Students looking to earn course credit while getting hands-on experience in the film industry have the opportunity to apply to the Trilith Institute as part of a partnership between Clemson University and the largest film studio in North America.
Semester at Trilith is a 15-week program gives students immersive, hands-on experience in film, media, storytelling, and related creative industries—paired with mentorship and direct exposure to professional practice.
Applications for the Fall 2027 semester are open now through February 1, 2027.
For more application information, visit the website.
Next Generation of Storytellers
“Trilith was built around the belief that creativity has the power to shape culture, and education is an important part of that vision,” said Dan T. Cathy, Founder and Chief Visionary of Trilith. “Our partnership is creating a pathway for the next generation of storytellers and creative leaders to learn, grow and discover what’s possible when they are surrounded by people who are doing this work every day.”
The first Semester at Trilith is currently underway with 14 Clemson students. During the program, they 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.
“My experiences at Trilith Institute as a Maymester student, summer intern, and Semester at Trilith cohort member have allowed me to develop the fundamental skills for a career in film and television,” said Gabriela Balleza, a senior World Cinema major. “This is a hands-on, people-based industry, and I can confidently say that experiential learning opportunities such as these at Trilith provide an invaluable foundation for emerging storytellers after graduation.”
“My experiences at Trilith Institute as a Maymester student, summer intern, and Semester at Trilith cohort member have allowed me to develop the fundamental skills for a career in film and television.”
Gabriela Balleza, Semester at Trilith student
Experiential Learning
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.
“Semester at Trilith gives students the opportunity to move beyond learning about the industry and begin experiencing what it means to work in it,” said Josh Lee, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Trilith Institute. “They’re learning from working professionals, collaborating on real projects and developing the creative, technical and professional skills they’ll need to contribute from day one. We’re excited to continue growing this partnership with Clemson and welcome the next class of students in Fall 2027.”
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.
