Academy Motion Picture Arts Major

The Motion Picture Arts Division provides students with a progressive interdisciplinary education through theory-based courses and hands-on production. Students in the motion picture arts program benefit from challenging college-preparatory academics and a comprehensive experience in filmmaking.

Screenwriting workshops develop storytelling skills and help students understand the narrative structure of a film.

Production classes explore the visual and aural aspects, including cinematography, lighting, music, sound, directing, editing and more.

Film history and theory courses encourage filmmakers to investigate the medium of film, its evolution, and the rapidly changing roles of technology.

Electives from other disciplines, such as acting and photography, give students a deeper understanding of the components of motion pictures.

Students will graduate with experience in each area of cinema with opportunities to write, produce, direct and edit their own projects. Student work is screened at a yearly campus-wide festival.

Resources

The Aaron and Helen L. DeRoy Center for Film Studies houses the motion picture arts program. It is the only facility of its kind in the country, dedicated to film studies and production at the high school level. At every step of their education, students in the motion picture arts program at Interlochen have access to professional-grade facilities and equipment.

Classrooms and four editing suites are equipped with the latest digital editing software, networked by fiber optic to a 7 terabyte XSAN XSERVE for streaming video throughout the facility.
A sound stage provides space for constructing and shooting on sets, recording audio and instruction.
A 200-seat viewing space features HD projection for film-screenings, presentations and peer critiques
Sony HVR-Z1U cameras are professional-grade and HD compatible,.
Comprehensive ARRI lighting packages including: 5k, 2k, 1k, 1.2k HMIs, 575 HMIs, and studio cools with grip hardware
A doorway dolly with track
A production truck, operated by Academy faculty and staff, allows students to transport equipment for shoots at remote locations.

Faculty

The faculty of the motion picture arts program bring a wide range of experience and expertise in screenwriting, production and direction. Members of the faculty have produced documentary series and television programs, written for television and acted on camera. Film professionals are regular guests of the program, bringing additional expertise in sound production, lighting, scoring for films, acting and more.

Recent Guests

Jeff Wozniak, senior digital artist for Industrial Light and Magic
Gordon Radley, former president of Lucasfilm, Ltd.
James Gartner, director of Glory Road
Ken Burns, documentary filmmaker
Andy Davis, director of The Fugitive and Holes
Joel McNeely, composer, Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
Andrea Nix Fine, director of Oscar-nominated film, War Dance
Ivan Raimi, screenwriter – Darkman, Army of Darkness, Spiderman 3
Jeff Daniels, performer
Alan Menken, Academy Award-winning film composer, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Enchanted, many others.
Richard Krevolin, screenwriter
Cedric Barry, Interlochen alumnus and recruiter for USC’s School of Cinema

Recent Student Awards and Honors

Aaron Jaffe received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, which included the use of a Panaflex camera for his senior thesis project.

Chad Engel received an Honorable Mention, National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts.

Tyler Trykowksi received first place at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in the high school category.

Sarah Nimeh received first place in the Michigan Youth Film Competition.

Zev Blumenfeld received an Official Jury Selection Award from the 2007 Delta Moon Student Film Festival.

Alumni

The motion picture arts program is the newest major at Interlochen Arts Academy. The first students began their studies in 2005 and graduates are currently studying at leading film programs including: