The Trilith Institute, in partnership with Clemson University is now accepting applications for “Semester at Trilith,” giving college students the opportunity to earn course credit while gaining hands-on experience at the largest film production facility in North America.
Semester at Trilith is a 15-week program designed to give students immersive, hands-on experience in film, media, storytelling, and related creative industries—paired with mentorship and direct exposure to professional practice. During the program, students will learn directly from industry professionals and will have opportunities to focus on areas of particular interest, including directing, editing, script supervision, cinematography, sound and more.
Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are open until March 2, with a commitment deadline of March 16.
“Trilith is a town that is built for creatives. These are people who aspire to impact culture and society at the highest level. We’re excited that the Trilith Institute has linked up with an esteemed institution like Clemson University for this program. It is for people who want to be difference makers.”
Dan T. Cathy, Founder of Trilith Studios
The Trilith Institute is the educational arm of Trilith Studios, located in Fayetteville, Georgia. Trilith has been the shooting location for multiple blockbuster movies, including three of the ten highest-grossing films of all time: Avengers: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. In 2025, Clemson became the accredited academic partner of Trilith Studios, enabling students to earn course credit while studying at the Institute.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Clemson students to the Semester at Trilith program,” said Josh Lee, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Trilith Institute. “Students will work on real projects, learn from experienced professionals, and see how creative ideas become the films and shows that audiences love. At the largest studio complex in North America, students won’t just observe; they’ll be part of teams bringing stories to life. Our goal is to give them the skills and confidence to step into this industry ready to contribute and grow.”
In May of 2025, a group of ten Clemson World Cinema students attended the Trilith Maymester, a two-week program that launched the University’s partnership with the institute. The students worked closely with industry professionals to complete “Unstuck,” a short film about holiday encounters filmed almost entirely in an elevator.
“It was so incredible to work so closely with my peers — turned friends — in a finely-tuned, collaborative experience tailored specifically for us to be better filmmakers and more well-rounded people,” said Sharbel Feghali, a senior World Cinema major.
Semester at Trilith will build on the Maymester’s successful proof-of-concept.
“This is a thrilling leap forward for our film program at Clemson,” said Nicholas Vazsonyi, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “Our World Cinema program has already established an excellent grounding in film history, theory and criticism. The partnership with Trilith responds to our students’ desire that we expand the program to cover film production, to prepare them for successful careers, and expand the economic footprint and impact of film production in the State and beyond.”
During the semester, students earn 15 course credits in Fundamentals of Filmmaking (3 credits) elective courses (6 credits) and a practicum or internship course (6 credits).
The program is open to all Clemson students as well as students enrolled at other universities who meet the criteria of a minimum 2.5 GPA and sophomore standing or higher. An enrollment deposit of $300 is required.
Students interested in applying should visit the Semester at Trilith website and contact trilith@clemson.edu for questions and application information.
