The London FILM Project

FAST FACTS

DATES: May 16 – June 19, 2027

LOCATION: London, England

ENROLLMENT CAPACITY: 15

FOCUS: Screenwriting and Documentary Storytelling

PROJECT COST: $7,495 + airfare

INCLUDES: Travel insurance; housing; welcome and farewell dinners; reporting trips and excursions to visit sites and meet with representatives in the communities. Academic Credit is optional. DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE.

ACADEMIC CREDIT: Optional 6 units cost an additional $900

THE PROJECT

Students will learn how to write both narrative and non-fiction scripts. Each student will adapt a British short story into a short film screenplay. Working in teams of two, students will also learn how to produce and write a short documentary by researching London-based subject matter, conducting interviews and gathering archival materials. No technical expertise is required. Students will use audio recorders and still photography to craft a two-column, nonfiction script.

THE CITY

As one of the world’s leading media hubs, London offers a unique blend of historical depth and modern innovation, making it an ideal location for studying abroad. The city is home to some of the most influential media organizations globally, including the BBC, The Guardian, The Financial Times and Reuters. The bustling atmosphere of Fleet Street, the historic heart of British journalism, provides a tangible connection to the legacy of news reporting.

London is a cultural treasure trove. The British Museum and the Tate Modern offer unparalleled access to art and history, while the West End theater district provides endless opportunities to experience world-class performances. For a more contemporary experience, students can explore Shoreditch, known for its street art, indie boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.

London’s neighborhoods are as diverse as its people. From the chic cafés of Notting Hill to the bustling markets of Camden, there’s always something new to discover. The city’s parks, such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, offer green spaces perfect for study sessions or relaxing with friends.

For aspiring journalists, London’s fast-paced environment is a goldmine of stories. Covering events at iconic locations like Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square provides hands-on experience in reporting and a chance to engage with pressing social issues.

Whether exploring historic landmarks like the Tower of London or immersing in the city’s thriving cultural scene, students will find London an exciting and enriching place to enhance their academic and professional journeys.

SCREENWRITING

DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING

Details about the Documentary Storytelling course are to be announced later this month.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

The program includes a few group outings to some of the many cultural activities in and around London including;

The S X SW London during week 2, May 31 to June 5th.
The Raindance Film Festival which runs June 16-25.
Hop on/off Bus tour
Thames River Boat Cruise

HOUSING

ieiMedia is partnering with Fordham Univeristy for the 2026 project. Students will stay in single and double apartments. More information will be available for our students in the upcoming month.

OPTIONAL ACADEMIC CREDIT

Students have the option to earn six academic credits of an upper-division journalism elective for this course. The credits will be issued by the University of Jamestown, and we will work with you so they are easily transferable to your university. Transfer credit ultimately depends on a student’s home university. The cost for six academic credit is $900 (See the FAST FACTS at the top of the page for Program Cost).

NOTE: Students on a quarter system will be able to transfer as eight(8) credits at no additional fee for ieiMedia courses that are listed as six(6) credits. Transfer credit ultimately depends on a student’s home university. Please check with your university for procedures to follow when transferring credits to your institution.

EQUIPMENT

The workshop does not provide gear. Students must bring their own laptop computer, portable hard drive, mobile phone and digital camera equipment as well as any audio or video recorders if desired. Beginners without photographic gear are welcome to use their mobile phone camera.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

London’s location makes it a great base for a variety of day trips that offer a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Students will have two weekends free to explore London on their own or take day trips to nearby sites of interest.

