Oportunidad

La Oportunidad
A mother and daughter find themselves at odds over a college opportunity.

Watch here
Nature of the Beast

Nature of the Beast
They called him "Satan". This is the true story of a man who built his life on drugs and violence, but finds redemption where he least expected.

Watch here
Arch

Arch
A young girl befriends a faceless desert warrior, and together they must travel across a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of safe haven.

Watch here
Anna

Arch
A young girl battling liver cancer forms a bond with her cousin who is an Army sniper fighting his own battles in Afghanistan.

Watch here
Chirp, Buzz, and Other Sensations

Chirp, Buzz, and Other Sensations
A young girl's faith is tested when she starts experiencing sexual feelings for her best friend Lenny, and she goes to great lengths to suppress and finally understand them.

Watch here
Lot 32

Lot 32
A gruff repairman finds more than a satellite dish in need of repair at a run-down trailer home.

Watch here
The War Among Us

The War Among Us
An inside look at the Chaldean Catholic community as they pursue their faith amidst war and persecution.

Watch here
Broken Mirrors

Broken Mirrors
Surrounded by unrealistic beauty standards, Emily faces an ongoing struggle with body image while trying to be a strong big sister and role model.

Watch here
Student Holding Camera

FEATURE FILM PROGRAM

In addition to your Senior Project, during senior year you will have the opportunity to work on a feature film through the University! This Feature Film Program is directly integrated into the film curriculum and provides you with an incredible opportunity unique to JPCatholic.

Learn More

FEATURE FILM PROGRAM

In addition to your Senior Project, during senior year you will have the opportunity to work on a feature film through the University! This Feature Film Program is directly integrated into the film curriculum and provides you with an incredible opportunity unique to JPCatholic.

Learn More