Pencils down! Our first writing program is done. Derek and John covered screenwriting, magazine writing and how to write a short story. Now that the class is done, our inmate/students have an opportunity to enter a screenwriting contest. Today is the deadline to turn in their scripts. Prizes will be awarded the first week in January.
Hollywood Impact Studios is off for a two week Christmas break. Merry Christmas to all from Gary, Cyndi and all of the Hollywood Impact Studios Team.
After we'd already started our second semester, many of our student/inmates asked if we could offer a writing class. We didn't know how we were going to pull that one off. But God provided! We're excited to report that in conjunction with the ministry, 168 Film Project (www.168project.com), John Ware and Derrick Warfel came onboard and are teaching (4) two-hour writing classes. Their class will cover script writing as well as short story writing and magazine writing. Our guys are very pumped about the classes... Much thanks to John Ware and Derrick Warfel.
We're about halfway through our second semester at The Peter Pitchess Detention Center. We started with 32 inmate/students but are now down to 26. Some were "early releases" a few got "rolled up" (in trouble and kicked out of the program).
It's funny how each group of student/inmates are so different. During the first semester I taught an overview of the script writing process and I watch as most of the men yawned. I almost dropped the class this semester.
I'm so glad I didn't. This semester, same class, but we have about half the inmate/student are so interested in the script process that they've asked for a writing class. It looks like we'll be able to accommodate this request by teaching writing through "Pens in Prison".
I have always liked this verse because when days at work really get tough and I ponder slacking off, I think of this verse. It is Christ whom I work for. I must give Him my all!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS falls within the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments, MERIT PROGRAM, a faith-based, rehabilitation and education program. Part of MERIT is The Alumni Program, which is designed to help inmates once they are released. The MERIT program meets at Grace Baptist Church every Tuesday Night.
Along with the inmates, their families also attend to learn ways to help them as they reintegrate back into society.
One of HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS requirements is that our graduates attend the Alumni Program. We think this is one of the best ways to insure their success. As Cyndi and I have been attending we've seen the numbers grow each week. God is moving mightily through this program.
Today's questions comes from a young lady interested in becoming a costumer for television and movies. She wants to know where to start.
There are numerous schools where you can learn about becoming a costumer, but one great way is to get an entry level job at a wardrobe company. There you will really learn your craft and meet those costume designers on television shows and movies who could be your next employer.
If you have a question, please e-mail us at: Gary@hollywoodimpactstudios.com
I heard this poem during a radio sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah. I thought it really applied to what we're all called to do as we work in our own mission fields whatever those may be.
"WHICH ARE YOU?" Anonymous
I watched them tear a building down; A gang of men in a busy town. With a mighty heave and a lusty yell, They swung a boom and a side wall fell.
I said to the foreman, “Are these men skilled As the men you’d hire if you had to build?” He gave me a laugh and said, “No indeed! Just a common laborer is all I need. And I can wreck in a day or two What it took the builder a year to do.”
And I thought to myself as I went my way, “Just which of these roles have I tried to play? Am I a builder who works with care Measuring life by the rule and square, Or am I a wrecker as I walk the town Content with the labor of tearing down?”
We're off and running again! Semester #2 began last Wednesday, October 7th with 33 inmate/students. About a third of the class are Veterans. This class is a little quieter than the last one, but I think that may be just first day jitters. We're all looking foward to what God will reveal through this bunch a men in prison blues.
Our first semester is over... We had a terrific graduation! Several of our graduates received generous scholarships from Moviola, Vocal Image and Mole Richardson Lighting.
Lives where changed, bringing some inmates to tears as they described what they've learned in this last 12 weeks.
The band was excellent as well. Although it was over 100 degrees, no one seemed to care. It was a great day! We can't wait to start the next semester!
Two Saturdays ago, classroom 42 was transformed into a television studio as our inmate/students became crew for the production of the first episode of ABOVE THE LINE.
Frank Cardea, Executive Producer of NCIS was our guest and Julia Denton our hosted.
I don't know why I was so surprised, but it was like a real half-hour, interview style television program... Shot in Hi-Definition.
