The Hidden Gem that is BDFI
Once I discovered this hidden gem, I was invited to visit the campus for a tour earlier this year 2009. Upon meeting Patrick, the Dean, I knew right away this was the place for me.
Being a part of such a great institution, while attending BDFI the first five weeks has surpassed anything I learned in university regarding cinematic studies. I enrolled in BDFI primarily because the atmosphere is very family-like, but also because I would be learning from instructors who care. All the classes are intimate so you get to know everyone which has truly been a measurable experience personally for me.
The school has a unique spin on how to learn filmmaking, as each class is structured to learn by a hands-on approach. Since I am a visual person, this has been essential to how I have been able to learn quickly in the shortest amount of time. Really the first five weeks has been a serious learning curve. Every aspect of this school has changed me in some way professionally for the better. Within in the first three weeks, I learned to understand cinematography as not a skill, but an art.
Learning from the instructors is always inspiring. The fact that every instructor is a specialist in their field makes me more confident in how I am learning.
All my classmates have been great to work with because everyone brings something unique to the table. In class I enjoy learning new perspectives from editing to cinematography. Also, I am learning the art form of how to feel the editing process naturally.
One of my favorite aspects of the campus is the ability to have access to the HD camera & film equipment. I find it fascinating to have hands-on classes in the first few weeks that teach you how to edit in Final Cut Pro and use pro lighting gear. Even though our class projects are incredibly challenging, they have taught me unbelievable amounts of applications on ways to view professional filmmaking.
The senior students are a great resource when it comes to letting you know how to tackle tough situations in a real world setting. As a student, I have experienced opportunities to advance my knowledge, even through casual conversations over lunch. Learning how to perform auditions, castings & call backs has educated me on how to start a talent agency.
Instructors provide guidance and mentoring on whatever level you want to focus on in the industry.
Because of this I think BDFI is a genuine place to start for anyone.
I enjoy the intimate classes, knowledge of my instructors & inspiration I draw from my classmates. It feels great to belong to a place that has a wonderful atmosphere where you can learn through osmosis, it seems sometimes.
I mean the place oozes with a tantamount of hospitality & synergy. I feel the collective intelligence has basically increased my passion for filmmaking through this program. It is all about your ability to understand what is required of you then really committing to the process because it works.
I am truly enjoying filmmaking from a more organic process of learning from instructors who actually have worked in the industry.
Nevertheless, I have visited other bay area film schools, but felt that this one had what I was looking for. I feel BDFI has a futuristic philosophy that is training students who will succeed. It is creating a new generation of prominent filmmakers.
Kevin Tucker
