Each student writes, shoots, directs, and edits films.
The educational objectives of the One-Year Filmmaking Program are to teach students the art and craft of filmmaking and to instruct students through a strict regimen of lectures, seminars, and total immersion workshops to help them excel in the creative art of filmmaking.
The Academy’s 1-Year Filmmaking Program gives students the all-around filmmaking experience necessary to make their own films. The year is divided into three semesters with one to two weeks of vacation, depending on the start date. Students in the program receive over 800 hours of hands-on instruction and actual production experience. The curriculum integrates intensive study in all the major filmmaking disciplines including cinematography, directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing. They all write, shoot, direct, and edit eight of their own short digital projects – including a thesis sync-sound project. Students shoot these projects using a DSLR in the first semester and the RED Scarlet HD camera in the second semester. All projects are edited digitally using Davinci Resolve and Final Cut software. Students are also trained in the use of 16mm film and 35mm film. Students have the option of shooting their projects in either of these two film formats, although the cost of shooting film is significantly higher than working in HD digital video.