Last updated: 8/29/2012 1:56:27 PM
Yavapai College’s growing film program is beginning the school year with new students and a new name, the Sedona Film School at Yavapai College. The film program will remain located in the Sedona Center for Arts & Technology in Sedona.
The new name was proposed and approved by the Film School Advisory Board and was supported in discussions among leaders of the City of Sedona and Yavapai College. The goal of the ongoing discussions is to elevate the role of the college’s film school in the city’s future and vice versa.
"The City of Sedona is committed to working with Yavapai College to grow and enhance the college's presence in Sedona” Sedona Mayor Rob Adams said. “The Sedona Film Festival has become nationally recognized, and the film school is a perfect fit in our community's passion for the art of film making and enjoyment."
The Film School Advisory Board, The Sedona International Film Festival, The Sedona Chamber of Commerce Film Office and The Sedona Gallery Association also voiced their support of the name change in a letter to the college.
“We feel the name change is a huge positive for the school in attracting students, benefactors, and financial support,” Sedona Gallery Association President Linda Goldstein and local philanthropist Bill Lacy noted in their letter. “Also visiting film industry professionals and celebrities drawn to Sedona by the film festival and the film history museum will have opportunity to visit, support and possibly give workshops at the school.”
“This re-branding of the school represents Yavapai College’s strong commitment to the community of Sedona and supports Sedona’s dedication to be a city animated by the arts,” Sedona Center & Film School Director Rue said. “The film school is quickly gaining recognition and respect within the industry. Our hands-on approach prepares graduates to transition easily to the working environment of a movie set. In fact, two of our graduates worked on the set of ‘The Lone Ranger’ with Johnny Depp.”
The film school’s enrollment has more than doubled for the fall semester and is at its highest level since it opened in 2000. The college is expanding the school’s programs in both scope and reach, with added focus on job placement. The school year kicks off with a Screenwriting workshop August 25 and 26, with guest speaker, Emmy-nominated screenwriter Sterling Anderson.
Additionally, the school is expanding its relationship with the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) and is planning for a special series of technical workshops during the 2013 Festival.
The Sedona Center for Arts & Technology, located at 4215 Arts Village Drive in Sedona, is also home to Community Education for the Verde Valley and the Yavapai College Foundation - Greater Verde Valley Chapter. The Sedona Center provides education in many different formats such as part-time and full-time classes, day, evening, online, hybrid, and weekend classes as well as “intensives” featuring full-time instruction in short sessions. Call (928) 649-4266 for more information about the center or registering for classes.
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