Today's question comes from my wife, Cyndi. She was watching the History Channel last week and they were talking about how candy manufactures do a great deal of test marketing before they even launch a product. She asked why doesn't television do the same?
I think that's a great question. My thought is we probably should. Instead we make TV shows, air them and try and figure if America likes that show. Maybe we should ask the question, "America what do you want to watch on televion?" and then create shows based on those answers. That's just my thought on it... Give me yours.
HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS made the front page...above the fold!
We're excited to see our first real press coverage. The Santa Clarita Signal sent out a reporter and photographer to cover our first production at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center.
It was a terrific two page story. To see the complete story on-line go to: http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/17370/
We will have photographs from the production posted soon.
We are now 9 weeks into our 12 week program. As the class progresses the inmate/students are becoming even more tight knit. It is so exciting to see how they are working side by side helping each other, just like a real film crew.
This class is not just ministering to our inmate/students but to all of the staff as well. God continues to do some amazing things at HOLLYWOOD IMPACT STUDIOS. One example was told to us by a deputy. He said, "In the general prison population, you would never see a Hispanic inmate helping an African-American Inmate," but we see that every single 'hands-on' class we offer. Thank you all for your continued support.
As we approach teaching basic camera, we'd like to give a huge thank you to Jeff Blauvelt, owner of HD Cinema in West Los Angeles. Jeff has graciously agreed to loan us a Red Camera at no charge to Hollywood Impact Studios. The Inmate/Students will have the opportunity to get some practical "hands-on" training on a state of the art HD camera.
HD Cinema™ has at its core a group who have a vision for the creative use of HD24p technology for program production and post. To further that interest they have invested in some extremely high tech digital video gear. Since 1998 they have been working in high def with individuals and companies within the independent film community, providing creative and technical services and consulting for a variety of sophisticated clients. These clients are producing brilliant and creative short film and music videos, a range of dramatic narrative, action and suspense, romantic comedy and other genre independent feature films, and dynamic documentary and reality based television programs.
To learn more about HD Cinema, visit their website at: http://www.hd-cinema.com/
Today's quote hangs on the wall next to my desk as a constant reminder. It comes from Calvin Coolidge and is so applicable to anyone interested in getting into the entertainment.
“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
I am often asked, "How do I become a TV screenwriter?" By writing!
First you need to learn your craft, either by taking writing classes or reading good books about writing. Two authors I like are Robert McKee and Linda Seger. But you've got to write, write, write... That's the only way you get better.
For television writing, I suggest you write a "spec" script (or a couple) for the type of series you would like write for. For example if you write a "spec" BONES script that script would work for the CSI Franchise. Just so you understand you don't write a spec script for the series you're trying to write for. First of all, no one on the show will read it in fear of being accused of "stealing" your idea. Second who knows that show better than the producers who make their living writing for that series. Even if they would read it, they would be more critical on an outsiders script. Think about it, a writer on CSI doesn't know BONES any better than you would.
Once your spec script (or scripts) is written (and re-written), get a list of literary agents from the Writer's Guild of America and start knocking on doors. It will not be easy...
If you have a question, please e-mail us at: Gary@hollywoodimpactstudios.com
Last Friday, Cyndi and I drove down to meet with the people in charge of running the Rec Center at Nickerson Gardens in the Watts area of Southern California. This Rec Center is designed to target and help "At Risk" youth.
The program they're desiring will be different than the one we're doing at the detention center. It will be geared toward a younger student base, 14 to 19 years old. Besides teaching the careers of the television industry we will also expand the program to include Drama and Music.
Officer Yanez of the LAPD has been extremely helpful. We hope to launch this program in the fall.
Once again today's quote/story comes from one of our students at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. I had just finished teaching and Stan Cassio was getting set up to begin his class when one of the students gave us a letter entitled, "A Second Change." Below are just a couple of excerpts:
"I just wanted to thank you [all] for allowing me to be part of Hollywood [Impact] Studios. I believe this introduction will sustain me during times of challenge, frustration and failure and will comfort me during times of confusion, pain and loss. --- I didn't believe it was possible for me. I truly felt I couldn't become an honest, loving person. In my mind change was not an option. --- Now I know that the power of words inspires the Power of Change. --- I have learned that Apostle Paul and Peter and the profit Jeremiah, all went to prison because they KNEW God, now I know I came to prison to KNOW God."
