Before you come:
> Please complete the medical/residence rules and release forms (http://www.GIFTSfilms.com/medicalrelease/). Please ensure that this form reaches us before the course starts so that we can prepare for medical or dietary requirements.
> Consider story ideas for the project you will be creating at GIFTS. Arriving with ideas is beneficial because of the time constraints of the course. You will be working in a group, so be prepared to merge ideas with other people to create your project. The videos created will be between 3 and 5 minutes long. Keep in mind that your backdrops are cliffs, meadows, forests and beaches rather than highways or high rise buildings. If you have a video that you have already created, feel free to bring it along to show the group.
> Double-check the start and end dates of the course (http://www.giftsfilms.com/courses/calendar-registration/) and all ferry times (http://www.bcferries.com).

What to Bring:
> Enough clothes to last a week. (Remember that BC weather can be unpredictable!)
> A sleeping bag and a pillow.
> Toiletries and towel.
> A pair of practical walking shoes or boots.
> Writing materials,(pencils, pens, notebooks, highlighters)
> Calling card - all calls are long distance from the island!
> Cell phone reception is not always reliable on island, but some reception available in certain areas. Students may be reached in the kitchen (250-539-3210) at regular meal times.
> An inexpensive or disposable camera to document your week here.
> Spending money for the concession.
> A hat and sunscreen.
> We encourage students to create their own soundtracks whenever possible. If you play an instrument that can be safely brought to the school, feel free to bring it. If you are in a band, bring any recordings you would like to use.
> Headphones, if you have them.
> Please note that we do not accept debit cards and there is no bank on Galiano.
What NOT to Bring:
> Bicycles or skateboards. There is no place to store them - and no time to ride.
> Pets.
> Expensive personal electronics. We cannot be responsible for student electronics.

Travel to GIFTS:

Students travel to the school via BC Ferries from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (BC Mainland) or Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (Vancouver Island). Please consult the specific course information sent to the email address supplied at registration for details of which ferry to take.

For Vancouver Transit Information, contact: (604) 521-0400 or www.translink.ca, or for Victoria Transit Information: (250) 382-6161 or www.transitbc.com/regions/vic/. For BC FERRY fares or vehicle reservations call: 1-250-386-3431 (Islands) or 1-888-223-3779 or go to www.bcferries.com. Please call or visit BC Ferries website to confirm sailing times. Tickets must be purchased at least 15 minutes prior to departure time. BC Ferries do not accept debit cards.

Students will be met by the film school bus opposite the ticket booth after they get off the ferry and walk up the hill.

Final Screening:

Parents, family and friends are invited to the World Premier Screening of new productions on the final day of the program at 2 pm. Guests should travel to Galiano Island from Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay on the morning of the screening. Students are still finishing up on the morning before the screening, so we ask visitors to refrain from coming to GIFTS until after 1:30 PM. There are shops you can visit … or just head to the beach! If you are interested in coming to Galiano before Saturday, you will find many B&Bs at www.galianoisland.com.

For the convenience of guests, the film school bus will depart from the Garage (first left corner after the ferry) at 1:00pm, and from the Daystar Market at 1:10pm on the day of the screening.

GIFTS will transport all students and guests to the ferry after the screening in time for the evening ferry to Tsawwassen or Swartz Bay.

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