FADE IN:

CONTENTS YOUR DIGITAL FILMMAKING FUTURE

3 Mission Statement The ongoing digital evolution in the entertainment industry has dra-
matically changed the course of filmmaking by reducing the cost of
4-5 Filmmaking Programs production. The independent filmmaker can now write, shoot, and edit
a film digitally without relinquishing hands-on control. This welcome
6-8 Filmmaking and Media Arts Courses development in the filmmaking process absolutely necessitates that
the student master the craft of visual storytelling and the many tech-
9 - 10 Apple Certified Training nical skills required to fully realize his or her creative vision and
Information for International Students become an essential member of any production. In short: the technol-
12 - 13 Course Schedule and Prices ogy has arrived - the skilled peo-
ple have not. Until now...
14 Information for International Students
Digital Film Academy, also known
16 - 19 Meet the Faculty in the industry as DFA, provides
the training and skills that are
20 Refund Policy vital for the independent filmmak-
er. By offering hands-on digital
21 Holidays
filmmaking instruction taught by
22 Policies and Procedures experienced industry profession-
als in a progressive, challenging,
23 Map and Directions and supportive small class envi-
ronment, with unlimited lab time,
OFFICERS:
DFA uniquely provides the stu-
President:
dent with the creative learning
Patrick J. DiRenna
environment needed to become
a truly independent filmmaker.
Directors:
Patrick J. DiRenna
Upon acceptance into DFA's Digital Filmmaking courses, you will shoot
Elena Primost
and finish your own short narrative or documentary, from concept to
script to screen. The crafts of screenwriting, producing, camera work,
Licensed Agents:
sound engineering, and lighting techniques are covered in-depth, in
Patrick J. DiRenna
additiion to communicating your vision by directing the actor and
Elena Primost
directing the camera. You will learn the art of digital editing by com-

“
pleting full post-production on your project through visual and sound
editing and dvd authoring.
630 Ninth Ave., Suite 901
New York, NY 10036 The best film school course When you complete the
of your choice, you
in New York . ”
Phone: 212.333.4013 or 1(800) 608-6717
will receive not only a cer-
Fax: 212.333.2238 - email: info@digitalfilmacademy.com
tificate, but also a real call-
Web: www.digitalfilmacademy.com
Village Voice ing card for the industry: a
DVD of your own film.

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 DIGITAL FILMMAKING PROGRAMS DIGITAL FILMMAKING PROGRAMS
Six Month Beginning Digital Filmmaking Fifteen-Week Digital Filmmaking
Learn the foundation elements of digital technology as well as vital The Fifteen-Week Digital Filmmaking program is a part-time course
production skills. Students write, produce, shoot, post produce and that teaches each student the skills necessary to write, produce,
screen digital films. Subjects include: Film History, Screenwriting, direct, shoot, edit, and dvd author their own DV film. Students go
Editing Theory, Camera, Producing, Directing, Script Supervising, DV through each phase of pre-production, production and post-production
Lighting, Sound Recording, Documentary Filmmaking, Final Cut Pro, and rotate crew positions on their classmates' projects. Classes meet
Pro Tools, DVD Authoring and Web Streaming. Students complete three times per week and instructors are always available for consul-
their own projects from conception to screening. tation. The program concludes with a graduation screening, to which
Tuition: $13,250. 24 hours per week: Mon - Thurs (day). students are encouraged to invite family, friends and industry.
Tuition: $3,995. Mon, Wed, Fri (6-9 pm).

Four Month Advanced Digital Filmmaking

Now that you have mastered the foundation elements of digital film-
making, learn advanced techniques to take your skills to the next level. Eight-Week Digital Filmmaking
Includes Commercials, Screenwriting 2, Editing Theory 2, Camera 2, Experience our famous Fifteen-Week Program condensed into an
Producing 2 (includes scheduling and budgeting), Directing 2 Eight-Week full-time schedule. Think you can handle it? You will write,
(includes advanced script analysis and breakdown), Advanced DV produce, direct, edit and crate a DVD of your own DV film. Classes
Lighting, Sound 2, Advanced Final Cut Pro, Advanced Pro Tools, meet four full days per week and instructors are available for consul-
Advanced DVD Authoring, Students complete their own projects from tation. The program concludes with a graduation screening, to which
conception to screening. Prerequisite: Six Month Beginner Digital students are encouraged to invite family, friends and industry.
Filmmaking, 15-Week Filmmaking, or equivalent experience. Tuition: $4,395. Mon - Thur (10am-5pm).
Tuition: $9,750. 24 hours per week: Mon - Thurs (day).

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 COURSES COURSES
Two-Week Digital Filmmaking Crash Course
Learn the essential skills of digital filmmaking in this intense, hands-on
two-week course! Students learn the basics of screenwriting, produc-
ing, directing, camera operation, lighting, editing and dvd authoing,
and then put their skills to the test by shooting and ediiting a short dig-
ital film project. The course culminates with a class screening and diis-
cussion of lessons learned and practical applications of filmmaking.
Tuition: $1,995. 2 Weeks: Mon-Fri (10am - 5pm)

Script Supervisor
This intense professionally-based program is designed to teach the
necessary practical skills for a successful career as a motion picture
script supervisor. Students learn proper techniques to work effec- DFA Director Patrick DiRenna with Alicia Keys
tively in one of the most important crew positions and are taught how during her shoot in the DFA Studio.
to handle the paperwork, what to watch for, and how and why to make
continuity notes. Professional Music Video 101
Tuition: $365. 2 days: Sat, Sun (10am-5pm) This two consecutive weekend music video workshop provides each
student with the exposure of writing, producing, directing, and editing
a music video. Classmates form a film crew and make a music video
from start to finish. This class includes hands-on training with
Camera & Lighting for music videos, and how to budget an independ-
ent music video for an up-and-coming artist. Also included are Laws
in New York and where to get city permits/insurance for street film-
ing, as well as strategies for breaking into the industry using inde-
pendent videos for up-and-coming artists. Lastly, how to edit the
music video and all its effects are also covered.
Tuition: $795. Two weekends (4 days): Sat, Sun (10am-5pm).

DVD Studio Pro Workshop

Designed for those who want to learn the basics of how to author
professional quality DVDs using DVD Studio Pro, this workshop
teaches students how to make eye-popping motion menus and
“author” a DVD by creating buttons and interactive links. Students
will receive an additional one week unlimited lab time to practice
their new skills and create DVDs.
Tuition: $250. 3 hours (6-9pm). Call for next available dates!

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 COURSES APPLE PRO TRAINING
MAYA 3-D Animation FCP 101 An Introduction to Final Cut Pro-HD:
Students learn how to model a digital charater, rig it for animation, Editing Professional Video
create an animation and render a final prod- This three-day hands-on course takes students into the editing envi-
uct. The class is designed to foster an environ- ronment using Final Cut Pro HD. Topics include basic setup, adjust-
ment of creativity as well as learning technical ing and customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and
skills. The lessons taught in this course will cre- audio, various editing and trimming techniques, ripple, roll, slip and
ate a solid basis for which students will be able slide tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and final out-
to use in any 3-D project they choose to take put. This course is designed for those who want to learn to edit pro-
on. fessional quality video using Final Cut Pro HD. Apple Pro Certification
Tuition: $1,295 16 hours Exam available for this course.
Sat, Sun (10am -6pm). Tuition: $1,095. 3 days: Sat, Sun (10am-5pm), Mon (10am-2pm).

After Effects FCP 200 Final Cut Pro-HD: Advanced Editing of

Employed in everything from commercials to feature films, Adobe's Professional Video
continued interest in upgrading its products to fit current needs This five-day comprehensive and immersive course highlights all of
ensures After Effects continued stability and longevity in the film indus- the key features of Final Cut Pro HD. Topics include basic setup, cus-
try. In addition to learning the standard transform tools and tomizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, editing
import/export procedures, students are shown new techniques like and trimming techniques, ripple, roll, slip and slide tools, audio edit-
parenting, overlay modes, 3-D environments, matting and bluescreen- ing and audio creation using Soundtrack, title creation using
ing, creating an environment of artistic creativity as well as technical LiveType and final output. As well as time re-map, motion titles,
training. Tuition: $1,295. 8 weeks: Tue, Thu (6-9pm). changing clip speed, finishing and output.

This course is designed for those

who want to familiarize them-
selves with the entire feature set
of Final Cut Pro HD, Soundtrack
and LiveType. Students will learn
to effectively take a project from
concept to completion.
Apple Pro Certification Exam avail-
able for this course.
Tuition: $1,695.
5 days: Mon-Fri (10am-5pm).

