Emma Smith, academic coordinator for the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), arrived in Milledgeville Oct. 30 to speak with Georgia College & State University students about the pathway of careers in film, television and e-sports. In addition, she announced that enrollment for the community class, “Introduction to Film and Television Production” will be open to the public from Nov. 1 through Jan. 13.
The Georgia Film Academy began operations in 2015 and aims to build a professional workforce able to meet increased production demand.
According to its website, “GFA is widely recognized by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), labor unions, and numerous competing states and countries as “the gold standard in film and television production workforce training.”
GFA partners with Georgia College, among many universities and colleges, to provide courses to students and the wider community for individuals to receive Film & Television Production Certification, Film & Television Post-Production Certification, or Digital Entertainment, Esports & Game Development Certification.
“GFA courses are not limited to college students. They are open to everyone through Georgia College’s Continuing and Professional Education department. There is no application process to join a course and there are no prerequisites needed,” said Smith. “Each of our courses is taught by an industry professional and this spring, film industry veteran Michael Hofstein will teach Introduction to Film and Television Production.”
Hofstein has been involved in many iconic films and TV shows including: Laverne & Shirley, Fantasy Island, Happy Days and M*A*S*H, where he served as aerial director of photography until 1983, and Dracula, where he served as one of the directors. According to his biography, Hofstein chose to teach GFA courses because he noticed a lack of mentorship within the film industry.
“There is a great need in Georgia to fill positions in electrical, art, and production departments,” said Smith.
“By partnering with the local schools, we hope to give people an opportunity to explore an interest in the world of film from all avenues and hopefully seek certification and careers.
Anyone who is even vaguely interested is encouraged to take our introductory course.”
The certification pathways are split into three main types of classes, introductory courses, craft courses, and broadcasting courses, which leads into internship opportunities. According to Smith this is the “secret sauce” to GFA.
“We have contracts to allow students to work in covered crafts on productions. They will work for 160 hours minimum on a working production,” said Smith. “We want to create those connections for our students. We want them to leave with a job.”
Those interested in taking part in the “Introduction to Film and Television Production” course should visit georgiafilmacademy.edu.