This is powerful stuff. I don't know who's learning more from the ministry them or us...
Note: This entire letter will be featured in Hollywood Impact Magazine in the near future. The magazine can be accessed at: hollywoodimpactstudios.com/magazine .
Today's question comes from a young College Intern: "I've heard that TV shows are no longer going to use film. I understand that they are going to shoot on Digital cameras, is that true? If so, what Digital cameras are they going to use?"
Not all TV shows are being shot digital, but it does seem to be a very popular option this television season. I don't know if this is simply a phase or a trend or the way of the future. I believe many people think that shooting digitally is going to save a lot of money. Unfortunately, the film makers end up shooting a lot more material when it's "only tape". We'll see what happens, only time will tell.
As for cameras, it seems that right now the most popular are the Arri D-21 (top), Sony F-35 (center) and the Panavision Genesis (bottom).
Besides these three, there are plenty of other excellent cameras out there.
If you have a question, please e-mail us at: Gary@hollywoodimpactstudios.com
Summer is settling in at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center as we are finishing the last weeks of classroom instruction teaching an overview of all the varied careers in the television industry.
We're now moving to the "hands-on" phase for the rest of the semester. Stan Cassio is in week three of teaching Avid Editing. And the guys are loving it. Basic Camera starts next week.
Note: Sorry for not being able to show any of the students, but we're not allowed to photograph any inmates, so you'll have to use your imagination...
Today's quote actually comes from one of our students at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. At the end of class we always discuss how God is working on our lives and how that relates to working in the television industry. During one of these discussion, a young inmate stood up and ask if he could read something he'd written. Below is what he said:
"God is giving me amazing opportunities in my life and He is watching me, seeing what I do with the blessings He gave me. Did I blow it or did I become fruitful doing the best I can, giving God the Glory. What will you do with the Blessings God gave you?" Merit Program Inmate.
I must admit, this students message and his sincerity really moved me. God is in that classroom and all of us are hearing him.
Last week, Stan Cassio and his tech crew from NEW EDIT delivered three Avid editing systems to the our classroom at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center. While they were installing the Avids, several of the inmate students (about 25) came by to see what they were doing. Many asked questions, and as a result Stan taught an improvised class on how to set up an Avid System. He was surprised and encouraged by their enthusiasm. Stan will begin teaching basic Avid Technology next week.
Our third class on pre-production went very well. There were a lot of good questions and interactions. This is only the classroom instruction; I can only image how these guys are going to react when we finally get into the hands-on portion of the class.
Well we finished the second week of teaching at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center in our "film school behind bars". This weeks class we taught about the life of a television episode. From Prep to Production to Post Production. "My students" could not be more enthusiastic. Great questions, great discussions.
I currently have 23 students from all different backgrounds. I do pray that what I'm teaching will resound with some of these guys and change their lives. Next week we teach on how a television script is developed from writer, to studio to network to broadcast.
This quote from Calvin Coolidge is so applicable for those folks looking to get into the television or motion picture industry. I hope you find it useful...
"Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge
Just a quick update on how our very first class went at the Los Angeles County Detention Center. It could not have gone better! PRAISE GOD! GOD IS GOOD!! Our "Students" seemed to be either all Christians or at least moving in that direction. We had lively conversations on television production, but also on the importance of having a strong walk as they pursue this industry. They are an excited and exciting group of men. They took a lot of notes and had great questions. The other thing that was really humbling was how appreciative they were that we were there.
It made me laugh as it's never happened to me before. One of the students asked to go back two slides on my power point demo. I was sure he'd missed a note about television production, he didn't. He missed the Bible verse that was quoted.
We are so excited to see what God does with this ministry. We can see it's going to be quite a ride, We're just so happy He is letting us be part of it.
I love God, my wife, my family, my country, the television business and policework, my dog & my cat. My son has said I've gotta feed this blog often. I'm going to do my best...
