Independent Media Producers Program Month
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 who are pursuing careers as independent media producers/filmmakers. A limited number of students are accepted into this special program. Although the IMPP was designed to build on the skills acquired through G.I.F.T.S.' one-week media intensive programs, new students who can demonstrate equivalent production experience may also be accepted into the program. Please contact us for further information & evaluation.
Each week, industry professionals and artists will 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 in 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 an experimental solo film (super8 or 16mm) project with complete creative control. Then, students will work in teams of three or four on a longer major (digital) assignment, with emphasis on the story. Professionals will help guide the pre-production and the shoot, but students will be expected to 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 new work to add to their demo reel. The Independent Media Producers' Program is a cost-effective, extensive and intensive course designed specifically to prepare students for today's competitive media revolution.
COURSE OUTLINE - geared to Drama & Documentary focuses.
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 focus section of the calendar or website or contact us for further details.
The final course syllabus will contain elements of the following:
- financing and project development
- screenwriting, story-telling, script editing workshops, advanced media literacy
- directors prep: breaking down the script, casting, character journeys, rehearsals, blocking
- the actors perspective, casting call
- pre-production planning/storyboarding
- 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
- critique of rough-cuts
- streaming video for the web
- more editing, musical scores if needed
- finishing touches, credits, etc.
- critiques of final cuts
- Last day: Screening at 2:00 pm (friends and family are invited to attend)
