BJ inspired everyone with her deep knowledge of the film industry and her willingness to share it with the class. She started with pre-production, moved to production and then to post production. She discussed every department in detail and the skills required. She discussed the accounting and all unions and guilds. She then detailed the different types of creating a movie (studio model and independent). She also discussed agents, financing, agreements, budget, bonds, copywriting and locations. BJ spoke about the Art Department, detailing the design and construction process, sets, wardrobe, set decorating, props and extras. BJ fascinated the class with her personal industry stories and anecdotes.

• High School (2010)
• Demoted (2009)
• Highlander: The Source (2007)
• Mimic (1997)
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
• Total Recall (1990)

Janet discussed what to expect on set along with information on casting extras and actors.  She gave the ins and outs of the business and how to conduct oneself on set. She also gave advice to those seeking an acting career.

• The Irishman (2010)
• High School (2010)
• Youth in Revolt (2009)
• Gran Torino (2008)

Dave explained just how much time and effort goes into being a good Location Manager and Location Scout.  He explained the process of scouting for a film by showing examples of locations and searching for the perfect spots for the director.  He also went into great detail how to manage the location.  From securing the location, signing agreements, working with the local authorities to stationing road signs for directions and everything in between.

• Hung (2009)
• Killshot (2008)
• Semi-Pro (2008)
• Transformers (2007)
• Spider-Man 3 (2007)
• Dreamgirls (2006)
• The Upside of Anger (2005)
• 8 Mile (2002)

Robin discussed his past experiences in the film industry from his entrance into the industry in Europe, to his Dwirector of Photography experiences.

• Paulie (1998)
• Starship Troopers (1997)
• Courage Under Fire (1996)
• Fargo (1996)
• Dead Man Walking (1995)
• The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
• The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
• White Fang (1991)

“So you want to be a PA in the film industry?” Mark supplied the class with all the skills and information they need to be the best PA ever.  He stressed set etiquette and explained “set talk lingo”.  He explained what to expect on the set and pay, start forms, dress and safety.  Mark discussed supplies and unions/organizations.

• High School (2010)
• Betty Anne Waters (2009)
• All’s Faire in Love (2009)
• Crossover (2006)
• 8 Mile (2002)

Larry gave a detailed overview on the Art Department in films.  “It starts with a vision”. He discussed the organizational chart and how to organize your thoughts on set design and set decorating.  He described how to break down scenes, 1) explicit items and 2) implicated items.  He also discussed what materials are used for construction of sets and props.  He gave suggestions for your “on set kit” and ideas on how to acquire items (free, rent or buy) for set decoration.  “Be a visual sponge”.  He also gave career advice and displayed many visual aides.

• Baby on Board (2009)
• The Trouble with Dee Dee (2005)
• The Last Frontier (2002)
• High Fidelity (2000)
• The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000)
• Native Son (1986)

Joan gave a detailed description of set decorating, set dressing and props.  She gave personal accounts of her experiences as a set decorator on feature films.  Joan showed many examples of her work and gave career advice.

• The Wannabe’s (2011)
• The Irishman (2010)
• Demoted (2009)
• The Prince of Motor City (2008)

Sean discussed creating walls, floors, structures, painting and landscaping for sets.  And, what materials are used.  He described what goes into creating the artistic vision of the film.  He also described the physical work, skills and qualifications to work in the construction department.  He shared visual aids, gave career advice and Q & A.

• The Irishman (2010)
• High School (2010)
• “True Blood” (2008)
• Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End (2007)
• Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
• National Treasure (2004)
• Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
• Pearl Harbor (2001)

Bernadine gave a full description of the organizational chart and the responsibilities of being a costume designer.  She supplied the class with many examples of her work and personal stories from work in the industry.  She also shared ways on how to work with colors and fabrics with the talent, set etiquette and the fabulous way to bring it all together on a set.

• The Wannabes (2010)
• Hung (2009)
• Semi-Pro (2008)
• Transformers (2007)
• 8 Mile (2002)
• Hard Ball (2001)
• Renaissance Man (1994)
• Hoffa (1992)

Michael described his background, career history and what it takes to be a Line Producer in the film industry.  Q & A followed.

• The Irishman (2010)
• In NorthWood (2009)
• White Flag (2008)
• Echo (2007)
• The Guardian (2006)
• The Path of Evil (2005)
• Kathy Griffin: Hot Cup of Talk (1998)

Patrizia made the class open their eyes to the details in life.  She encouraged everyone to notice colors, lighting, forms and shapes in day to day life.  “Production Designers are observers”.  Patrizia also recommended everyone to draw/sketch anything and everything but show no one.  Good practice for the future.

• The Irishman (2010)
• The Ice Harvest (2005)
• Shaft (2000)
• Man on the Moon (1999)
• The Untouchables (1987)(Nominated for Best Art Direction/ Set Decoration)
• Amadeus (1984) (Oscar for Best Art Direction/ Set Decoration)
• Ragtime (1981)(Nomaned for Best Art Direction/ Set Decoration)

Michael shared his vast experience with lighting, camera, job responsibilities, job requirements, and the must-have passion to succeed in the film industry.   His expertise was put to use during the 8-hour shoot for the short film Senator D’Cease.  Michael instructed the students on the use of lighting, and camera angles to best utilize for the shots.

• Meet the Browns (2008)
• Fred Claus (2007)
• Stranger than Fiction (2006)
• The Ice Harvest (2005)
• Chicago (2002)
• Save the Last Dance (2001)
• The Fugitive (1993)
• Groundhog Day (1993)
• Major League (1989)

Yasu described how he got into the business, gave advice on how those interested could get started.  He also reviewed some of his past projects, how the performs his job and the equipment he used.

• The Wannabes (2010)
• No Regrets (2009)
• The Hiding (2009)
• Last Rites (2006)
• Mighty Warriors of Comedy (2006)
• Blink (2005)
• Open House (2004)

Ron described to the class the financial and logistical aspecst of the film industry and producing a television show.  He provided details about the cost for each episode at $300,000.  Plus he provided data regarding the staffing and scheduling for the Wannabe’s project.

• The Wannabes (2010)

Julia provided an overview on acting in film and commercials.  She also provided advice to better understand what it is like to be in front of a camera and information to aid those looking for a career in the acting field.

• Prince of Motor City (2009)
• Gran Torino (2008)
• Crossover (2006)

Carolyn explained how important it is to find a mentor in the business.  She showed the class actual scripts that she used and the process she utilizes to perform her job.  She stressed the importance of her responsibilities and functions to the overall film project.  She made a book recommendation for folks to read “The Continuity Supervisor” for an in-depth look at this profession.

• Youth in Revolt (2009)
• Ocean of Pearls (2008)
• Dreamgirls (2006)
• Four Brothers (2005)