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 APPLE PRO TRAINING Get the best digital filmmaking training at DFA
DVDSP 101: An Overview of DVD Studio Pro 3
This two-day hands-on course delves into the world of DVD authoring
using DVD Studio Pro 3. In this comprehensive course, students will
learn everything they need to create a professional DVD title. This
course guides students through every aspect of DVD authoring, from
initial storyboarding to burning and replication.
Using compelling media and a real-world production workflow, stu-
dents will learn how to create amazing MPEG 2 video with
Compressor as well as create eye-popping motion menus directly in
DVD Studio Pro 3. Students will also “author” a DVD by creating but-
tons, interactive links, slideshows, playlists and even adding alternate
audio stream and camera angles.

This course is designed for those that want to learn the basics of
how to author professional quality DVDs using DVD Studio Pro 3.
Apple Pro Certification Exam available for this course.
Tuition: $895. 2 days: Sat, Sun (10am-5pm).

Motion 200: An Introduction to Motion for

Motion Graphics Design
This three-day hands-on course familiarizes students with Motion,
Apple’s revolutionary software for motion graphics design. The
course comprehensively covers working with Motion’s Real-Time
Design engine and interface, behavior-based animation, parameter
behaviors, blend modes, advanced particle system design, advanced
title animation, working with templates, chroma key techniques,
masking methods, DVD motion menu design, tablet-driven gesture UI
techniques, working with audio, keyframing, and integration with Final
Cut Pro HD and DVD Studio Pro. Emphasis is placed on real-world
projects and design technique.

This course is designed both for those entering the motion graphics
field and those migrating from other motion graphics design soft-
ware. Apple Pro Certification Exam available for this course. ... A One Year Continued
Tuition: $1,095. 3 days: Sat, Sun (10am-5pm), Mon (10am-2pm). membership after graduation!

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 SCHEDULE AND TUITION

Programs and Courses 2007 Tuition Start Date 2007

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
One Year Digital Filmmaking $ 20,500 15th 10th
Six Month Full Time Digital Filmmaking 13,250 15th 10th
8th 12th 13th 23rd 21th 18th 23rd 20th 17th 22nd
Fifteen-Week Part Time Digital Filmmaking -Day & Eve 3,995
Eight-Week Full Time Digital Filmmaking 4,395 22nd 19th 11th
Two-Week Full Time Digital Filmmaking Crash Course 1,995 5th 9th *Call 16th 6th 5th 3rd
Open House 1pm & 4pm - call for reservation 13th 10th 10th 12th 14th 8th
26th 4th
After Effects 5 week w/Unlimited Lab 1,295 16th
MAYA 5 week w/Unlimited Lab 1,295 13th 31st 9th
**Music Video** Best in NYC (4 days) 795 13th 10th 10th 21st 11th 10th
Script Superivisor Workshop (2 days ) 365 20th 17th 17th 16th 15th 5th

DVD Authoring Workshop (3 hrs)* 250 *Call for dates.

Save When You Register For More Than One Course!

Call 212.333.4013 For More Details!

*Call (212) 333-4013 or e-mail info@digitalfilmacademy.com

for Schedule.

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 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
What makes DFA
WELOME TO NEW YORK CITY! Digital Filmmaking
Courses so special?
New York City is the one
of the most exciting cities on
earth. It is the perfect location
to study filmmaking and meet
Only DFA has unlimited
people from all use of equipment during
over the world. We welcome
students worldwide into our
these courses and addi-
courses tional lab time after stu-
and programs. This rich
mixture of creative visions
dents finish editing courses.
benefits our students and How else can a person become
enriches their learning
experience. proficient at a technical skill? This is the key to your
success and it’s in your hands... so use it!
I-20M Student Visas
DFA offers the I-20M student visa
for students enrolled in full-time
programs. Please note that all What will you do with your unlimited access?
tuition must be paid in full before
we can issue you your I-20M form.
Once received, you will then need
to be take the I-20M to the US
consulate in your home country to
receive your
student visa. The DFA staff will help
guide you through the steps neces-
sary to receive your student visa.

Housing
DFA offers housing assistance to
students. Our Admissions staff is
expert at finding the best acco-
modations possible within your
budget. If English is not your first
language, DFA staff is here to
help you get settled in your new
surroundings.

