Is
it really possible to make a film during the time given for
the course?
We consider it very possible to complete a short film in the four and
six week courses we have designed. Depending on your program you will
complete either a 3-5 minute final film or an 8-12 minute final film.
You will work closely with the faculty to make sure everything gets done
by the last day of class.
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Do
I need any prior experience to participate in the program?
No, you do not need any prior experience to participate in the program.
The program is designed to work with beginners and experienced students.
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Why do you emphasize directing and writing?
We know that learning a camera only takes a day. To make it in the film
industry you have to know how to tell a story. We want to show you
how to tell a story and how to present it. Everything else will fall
into place as the course progresses.
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Will I have a problem if I’m not
a writer?
No. You do not have to be a writer to participate
in the program. Our faculty will help you find a story
to tell and teach you how to put it
on paper.
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Will I need to come in with an idea the first day of the workshop?
You can come in with an idea but it is not necessary. During your first
screenwriting class you will begin to workshop ideas to produce throughout
the course.
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What does the tuition include?
The tuition includes experienced faculty, quality instruction and access
to graduate level instruction from the Columbia University film school
faculty, equipment, video stock, guest speakers, field trips, film stock,
film processing, final VHS tape of all final projects, certificate of
completion and an IFI t-shirt. There are no hidden costs.
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Do you offer financial aid?
No. We currently do not offer financial aid.
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Do I need my own equipment to participate in the program?
No, you will not need your own equipment to participate in the program.
Equipment use is included as part of your tuition. You will only need
to get your own equipment if your project needs are beyond our resources.
We encourage you to be creative, but we also encourage you to work within
your budget and available resources.
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Will we shoot on film or video?
You will primarily shoot on Digital Video. If there is enough demand
from your class we will provide a special section on film with a group
project.
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Why are we primarily shooting on digital video?
As a filmmaker you should concern yourself primarily with the story you
are trying to tell. There are projects shot on all formats. Budgets,
time, and resources play a role in how you shoot a project. We feel
that it is important to learn how to shoot a project without having
to spend a lot on the process. Shooting film is expensive and time
consuming. Shooting on film during a 4 or 6 week course is not practical.
Shooting on Digital Video will not only give you the quick turn-around
we need to see the results of your exercises but it will also allow
you to have a presentable final project with a clearer structure, visual
effects, dialogue, sound effects, music, and credits.
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Will I get to learn about film cameras and equipment?
You will get to learn about film and film cameras during a special info
session if your class desires it.
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Will I really get to use that big camera on the first page
your website?
The Arriflex corporation, with the support of our head of cinematography
Jon Fauer, ASC. came to our program to show our students their beautiful
cameras. We will ask them back and will have them as often as we can
get them. Currently we plan on having Arriflex come to our school every
month during the summer. This is something we cannot guarantee. If they
are not available we will try and make arrangements with another production
company to fill in for them.
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How intensive are the workshops?
The 4 and 6 week programs are designed as a full-time course of study.
You will be working from 10-5 Monday thru Friday. You might work late
nights and you will need to shoot during the weekends. So to answer
the question…the course is extremely intensive.
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Who teaches the courses?
We have experienced industry professionals, MFA Columbia and New York
University graduates, and Columbia University full-time faculty teaching
our courses.
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How do I enroll in the workshops?
You can enroll in our workshops by e.mail or by printing our application
and sending it to us with your deposit. If you register by e.mail we
ask that you follow up your e.mail with the paper application and deposit.
The on-line application will reserve a space until we receive your
deposit. On-line applications will reserve your space for a limited
time. Since we will only have 12 students per section your on-line
hold will expire without the follow-up application.
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What is the age range of your students?
Students in the past have ranged from 16 to 55.
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Will I work alone or in a team?
You will work in teams. It is important to learn collaboration and trust.
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May foreign students enroll in your courses?
Foreign students can enroll in our courses. If you have any questions
about visas and participation please let us know by e.mail and we will
try to help you make arrangements to come to the program. NOTE: Columbia
University will not be providing student visas or I-9s to participants.
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Will housing be available ?
Housing will be available for the month of June and July. We are currently
making additional housing arrangements with an outside organization.
Please visit our website regularly to see updated information. If you
have registered and have requested housing we will contact you with
the information.
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What editing program will I learn?
You will be working on Final Cut Pro. This is an Apple Computers product
used by professionals in the industry.
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How do you get guest speakers to come to the program?
Our guest speakers come from our industry contacts. Throughout the summer
we will reach out to our friends in the industry to come by and share
some time with our students. Once you participate in our program you
can continue and will be encouraged to attend future guest speaker
panels throughout the summer.
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Where will we go on field trips?
In the past we have gone to Silvercup Studios in New York where The Sopranos
and Sex and the City are shot. The American Museum of the Moving Image.
And a post-production house in the famous Meat Packing district. There
are hundreds of places to visit and we will make sure to schedule the
best places available during your course.
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Can I use my final project as part of my application to
a college or university?
Yes. You will be able to use your final project for admissions portfolios.
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Will I be guaranteed a job after the workshop?
No one is guaranteed a job after such a short course. It takes a lot
more than a 4 or 6 week course to launch a career in the entertainment
industry. Graduate students from prestigious film programs around the
world have a tough time getting into the industry. You will need to
continue your work and continue to pursue your goals as a filmmaker.
During our guidance counseling session we will try to answer your questions
as to what to do next. Our program will offer you a foundation from
where you will continue to pursue your career as a filmmaker.
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Will I have a good time?
You will have a great time with us. It’s
going to be a lot of work but after it is all done you will
look back and say. Wow I did it!
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What if I have other questions to ask?
If you have any other questions you can direct them to our e.mail service
on our website. We will be glad to answer all your questions. We understand
that this is a great commitment of time and money. We want you to have
a pleasant and rewarding experience with us at the International Film
Institute of New York.
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