NJ Film Academy Programs

To register, please call 732-224-2315

Your First Step

Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry

Course Code: XFILM-001-JAP01
Cost: $375

The Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry is a mandatory prerequisite for all three NJ Film Academy Certificate programs.

Course Description:

This course provides foundational knowledge about the different stages of production, job opportunities, and professional expectations in film and television. Students will learn industry-specific terminology and processes related to above- and below-the-line positions, how a creative project moves from script to screen, and how to start and build a film or television career. With an emphasis on industry standards, practices and procedures, on-set safety protocols, and the realities of the job market, students will be best prepared to advance to the next level of training and start their careers in the industry.

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue entry-level positions in the industry, including how to obtain employment and the training required to succeed. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical assignments, students will be prepared to navigate the realities of the job market and embark on their careers in the entertainment industry with confidence and professionalism.

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry, from script to screen, including its various stages of production, job opportunities, and professional expectations in film and television.

Course Schedule:
5 Week Program/45 Hours (3 hours each class/3 X weekly)
Dates: 1/22/25 – 3/11/25
Days/Times: Mon, Wed, Thu, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hours: 45

Next Step

The following courses become available for registration only after you complete the Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry course.

Choose the Certificate Program That Fits Your Career Goals

Production, Office, & Accounting Certificate

CHOOSE TWO OF THE THREE CLASSES LISTED BELOW:

1. Introduction to Production Accounting for Film and Television
2. Introduction to Production Office: Production Coordinating & Management
3. Introduction to Location Management

Introduction to Production Accounting for Film and Television

Course Code: XFILM-002
Cost $799

Course Description:

This course introduces the skills, terminology and workflow used in production accounting offices in the entertainment industry, specifically to support films and television shows. It will cover relationships the accounting office may have with various entities, including the cast and crew, studios or other financiers, studio business affairs, labor unions, state and/or local film offices, vendors and banks, payroll processors, insurance and incentive personnel. The course includes demonstrations of budgeting, scheduling and record-keeping and reporting software as well as hands-on learning experiences.

Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared for an internship or entry-level job in the production accounting or payroll office of a film or television production.

Potential Jobs as Production Accountant:

1. Preparing schedules and budgets for film productions
2. Managing day to day accounting financial reports/budgets

Introduction to Production Office: Production Coordinating & Management

Course Code: XFILM-003

Course Description:

This course explores the essential functions of a production office and the responsibilities of the team members that make it up. A film or TV production coordinator is a member of the production team who provides logistical support and manages administrative tasks like ensuring the production runs smoothly and is finished on time and on budget.

Students will learn that the production office is the core hub for production management as it operates and serves alongside the many departments that play a crucial role in creating a motion picture. Students will also gain exposure to those departments and begin to develop an understanding of industry-specific terminology while taking a closer look at the studio filmmaking process from prep to wrap.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a clear understanding of the team’s roles and responsibilities inside the production office, and how each member plays a part in the studio filmmaking process. Students will be able to recognize and interpret various documents used throughout production and confidently navigate the production office environment with a path toward pursuing employment. Employment as a Production Manager (also known as Unit Production Manager) requires strong leadership and communication skills and a good understanding of the production process.

Potential Jobs as Production Manager:

1. Planning: Working with producer(s) and senior staff to create a budget, production schedule, and negotiate costs with suppliers
2. Hiring: Recruiting crew, contractors, and managing overtime for each department
3. Scheduling: Preparing permits, contracts, and overseeing location management
4. Budgeting: Allocating the budget and reporting costs to the line producer
5. Communication: Facilitating communication between the above and below-the-line members of production
6. On-set: Being on set to ensure production is running smoothly and that crew has everything they need

Introduction to Location Management

Course Code: XFILM-004

Course Description:

In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the locations department in the overall production for film and television, from script breakdown during pre-production to scouting, contracting, logistical planning and wrap out. Students will also learn about the various job opportunities within the locations department, as well as the role and importance of each. Students will be able to pursue entry-level positions with a top tier locations team. By integrating both theoretical knowledge and hands-on tasks, students will acquire the necessary skills to confidently navigate the intricacies of the job market and commence their careers in the entertainment industry with a strong sense of professionalism.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry as a member of the locations team. This course prepares them to enter the industry and advance in a career as a Location Manager or Location Scout.