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 INSTRUCTORS INSTRUCTORS
Patrick Gleason Screenwriting Joe Tripician Producing
Patrick graduated from Seton Hall Law School on a law review writ- Joe's work has been broadcast on network and cable television across
ing scholarship, and practiced corporate law and litigation, including America, Europe and Japan, and has been shown at the Cannes Film
appellate advocacy and solo jury trial experience. He returned to Festival. He has also exhibited in such major forums as the
New York as an editor of trial books for Matthew Bender publishing, Guggenheim Museum, New York City; the national tour of the Whitney
and then worked as a temporary attorney for Prudential Health Museum of American Art; The Laforet Museum, Tokyo; and The
Care, a two week assignment that turned into a seven year manage- Museum of Modern Art, Paris. Joe is the author of five feature film
ment position. screenplays, as well as a humor book. He has an MFA from Columbia
University. In 1994, Joe was nominated for the Rockefeller
His own original action feature screenplay, "To Die in Ireland," based Foundation Intercultural Film/Video Fellowship in Media Arts. In 1998
in part on his legal experiences with IRA operatives in America, was Joe co-founded iStreamTV, a new media technology company based in
optioned by Cavu Pictures. In addition to several other writing projects New York.
in development, Mr. Gleason teaches screenwriting based on classic
story structure principles articulated by Aristotle and those applied to Erin Greenwell Screenwriting, Final Cut Pro, Producing
film by Robert McKee, Syd Field and Chris Vogler. Erin Greenwell has been teaching Final Cut Pro for six years and has
worked professionally as a Final Cut Pro editor, cutting 4 feature films
Sara Booth Final Cut Pro
and hundreds of short format pieces including industrials , web casts
Sara's success as an editor was noted early by the University of
and music videos. Erin also holds a BFA in screenwriting from Tisch
Michigan's Film and Video department which awarded her their Best
School of the Arts and has been directing and producing in NYC for the
Editing award in 1999 for her work on Avid Media Composer. Sara's
past 15 years. Her last movie, “21” was featured at BAM Rose
professional editing includes extensive use of both Avid Xpress and
Cinemas as part of "Best of the NewFest" series and was produced
Final Cut Pro, and well as in-camera editing. She is a certified trainer
for only $3,000. Her latest feature, “MOM” was sponsored by
by both Avid and Apple.
Panasonic/Abel Cine Filmmakers’ Grant. “Digital video enables inde-
pendent producers to keep all stages of post production (including
color correcting, composing, sound mixing, compositing effects and
creating various exhibition formats) right on their Mac." says
Greenwell, “DFA training and membership empowers everyone to run
your own cottage industry.”

DFA student Michael Nehme on the set with

Spike Lee at Bryant Park.

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 INSTRUCTORS INSTRUCTORS
Cihan Kaan DVD & Webstreaming Andrew Ravini Camera and Lighting
Andrew has been shooting film and video for over 8 years. He has
Cihan directed his first nationally televised work at 21, having just
worked in cable news, commercial, industrial, short film, fiction fea-
graduated from Brooklyn College. He designed the Interactive
tures, documentary, and reality TV as a camera operator, gaffer,
Multimedia department for CUNY and went on to direct commer-
director, editor and writer. His specialty is shooting digital (HD) to pre-
cials and music videos that incorporated high resolution computer
pare for optimized post and special effects.
animation and film. Cihan is also a visual artist, and has received
special mention at MoMA for the use of mixed digital mediums. Andrew Ravini’s work
Cihan now operates Protoactive Multimedia, a company specializing can be seen in a few up
in DVD, Website development and compression. coming TV shows and
films, and a recently
Guy Mor Sound Recording released feature docu-
Guy has been involved in music and sound for the last ten years. He mentary by Sarah
was introduced to the field as a performer on jazz guitar. His interest Goodman – “Army Of
in jazz led him to the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he One” – winner of Best
studied music technology, synthesis, production and engineering. Guy Canadian Feature
does sound editing and design in the various stages of post-produc- Documentary – Hot
tion and is proficient in multiple digital audio platforms such as Docs 2004. Andrew is
Digidesign Protools, Mark of The Unicorn Digital Performer, Emagic currently in production
AudioLogic, CoolEdit Pro, Cakewalk Sonar and more. In addition, Guy on two Cable TV series as Producer/ Director/ Writer/ and DP.
has done extensive work with MIDI using the latest software and hard- Andrew enjoys sharing with his students and learning from them.
ware. Andrew loves being a filmmaker more than anything else in the world
and feels privileged to follow in the storyteller’s footprints his grandfa-
Jeanne Talbot Script Supervisor
ther laid before him.
Jeanne has been a professional union (I.A.T.S.E.) Script Supervisor for
more than 20 years. She has worked on major feature films with "A
Don Cato Directing
level" directors in New York and Hollywood, as well as many foreign
Don Cato brings more than 30 years of film, documentary and com-
locations, on hundreds of television commercials, corporate videos,
mercial experience to DFA. A graduate of Orson Welles Film School
music videos, movies of the week, infomercials and several television
where he won second place for his shorts “Stradivarius Tilt” and
series.
“Rhinosplasty,” Don has written and directed
“Dixie Lanes,” a multi-million dollar feature star-
ring Hoyt Axton and Karen Black and “Be My
Oswald,”.. He has also written, produced and
directed numerous short films and has received
the Silver Medallion Cannes Film Festival, First
Prize Honorable Mention at the American
Only DFA Students have a full service production Society of Film Animators East and a Tokyo Film
company at their fingertips and... Festival Citation, amongst other accolades for
his short “Pipeline Patrol.”
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 REFUND POLICY
Programs:

