Film
Hands-on. Working with professionals. Real-world experience. Collaboration.
These are some of the words and phrases that define an educational experience at Flashpoint Academy and the Film Program is all about it.
From screenwriting, storyboarding and pre-visualization to lighting, cinematography and using state-of-the-art film and high definition cameras, Flashpoint’s Film Program allows you to step into every role of a production. You will benefit from an intensive hands-on experience in all aspects of directing as you take the reins of an in-progress film production. Then immerse yourself in other areas of Flashpoint's curriculum as you edit, post-produce and sound design a finished film.
Flashpoint Academy, a Media Arts College for the 21st century student.
Faculty pages:
Paula Froehle, Academic Dean
Peter Hawley, Chair of Film
Amy Rising, Faculty
Additional faculty links are coming soon.
Q] At Flashpoint Academy will I be shooting film, video or High-Definition?
A] Flashpoint Academy film students will use the Panasonic AG-HVX200 P2 camera. This state of the art camera shoots true High Definition.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to shoot traditional 35mm film as a part of the Filmmaking curriculum. In order to better understand the properties of high def, it’s important to explore the differences between film and digital technologies.
Q] What editing software will we be using?
A] Students will learn how to edit on both platforms—Avid and Final Cut Pro.
Flashpoint Academy film students will have editing labs outfitted with Mac computers operating Final Cut Pro and PC computers using Avid editing software. In today’s industry, editors need to have experience with both and at Flashpoint we prepare you to step into an internship position with experience beyond the traditional approach.
Q] What is the PRODUCTION-IN-ACTION component of the curriculum?
A] The PRODUCTION-IN-ACTION course offers every student direct, hands-on experience in the making of a short narrative film and game. Both will be comprised of live action and animation components as well as complex sound design.
Each week the students meet with professionals - Producer, Director, various crew positions- who discuss the process of putting together this complex production. Beginning in the fall, the students are exposed to Development - from ideation, research and rights acquisition, through screenwriting, preproduction visualization and crew selection. During this period, the students witness creative discussion and collaboration amongst all the major keys: Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Cinematographer, Production Designer, Art Department [Wardrobe and Makeup], Audio, Actors, Editor, and Sound Designer.
Intensive Production occurs over a three-week period in January, with students from all four areas functioning as “satellites” around the major key positions, having direct impact on the final product, and gaining even closer contact with the professional production process. Post-production then follows in the Spring, with students further collaborating on the completion of the film.
The final output from this course is the “crown jewel” of the program each year: a polished, professional film with sophisticated sound design, animated elements, and a DVD interactive game, all of which is marketed and presented to the public in various modes, including film festivals and compilations nationwide.
Q] What will I be doing during the second year of Flashpoint Academy's Film program?
A] Year two at Flashpoint is geared towards preparing students to enter the workforce. Students will create and finish their own high-end film projects, they will have a professional internship and will create their own portfolio and reel. Students will begin looking towards year-two projects in the spring of the first year. In addition, the second year students will function in higher level positions as part of the PRODUCTION-IN-ACTION component. As an example, if the student is interested in cinematography, he or she might perform the role of 2nd AC on the film – thereby gaining even more direct experience on a set.
Q] How will graduating from Flashpoint Academy's Film program prepare me for the real world?
A] By the time a student completes the intensive two-year Flashpoint Academy Film program, students will have gained professional work experience working closely with industry professionals, created their own original productions, held an internship and created their own reel and portfolio. All of this occurs in the timeframe where most students are just getting their feet wet. At Flashpoint, we believe media arts education is about immersing yourself in the process from day one—and learning while doing.
Would you like to learn more about our Film program?