Windsor: Just a short train ride from London, Windsor is home to the magnificent Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. Visitors can tour the castle, explore the beautiful gardens, and even watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Oxford: Known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is famous for its prestigious university and stunning architecture. Strolling through the historic colleges, visiting the Bodleian Library, and punting on the River Cherwell are popular activities.
Cambridge: Another iconic university town, Cambridge offers picturesque scenery and historic sites. Visitors can take a punt along the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and explore the stunning King’s College Chapel.
Stonehenge and Bath: A visit to the ancient and mysterious Stonehenge is a must for history enthusiasts. Often paired with a trip to the Roman city of Bath, where you can explore the Roman Baths and the beautiful Georgian architecture, this trip provides a perfect mix of history and relaxation.
Brighton: For a seaside escape, head to Brighton, a lively coastal city known for its vibrant arts scene, quirky shops, and famous pier. The Royal Pavilion, with its exotic architecture, is a highlight, and the beach is perfect for a relaxed day out.
Canterbury: Famous for its stunning cathedral, Canterbury is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Walking through its medieval streets, visiting the Canterbury Tales attraction, and exploring the ancient ruins make for an enriching day trip.
Hampton Court Palace: Located just outside London, Hampton Court Palace offers a glimpse into Tudor history. The palace, once home to Henry VIII, features beautiful gardens, a maze, and impressive interiors.
The Cotswolds: For those looking to escape to the countryside, the Cotswolds offers picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages. Places like Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are perfect for a leisurely day of exploration.
Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit for literature lovers. Visitors can explore Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and enjoy a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Leeds Castle: Often dubbed “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is set on two islands in a lake, surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland. The castle’s interiors, gardens, and falconry displays make it a great day trip option.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, making them ideal for students looking to explore the rich history and culture of England beyond London.

STUDENTS

This project is open to English-speaking college students and recent graduates from any school around the world. Students from many universities have participated in past ieiMedia programs, including the following:

American University, Arizona State University, Baylor University, California State University Fullerton, California State University Long Beach, Carleton University, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Georgia College and State University, Georgetown University, Humboldt State University, Indiana University, Iowa State University, Ithaca College, James Madison University, Louisiana State University, Montclair State University, New York University, Rider University, Rutgers University, Ryerson University, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, State University of New York at New Paltz, Syracuse University, Temple University, Truman State University, UCLA, University of Arizona, University of British Columbia, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Kennesaw State University, University of Illinois, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Northern Iowa, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virginia Tech, and Washington and Lee University.

We’ve also had students from Canada, Japan, the UK, Puerto Rico and Trinidad.

Faculty Director

Frederick Lewis is a Professor in the School of Media Arts & Studies at Ohio University and a documentary filmmaker whose work has been seen on PBS stations throughout the U.S. as well as on PBS’s WORLD channel, and screened at more than 130 cultural/educational venues, including the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the world headquarters of The Explorers Club in NYC. Over the years these projects have taken him to Russia, Greenland, Argentina, Chile (sailing to Cape Horn), Newfoundland and Alaska.

Lewis is a recipient of the Presidential Teacher Award, Ohio University’s highest honor for transformative teaching, curriculum innovation and mentoring. Hundreds of Lewis’s students have gone on to work in all aspects of the entertainment and corporate production industries for organizations such as Lucasfilm, Scott Free Productions (Ridley Scott), Dreamworks Animation, Jim Henson Productions, International Creative Management (now CAA), iHeartMedia, Laika, Teton Gravity Research, NFL Films and Major League Baseball. Some have served as writers, story editors and/or producers for shows such as Family Guy, Community, NCIS, Supergirl, and the current version of Fraggle Rock.

Internationally, Lewis has directed twenty-five experiential learning programs in eight countries including Spain, Ireland, Morocco, Ecuador and Guyana, serving more than 300 students. He has been a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Pecs in Hungary, a U.S. Embassy lecturer in Germany and Malaysia, and a Teaching Fellow at Leeds Beckett University in England. He has lectured or conducted workshops at universities in France, Ukraine, Romania and Vietnam and China.

Professor Lewis holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Brown University and has also taught at Boston University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

Faculty

Additional faculty for this project will be announced soon. Check back for updates and Get Started with ieiMedia to stay informed about this program and other opportunities.