Narrative Program
Narrative Filmmaking Certificate
Best Hands-on Program in the Country
One of the very best hands-on filmmaking programs in the country is right here in Northern Arizona. At the Sedona Film School at Yavapai College (SFS) you will be working on your first film within the first three weeks of the first semester. You will make eight collaborative short films and write and direct your own twenty minute thesis film in the first year of study! That is more than you will do at most of the Big Name schools in FOUR years! And your (in-state) tuition will be approximately $5,000! Which is about ONE-TENTH the cost at any of the Big Name schools.
Narrative filmmaking is a great way to tell a story either based on truth or totally fictitious. The typical format for theatrical distribution, this is the most popular form of storytelling today. Learn the basic techniques of screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, sound and editing.
Professional Mentorship
At the Sedona Film School the film curriculum focuses on all aspects of movie making from concept to distribution. Learning from a small group of filmmakers and professionals in the film industry gives students the mentorship they need through the entire learning process. The state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are designed to support the film program and provide all students with an incredible amount of hands-on experience.
Many students continue their filmmaking education by attending both the narrative and documentary programs over a two-year period.
Behind the Scenes (on right)
Keaton S. Ziem’s thesis short, High School Reunion, with Matt DuPont on camera.
FALL-the first semester
Students will produce and edit eight short films, focusing on a different assignment each cycle. They will work with professional screenwriters, to outline and write the script for their thesis short film.
Day 1
With a screenwriter, students will watch a film from one of three categories: foreign, independent, and the studio system. The film will be analyzed to reveal writing tricks used by the screenwriter to move the audience through the story. That night the student will go home and write a scene based on what they learned that day in class.
Day 2
The class will be divided into groups of four. Each group will consist of a director, producer, camera and sound person. The students rotate to serve in each of these capacities. As a group, students read the written scenes, select one and go into pre-production. They secure locations, actors, props, wardrobe and shot list the script.
Day 3
Each group will shoot their selected script with equipment provided by the school.
Day 4
The instructor analyzes all raw footage for screen direction, coverage, lighting, acting, and composition.
Day 5
The raw footage is edited into a complete scene and the final cut is reviewed.
SFS Master Workshops
Students attend two intensive workshops on the topics of Screenwriting and Directing Actors.
SPRING-the second semester
The Spring semester is all about production. Students direct their short thesis films and manage the entire pre- and post-production process. The final edit of each film will debut at the SFS Shorts Film Festival in May. Students are also required to work as crew on two of their classmate’s thesis films.
SFS Master Workshops
Students attend two intensive workshops; Managing Post-production and Guerrilla Filmmaking.
Total Credit Hours: 40
Cost
The Digital Filmmaking Certificate is a little over $13,000 for the full year, including tuition, equipment and lab fees. For Arizona residents, the cost is roughly $5,000 for the full year.
