We make films.

Columbia's largest creative film hub — producing the premier student cinema.

We empower Columbia and Barnard filmmakers through active production studios, structured technical workshops, and campus-wide premieres.

Apply to JoinOur films

Our films

From rapid sprint debuts to funded studio productions and 16mm celluloid premieres. Discover original short films written, directed, and crewed across CLiP.

Spring 2026, First Steps Fest

Prop
Reflection
Line
“It wasn’t me.”
Location
Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
Signature Shot
Dolly Zoom
Genre
Assigned Randomly

CLiP Legacy Films

Fall 2025, First Steps Fest

Prop
Key
Line
“What are you doing here?”
Genre
Assigned Randomly

First Steps Fest

First Steps Fest is CLiP's foundational production sprint — and where every member starts. You're matched into a crew of 5–6 filmmakers and handed four shared constraints to build an original short film:

  • The Prop

  • The Line

  • The Location

  • The Signature Shot

Two and a half weeks later, your film premieres. We screen each project in the Dodge Screening Room for the entire club, featuring audience feedback and awards for Directing, Screenplay, Cinematography, and more!

Roles rotate on every production. Direct one shoot, handle sound or camera on the next. Hands-on technical workshops before each cycle train you on the exact equipment and role you take on.

Beyond First Steps Fest

First Steps Fest is where everyone starts — not where you stay. Once you've mastered the sprint, step into funded sets, longer cycles, and organizational leadership.

Funded Productions

Pitch your vision for Next Frame Focus or a Studio Passion Project. The ones that get picked are made with a budget, over a longer shoot, with the gear provided.

Leadership Council

Or decide what gets made — the board that picks the funded films is one of the leadership roles the club offers. The council itself steers CLiP's four wings: Connect, Create, Capital and Channels.

Explore Leadership Roles, Wings, & Departments

Your Semester

We open the year with non-stop momentum: rapid one-minute shoots on College Walk, an outdoor cinema premiere on the lawn, our semester info session, and the First Steps Fest kickoff. Next up, the filmmaking lineup:

Fall dates go up here as soon as they're set.

  1. First Steps Fest

    Entry

    Where every new member starts — and where our production studios recruit. Matched crews receive four creative constraints to write, shoot, and premiere [yes, there is a red carpet] a short film in under three weeks. (Returning members can join if capacity allows.)

    CLiP members gathered on the steps at First Steps Fest.

  2. Next Frame Focus

    Advanced

    The step up. Returning members pitch original short scripts; greenlit projects receive dedicated funding, gear packages, and a two-month production cycle with open-crew rosters.

    CLiP members meeting around a table at Next Frame Focus.

  3. Studio Passion Projects

    Advanced

    The most ambitious productions in the club, helmed directly within CLiP's specialized studios. These funded narrative, genre, and 16mm celluloid projects shoot mid-semester and headline our campus-wide premieres.

    A clapperboard, laptop and headphones laid out on a Studio Passion Projects shoot.

  4. Mystery Event One

    An incredible filmmaking opportunity.

    Hint: Wear comfortable shoes.

  5. Final Cut Premiere

    Showcase

    The ultimate red-carpet screening that closes the semester. Next Frame Focus projects, Studio Passion films, and sprint winners premiere on the big screen before the larger university community.

    An audience watching the CLiP title card at the Final Cut Premiere screening.

  6. Mystery Event Two

    How we wrap up the semester.

    Hint: Sunglasses protect you from the flashing lights.

  7. Winter Break Blitz

    Over the break: produce a one-minute film in a single continuous take — no cuts, no edits, and real awards on the line.

    CLiP members outside with camera gear in the snow during Winter Break Blitz.

How to Get Involved

No prior film experience required.

Submit a brief application sharing what you want to create (include a portfolio or resume only if you have one). Decisions roll out within a week.

Time commitment: 2–12 hours per week depending on active production sprints. All equipment is provided, and all majors across Columbia and Barnard are welcome.

Apply to Join