I just finished the second and final day of my BDFI tour and I am still buzzing with energy and excitement. I could not have ever imagined this visit going as well as it has. The facilities, faculty, equipment and students were above and beyond any preconceived notions I had of BDFI.

Where to start? I have to begin with the hospitality and personality and Patrick. He was kind enough to pick me up from the BART station both days and I knew right off the bat that I was going to enjoy the school. Any nervousness I had prior to my tour was quickly dismissed when I began talking to Patrick. He was so helpful and accommodating, with my tour and overall trip to the bay area (recommending restaurants and the must sees of downtown San Francisco).

The Saul Zaents media center, which houses BDFI, has a long legacy which quickly becomes apparent to any visitor who notices all of the movie and music posters on the walls. I love the environment that Patrick has created, allowing the students to feel that they are in a business setting. The editing suites, rather than long tables of computers, the interactive round tables in the classrooms, rather than desks, and the overall sense of community of the students and faculty all contribute to a wonderful environment that inspires creativity and teamwork.

I was able to sit in on three classes during my visit, all of which greatly contributed to my understanding of the advantages of BDFI. The first was video editing with Sharef, which reminded me of an editing class I have had before, but with major advantages. Sharef was so engaging and helpful to every student, covering a lot of material, while making sure that each student has a comfortable grasp on every trick and tip.

After a brief discussion of my love for sound design in films, Patrick dropped me off at the BART station to conclude my first day of the tour. I was about to head back to my hotel when I got a call from Patrick. He told me to come back up and that I had to sit in on one more class with MARK BERGER! What an experience! Before class started I sat in an editing sweet with Jonathon and Mark Berger, as they went over a scene from Apocalypse Now with all of the audio tracks separated. To be able to sit with him, while he discussed his creation was a pleasure. It was definitely a surreal experience, and one that I will tell to all of my friends back home.

Berger’s lecture was on sound design theory and was one of the most exciting and informational lectures I have ever been a part of. He is so experienced and competent, that all of the students seemed to be fully engaged in the lecture. That one lecture was the equivalent of twenty lectures at the UK, where I attend now. I thanked Patrick a million times over for calling and picking me back up, because the experience was one I will always remember.

The last thing that I feel I need to express is the companionship of the students at BDFI. Patrick mentioned that they build an environment where the only competition is self-competition, and it really shows. Everyone is highly motivated and focused, while being completely devoted to his or her fellow students. I had quite a few opportunities to speak with the students, which really broadened my view of the advantages of BDFI. They all spoke similarly about the fact that everyone finds their niche very quickly here, while still allowing everyone to be Producer and Directors. Everyone was very helpful and I just want to that the students and faculty for a great tour and making me feel at home.

Thanks.