Schools offer a show-biz shortcut

The school opened in 2004 in Cebu, Philippines, and has campuses in Hong Kong and Miami and offers workshops, certificate programs and diploma programs in filmmaking, acting and 3D animation, among others. The Burbank program is just getting started and there are plans to offer four 10-week terms. Andrews envisions about 12 students per term, because personalized instruction is a key part of the program, along with a focus on learning by doing.

Andrews said the school is reaching out to the studios for guest speakers and possibly tours of the studios that would be unique. Costs range from $3,990 for a filmmaking workshop or certificate program in the performing arts to $12,990 for a diploma program in filmmaking.

Andrews called the program “very affordable,” adding that many competitors offer programs for at least double the cost.

One of those competitors, the New York Film Academy, offers workshops and year-round schools on the back lot of Universal Studios and in locations around the globe, according to the company's website. In the fall, aspiring filmmakers, actors, cinematographers and others interested in the film industry can add Mumbai, India and Florence, Italy to their list of options, said Dan Mackler, director for NYFA at Universal Studios.

“Being on that studio lot and students having access to props and wardrobe, and each semester having the ability to screen at the theater at Universal and Warner Bros., and shooting a class project on the lot and sound stages — that is the Universal connection that makes this unique to other locations,” Mackler said. “Being on the back lot there [gives] a feeling and sense of being in the industry. [The Universal location] is unique in that sense.”

At NYFA's annual summer camp at the studio's back lot, several hundred 13-to-17 year olds and 10-to-13 year olds participate in intense workshops over the course of eight weeks, said Benjamin Morgan, who has overseen the summer workshops for 15 years.

Filmmaking and acting are among the programs they can choose from and the older students get to direct three projects in four weeks. The courses are similar to the Master's in Fine Arts course and use the same equipment, Mackler said, adding that, “Students love it because they are making movies.”

A semester program in filmmaking with the NYFA costs $19,000 while a four-week 3D animation course costs $5,500, according to the NYFA website.

Meanwhile, the students in the Burbank program recently cast four actors for their movie, and filming could start next month.

Barr said he wasn't sure if he would attend a four-year college once he was done. “Here I'm learning all aspects of filmmaking,” Barr said. “Maybe I'm going to go into the film industry to see if can get a job as a production assistant instead of going to college — I think I'm learning enough here to do that.”

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