The Film & Digital Media program offers pre-professional training in film, television, and new media. Because the industry is undergoing constant change in both production technology and business practices, the program gives special attention to preparing students for a career that is not entirely predictable. Applying traditional skills to new digital environments and global platforms is the key. The ability to write well, create powerful images, articulate ideas, collaborate within a diverse community, and adjust to new and surprising situations are the hallmarks of success.

Courses in screenwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, and editing form a solid foundation. Students develop technical skills on industry-standard equipment and software, applying these skills to traditional shorts (narrative, experimental, and documentary), and virtual reality filmmaking. Every student writes, produces, and directs his or her own film every year while working as crew on dozens of peers’ films. Originality, self-confidence, critical thinking, and a professional work ethic are nurtured.

Close proximity to Los Angeles affords a unique opportunity for students to interact with Hollywood. Masterclasses with industry experts provide exceptional learning opportunities and forge
relationships with the film and television industry that can launch a career. In addition to the high school diploma program, Idyllwild Arts Academy offers a postgraduate certificate. Students complete high school and/or the postgraduate program ready to enter the industry or attend a top university.

Statement Of Philosophy

The Film & Digital Media program offers pre-professional training in film, television and new media production. As the industry is undergoing constant change, in both production technology and business practices, the program gives special attention to preparing students for a career that is not entirely predictable. Applying traditional skills to new digital environments and global platforms is the key. The ability to write well, create powerful images, articulate ideas, collaborate within a diverse community and adjust to new and surprising situations are the hallmarks of success.

Courses in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, documentary, production design, producing and film scoring form a solid foundation. Non-traditional media and the effective use of the Internet and social media are stressed. Students are trained on industry standard equipment and professional software. Originality, self-confidence and critical thinking are nurtured.

Close proximity to Los Angeles affords a unique opportunity for students to work with Hollywood experts. Master classes and mentoring sessions are held in real-world environments: studios, production offices, location film and television sets — creating relationships between individual students and industry professionals.

Requirements Of The Department

Filmmaking is a collaborative art, but is also a hierarchy requiring strong leadership, therefore students are expected to work well with others regardless of their position on a team. Honesty, respect for others, generosity of spirit and a positive attitude are expected.

Students take four to six, 3-hour courses per week. Students devote evenings and weekends to production. Classes do not necessarily follow a sequential order and students may be placed in a course several times, until mastery is achieved. As filmmaking can be physically grueling, students are expected to be in good health. Proficiency in the English language is required.

All seniors make a senior film. Students are allowed to specialize in one area of interest, e.g., cinematography or editing, and may choose to develop a reel in their area of specialty for senior project, rather than write and direct a film.

Students must provide their own laptop computer, headphones, 2-TB hard drive, and digital SLR camera.

2017 Film Posters – Designed by Students:

Inquire

The Idyllwild Arts Film & Digital Media Department’s conviction that storytelling is crucial to successful filmmaking determines our requirements for application materials.*

Therefore all Film & Digital Media applicants must submit:

• A Creative writing sample that you have produced. The writing sample may be in any format, including screenplay, play, short story, poem, or even stream of consciousness. 
• Showcase your visual artistry by submitting a sample visual art work. The visual art work may be in any medium, including film, video, photography, performance piece, painting, sculpture, collage, a creative website, a creative Instagram account or collection of pictures. Anything that helps us know more about you as an artist and potential visual thinker. Submit as many samples as you like.
• A short 3 to 5 minute creative video in the form of a monologue, narrative, or documentary, introducing yourself, and responding to the following:
  • Why do you want to be a filmmaker?  Tell us in a creative, unique way why you are motivated to be a filmmaker. 
  • Tell us who you are! 
  • Tell us a story about something that happened to you or something you witnessed that had a profound impact on your life.
• The Film & Digital Media Department cannot accept beginning English speakers. 

For specific questions regarding the Film & Digital Media admission process, please contact: Christy Wilke at 951-659-2171 Ext.2223 or cwilke@idyllwildarts.org.

Our faculty members have worked at every level of the creation of films in Hollywood. But they are not only film professionals; they are also dedicated professional teachers, having brought their industry experience to film schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and having developed and taught courses in screenwriting, cinematography, and other key subjects.

Learn More…

Christina Reynolds ‘98
Associate Producer, Shark Tank

Prescott Trudeau ‘03
Curator and exhibit designer

James Baumann ‘06
Documentary filmmaker and
social justice activist

Bayan Joonam ‘06
Emmy-winning producer

Bree Essrig ‘08
YouTube personality and host

Sean Stromsoe ‘09
Videographer and founder of
nonprofit Ethiopia Skate

Spencer Koobatian ‘09
Assistant Editor,
Twentieth Century Fox

Jordan Kreimerman ‘10
Writer/director/cinematographer
at Blue Line Pictures

Andrew Reisfeld ‘10
Producer of promotional
spots for television

Kai K. Krause ‘11
Nominated for BAFTA Award
in Cinematography