Potential Jobs in Location Management:

Location Manager

1. In charge of attaining all legal permits and other clearances needed for proper permission for filming in a particular location
2. Takes care of attaining and processing location permit fees
3. On some smaller shoots, the location manager assists in coordinating the parking of vehicles

Location Scout

1. Usually, one of the first crew members contacted on production to assist in finding various filming locations according to the producer and director’s vision
2. Often have a large database of location photographs to show before traveling to locations for filming

On Set Production Certificate

CHOOSE TWO OF THE THREE CLASSES LISTED BELOW:

1. Introduction to Set Construction, Scenic Painting and Set Dressing
2. Introduction to Set Lighting & the Electric Department
3. Grip & Rigging for Film & Television

Introduction to Set Construction, Scenic Painting and Set Dressing

Course Code: XFILM-005

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of set construction, scenic painting, and set dressing for film and television. Students will learn the skills necessary to bring a production’s visual elements to life, including basic carpentry, standard and scenic painting techniques, and set dressing.

Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared with the basic skills and knowledge to enter the set construction, scenic painting or set decoration department of a production in the film industry.

Potential Jobs:

Art Directors

1. Work with production designer and responsible for the design and construction of a movie set
2. Essentially assistants to production designer and help construct the “look” and “feel” of the movie

Prop Maker

1. Prop makers and sculptors construct unique and specialized set props that are too difficult to attain, or too expensive to buy
2. Builds needed props from scratch using various materials that may include Styrofoam, plastics, electronics, metals, woods or glass types of materials
3. Typically, skilled in a wide variety of machining, construction and sculpting techniques

Prop Master

1. Acquires, organizes, maintains and is responsible for all various props needed for production
2. A prop is basically any set decoration piece that can be moved readily easily, such as: guns, knives, books, phones, dish-ware, food, musical instruments, pets or any other item that needs to be present to fulfill the story line.

Scenic Artist/Painter

1. In charge of designing and treating all set surfaces, such as: painting, plastering, coloring, texturing or applying any other sort of treatment to the set surfaces to create a certain look and simulate stone, wood, lettering, metallic or brick on the various sets and scenery

Set Construction Coordinator/Builder

1. Supervises fabrication and physical integrity of various sets needed as directed by the production designer and art director
2. Responsible for budgeting and ordering the necessary materials for set designs
3. May also be responsible for hiring carpenters

Set Decorator/Dresser

1. Makes decisions on what furnishings and other decorations are to be used on set
2. Works closely with art director and production designer to create the optimal visual environment for filming: may include various items such as paintings, fabrics, and other non-movable decorative set pieces.

Storyboard Artist

1. Creates a series of illustrations organized into panels (shots) based on the director’s vision during pre-production

• Each panel (shot) represents a different camera set-up (scene)
• Drawings usually include camera angles, characters and set design
• Storyboards are used to assist the other head departments in understanding their

Introduction to Set Lighting & the Electric Department

Course Code: XFILM-006

Course Description:

Set Lighting and the Electric Department provides in-depth knowledge about modern set lighting, including its history and theory, while hands-on exercises allow the information to come to life. Students will learn industry specific on-set standards and terminology and how to properly integrate into the electric department while working smoothly with other interconnected departments. They will learn the basics of the electrical systems required to power the lighting needs of the set, as well as a thorough understanding of the varied lighting units and equipment needed to succeed.

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained a thorough understanding of the roles and duties of the electric department in today’s evolving film and television landscape. They will learn theory and practical knowledge while emphasizing safety and efficiency, and finish with the ability to step into introductory roles within the department.

Potential Jobs in the Lighting & Grip Department:

Best Boy

1. Lead electrician on set and in charge of all the other electricians, like how the key grip oversees all the grips
2. Usually operates, adjusts and balances the electrical load on the generator where required
3. Responsible for distributing the electrical cabling properly providing the required power to each of the lights

Electrician

1. Electricians (or juicers) set up and operate all the lighting equipment and cabling as instructed by the best boy or gaffer
2. Very physically demanding job due to the considerable number of heavy lights and cabling often required
3. Must be knowledgeable of tungsten and HMI lighting as well as changing and installing bulbs properly

Gaffer

1. Also known as the chief lighting technician
2. Primarily responsible for developing a lighting plan according to the desires of the Director of Photography
3. Informs the best boy and key grip on where and which lights are to be placed
4. In charge of creating the best possible lighting set up according to the camera framing

Grip & Rigging for Film & Television

Course Code: XFILM-007

Course Description:

Grips are responsible for the camera support, rigging, and lighting on film sets. Grips work in conjunction with the Electric Department in building rigs that support all the lights on a set. This course provides an introduction to the Grip Department and the fundamental rigging skills needed to safely create small and large rigs. The course will discuss and teach the operation of the tools, gear, and equipment used by Grips. It will examine light/exposure and discuss how to light interior and exterior scenes, both in daylight and at night. It will also cover the different types of rigs involved in camera rigging and the types of dollies and tracks used. Following completion of the course, students will be prepared to start a career in the Grip Department of a film production.

Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the Grip department’s function and responsibilities in the film and television industry. Students will practice fundamental rigging skills and learn the safe operation of Grip equipment and tools.

Potential Jobs:

Grips

1. In charge of “shaping the light”:  Includes creating patterns, shadow effects, coloring light, diffusing light, or blocking light
2. Provide everything built around the lights to create the quality of light that the gaffer desires, while electricians set up the lights and cabling
3. Provide a variety of special rigging, securing and safety measures on set

Key Grip

1. The lead grip on set and in charge of all the other grips
2. Collaborates with the best boy, gaffer and Director of Photography to formulate the best tactic for accomplishing a given shot
3. Oversees the proper camera rigging mechanisms, as well as managing the light blocking and diffusing techniques

Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe Certificate

CHOOSE ONE OF THE TWO CLASSES LISTED BELOW:

1. Introduction to Hair & Makeup for Film
2. Costuming for Film & Television

Introduction to Hair & Makeup for Film

Course Code: XFILM-008
Course Description:

This course will provide students with an introduction to working on set for film or television productions as a hair or makeup artist. Through presentations, script breakdowns, and instructor-led demonstrations, students will learn how to bring a story to life with the help of hair and makeup; the importance of continuity, hygiene, and sanitizing; practical hair and makeup skills to help bring characters to life; how to be an effective background artist; and what steps to take to help secure a position as a hair or makeup artist. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to practice and execute their own character-based hair and makeup designs during hands-on portions of the class.

Upon completion of this course, students will have an introduction to the world of hair and makeup on film and television sets including working on a set, techniques for designing characters, hygiene and kit standards, and basic knowledge for hair and makeup application.

Potential Jobs for Hair & Makeup:

Hair Stylist

1. Responsible for styling and maintaining the talent’s hair throughout filming
2. Equipped with all of the appropriate supplies needed for the hair styling process
3. Works in conjunction with the make-up artist to attain the best possible look for the actors and actresses

Makeup Artist

1. Creates and applies a variety of different looks on the actors and actresses skin surfaces with makeup
2. Creates a look according to the director’s desires, often inspired by the characterizations in a story

Special FX Makeup

1. Utilizes a variety of techniques for applying and gluing different materials such as latex, gelatin and other colorations which are used on the face or skin of an actor.
2. Creating gore and blood, burns, creatures and aging special effects are the more commonly used prosthetic makeup techniques

Costuming for Film & Television

Course Code: XFILM-009
Course Description:

This course takes a “bird’s eye” approach to introduce skills used in on-set film production. The course includes all forms of narrative media that use film industry pre- and post-production standard organizational structure, equipment, and on-set procedures with a focus on the Costume Department.

Students will learn about Hollywood costume history and iconic industry designers; the costume office organizational structure; job roles and duties in various areas of the Costume Department; and the names, uses, and protocols related to various pieces of departmental equipment and tasks. Students will also learn how costumes and various film crafts relate to one another on a working production, as well as how and why they all must operate in sync. In addition, students will look at the importance of some non-traditional skills that benefit the department.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the Costume Department’s role in a film or television production, by introducing students to the history of Hollywood costume design and costuming skills used in on-set film production.

Potential Jobs for Film & Television:

Costume Designer

1. Works in conjunction with director and actors to determine which wardrobes and costumes actors will wear based on the script requirements and character portrayals
2. Create/choose various clothing patterns, designs, colors, sizes and accessories for each wardrobe used during production
3. On larger movies, the costume designer has several assistants helping to organize, disperse and maintain all the costumes used by the cast

Wardrobe Stylist

1. Works closely with the costume designer to assist preparing everything related to the actor’s clothing, costumes, and wardrobe
2. Responsible for styling and maintaining all the wardrobes worn by the various actors
3. Assist in helping to organize, disperse and account for all the costumes used on set