Under New York law, tuition liability is divided by the number of terms
or quarters in the program. Total tuition liability is limited to the term
during which the student withdrew or was terminated and any previ-
ous terms completed. The Fifteen Week Digital Filmmaking program
is one term (or quarter) of 15 Weeks, hence the following charts the
refund policy based on termination:

If termination occurs, DFA may keep

Prior to or during the first week: 0%
During the second week : 20%
During the third week: 35%
During the fourth week: 50%

DIGITAL FILM ACADEMY

During the fifth week: 70%
After the fifth week: 100%

Courses:
Holidays 2007
For courses that are of two days or three days duration, the following
charts the refund policy based on termination:
Martin Luther King Day January 15
President’s Day February 19
If termination occurs, DFA may keep Easter Sunday April 3 - 4
0-15% of course complete: 0% Memorial Day May 28
16-30% complete: 25% Independence Day July 4 - 5
31-45% complete: 50% Labor Day September 3
46-60% complete: 75% Columbus Day October 8
After 60% of the course: 100% Veteran’s Day November 11
Note: The student refund may be more than that Thanksgiving November 22, 23, 24
stated above if the accrediting agency or the Federal Christmas and New Years December 17 - January 1
Pro-Rata refund policy results in a greater refund.

Policy on Non-Discrimination
Digital Film Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, veteran or marital status.

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 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Class Sizes & Enrollment: Certificates:
Classes are limited to 8 - 12 stu- For all courses, a certificate of com-
dents. A deposit of 25% is required pletion will be awarded to each stu-
for all courses. dent who succesfully completes the
course.
Leave of Absence:
Available Space:
Leave of Absence (“LOA”) may be Credit Recognition:
granted with a minimum 2-week DFA does not grant credit for previ-
3000 square feet facility
written notice when possible for ous education and training. Reception area
family emergency, illness or work Edit labs
within the industry. Handouts for Financial Assistance: Classrooms
make up work will be given. DFA offers financial assistance Shooting studio
through SLM Financial Corp (a Sallie Administrative offices
Progress Standards: Mae company) and Tuition Finance Equipment room
No cutting of classes. Corp. Handicapped accessible
Complete or Incomplete grades.
Interruptions by LOA only. Licenses and Certifications:

Conduct and Dismissal:

Conduct shall be cooperative and
courteous. Dismissal for obstructive,
disruptive or intimidating behavior.

Student Visa:
DFA is fully authorized by DFA is also an approved training
the U.S. Federal Government provider for the following agencies:
to process and enroll non- Federation Employment and
immigrant foreign students. Guidance Service, Inc. (FEGS);
Consortium for Workers Education
Complaint Procedure: (CWE); Individual Training Accounts
Complaints are to be submitted in (ITA, U.S. Dept. of Labor);
writing to the Director. All com- Workforce1 (City of NY, Dept. of
plaints will be addressed within one Small Business Services); Bergen
week of receipt. The failure of a stu- County One Stop Career Center
dent to notify the Director in writing (New Jersey); State of New Jersey
of withdrawal may delay refund of Division of Vocational Services;
tuition due pursuant to Section Yonkers Private Industry Council;
5002 of the Education Law. Ocean County PIC and the City of
New York Dept. of Labor, Division of
Disclosure: Employment Services. DIGITAL FILM ACADEMY is centrally located in the heart of Mid Town
All students must review this catalog Manhattan in the Film Center Building just one block from Times Square.
for accurate information. This cata- Although placement assistance is We are easily accessible by subway and bus.
log is subject to change. provided, DFA cannot guarantee a Just one to two blocks from: A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 9, N, R, W, V, & 7 lines.
job to any student or graduate.

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