Frequently Asked Questions About Audio-Video Film Technology (AVFT)
1. Is this a full year or one semester class? This is a full year course.
2. My student has never done video before, what can they expect? You can expect that your student will have a HANDS ON experience with industry standard equipment. You can expect your student to be challenged and to learn by doing.
3. My student does not have any video equipment, will that hinder their experience? No...We have plenty of editing equipment with Final Cut Pro, we have tripods and cameras and microphones and lights...enough equipment to make most any videographer/filmmaker happy.
4. My student has already produced his own Youtube videos; can he opt out of that intro class? In short, no. The intro class is designed to give a complete overview of the professional production process, from brainstorming, to writing, to directing, shooting, editing and uploading. In addition, we focus on the complete production process which can be challenging to some. The student who has usually produced their own videos can learn to focus on other aspects of video including writing, lighting, audio, stabilization, editing and the business of media. Most often a student usually unlearns their bad habits and begins a professional approach to video.
5. I see students producing videos for the Morning Show. My student was a lead host in middle school, can my student be on the Morning Show right away? We spend a great deal of time on delivery to a target audience. We will train your student professionally over the course of our program.
6. What equipment do you recommend for my student? When parents and students ask me about equipment, I recommend the EXACT same equipment that I shoot and edit videos with: A Canon T3i or better, a Manfrotto Tripod (I've had mine for 23 years!), a MacBook Pro (16 gb RAM/ 1 TB HD) with the Adobe Cloud Suite.
7. Can my student get a job in the business? YES!!!! The film and video industry is a 7 BILLION dollar a year industry in Georgia! Right now there are no less than 30 productions in process in Georgia in any given month. The industry is looking for well-trained professionals all the time. If you look at (the Biz) on my site, you can see what is filming right now.
8. Do you recommend secondary/trade/tech schools? Yes. There are many schools to choose from depending on what your student's focus will be. The most important aspect in this industry, however, is building a solid network and enhancing good work ethic skills. I do have all my students produce a professional online portfolio that industry will want to look at. I also provide networking opportunities as well as professional shooting/editing opportunities to the students. Typically, it's the student with the best work ethic who gets the job.
9. What makes your program stand out? I am very passionate about video. I have been producing professional videos for over 23 years. I come from the industry with a focus on getting my students in the industry. I keep my connections in this business highly guarded, however I do share with those students who stand out. We have received accolades from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences by producing videos of excellence for the High School Emmy Awards. Recently I was awarded Student Television Network Teacher of the Year(2016) and Trade and Industry Teacher of the Year (2016) and I was selected by Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) as a Digital Innovator.
10. Why should my student take your class? Whether your student wants to produce the greatest movie ever made or simply produce effective communication that audiences will WANT to see, this class offers something for everyone. It's a family atmosphere where students can creatively express themselves and build long-lasting friendships.
11. Do you have any success stories of your students? YES!! Thomas Meason is now working for CBS Sports (he has worked with SEC Network and CBS Sports), Lauren Adamovich is now at Turner as a project manager. Harry Nevel is a full-time influencer on youtube. Kim Johannsen is a product hauler on youtube. I have successfully place students at NYU, Chapman Film, USC Film, Columbia University, FSU Film, Valdosta State Broadcast Video, Georgia State Broadcast Video, University of Georgia New Media, and many others.
12. How is the program laid out? Level One is open to all students, however most are in 9th and 10 grades. They learn the basics of video production including shot composition, editing techniques, audio basics, lighting, story telling. All students will develop an online digital portfolio and learn proper techniques that the industry is looking for in job prospects.
Level Two is open to those students who successfully complete both semesters of Level One. Production is advanced..students learn how to produce lead ins, PSA, commercials for the school, advanced audio techniques, advanced video techniques and advanced editing techniques. Students will develop and enhance their online digital portfolio.
Level Three and Four is our Award-Winning Morning Show. Students become independent producers of their own segments and put together a professional video magazine. Some students will be recommended for industry internships. This program requires the student to get 2 letters of recommendation, submit their portfolio, and write an essay on why they would be an asset to the program.