Independent Media Producers Program

Sep 17-Oct 13

The INDEPENDENT MEDIA PRODUCER'S PROGRAM (IMPP) is a one-month intensive course. This program is designed to advance the skills and knowledge of G.I.F.T.S.' alumni, and those with similar experience, who are pursuing careers as independent media producers/filmmakers. A limited number of students are accepted into this reknowned program and are required to complete a questionnaire designed to help us assess the level of skill and experience of each applicant.

Each week, industry professionals and artists teach specialized, self-contained courses, allowing students to develop a sophisticated understanding of the processes, tools and techniques of independent media production. These advanced workshops develop technical skills, including: camera work, lighting, sound recording, and non-linear editing and other post-production techniques. The program also offers workshops for skills specific to independent video production, including: production budgeting, sources of financing, grant writing, and other successful production strategies for up & coming producers.

Drama focused students are offered workshops in directing, casting and scriptwriting; Documentary focused students, in pre-planning, researching, interviewing, paper editing, and the ethics of documentary filmmaking. These complete the criteria for a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of independent production.

Throughout the month, students will work on two projects. First, students produce a short solo film (super8 or 16mm) project with complete creative control. Next, students will work in teams of three or four on a longer, major (digital video) assignment, with emphasis on story. Professionals will help guide the pre-production process and the shoot, and students work together to produce and edit the piece. This ensures that all students gain extensive hands-on experience in every aspect of the course.

Finally, industry professionals will evaluate the rough-cut during the last week of the course. This key experience, combined with the extensive augmentation of all production-related skills, fulfills the overall objective to prepare students for a future in independent media/film production.

The program runs from Monday to Friday throughout the month. On weekends, students may elect to stay at the school (with limited support) to work on their projects.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a graduation certificate for the skills they have acquired and two new works to add to their portfolio. In less than four weeks, students are propelled from inspiration to manifestation on te leading edge of today's media evolution.

COURSE OUTLINE - Focus on Drama; Documentary is similar Students in the IMPP focus on Drama or Documentary. Students will be able to choose the focus that best suits their mediamaking aspirations. Please consult the courses and focus section of the website.

The final course syllabus will contain elements of the following:

• financing and project development
• screenwriting, story-telling, script editing workshops, advanced media literacy
• director's prep: breaking down the script, casting, character journeys, rehearsals, blocking
• pre-production planning/storyboarding
• the actor's perspective, casting call
• cinematography & lighting, location sound
• super 8mm & 16mm workshops, scratch animation
• editing with non-linear editing systems
• copyright workshop, distribution and grant writing workshops
• sound design workshop
• working with a composer
• critique of rough-cuts
• streaming video for the web
• finishing touches, credits, etc.
• critiques of final cuts

Last day: Screening at 2:00 pm open to the public (friends and family are invited to attend)

Download IMPP Flyer