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If Jennifer Bertram had to credit her interest in film, she could definitely reference "Josie and the Pussycats." After all, her first film experience was in her garage, where she filmed a music video with her friends for one of the songs from the movie. And her latest experience was with "Girls in the Director's Chair," where she got to be on a real movie set for a week and film a short movie that starred Rachael Leigh Cook, who coincidentally, played the title character in the film "Josie and the Pussycats." The Program "Girls in the Director's Chair" is a film program, sponsored by Stayfree®, that gives 20 young women (ages 14-19) the opportunity to learn more about the film industry, while getting the chance to work on a movie set for a week with live actors and equipment. Why? According to the film program, only 17 percent of major jobs behind the camera are done by females, while just seven percent are women directors. Melissa Solotruk, program spokesperson, says that "Girls in the Director's Chair" is great to give these young women resources to get real experience in film, especially since most high schools don't have film programs. "It gives them the chance to speak up and not have to be self-conscious around boys," says Solotruk. "By seeing each element, [the program] helps them decide which area they want to specialize in." Future Filmmakers "'Girls in the Director's Chair' has given me the confidence I need to work on some of the greatest films," says Shauna Fleming, another student in the program who plans to attend Chapman University (Orange, CA) in the fall for public relations and advertising for the entertainment industry. "I got to work behind the camera, assistant direct, work with lighting and sound, and edit part of the film. It was great. I got to see what fits me and what I don't particularly care for." The program is a definite booster. "I feel like I'm more confident in my abilities and skills," says Bertram, a double major in film and theater at Stephens College (Columbia, MO) who plans to move to Los Angeles after graduation to pursue her career in film. She first learned about the program through a male friend who had stumbled upon it. Bertram really enjoyed her experience. She got to see all aspects of filmmaking, from creation to finished product. "I have a lot of experience in post-production, which I learned in my classes," she says. "I hadn't gotten to work a lot as a producer prior to 'Girls in the Director's Chair.' It was new to me." In addition, Bertram got to put the knowledge she's gained from her school's film program into practice. "The best part of the experience was that I could share what I knew with the younger girls that were there." This enabled her to put her skills into action, which is something students don't usually get to do until after they graduate and have begun their career in film.
Film Education A film program is a great way to learn about something you're passionate about. Whether it's being a director, producer, or editor, you'll get to learn the basics and eventually specialize in what you are interested. Some classes one may take, depending on the school, include history, techniques, sound, and classes about various genres. The goal of the film programs is usually to give a student a good base and knowledge of film and the film industry. Bertram hadn't ever taken film classes before she got to college. Once there, she took basic film analysis, directing, and higher-level production classes. On the other hand, Fleming is currently taking a film/media class at her high school, where she watches and analyzes movies. This is certainly preparing her to fulfill her film dreams. "My ultimate goal is to break through and do advertising for big budget films," she says. The competition for directors is certainly high, as it is one of the more glamorous and sought-after jobs in the film industry. The actual function of the director entails the interpretation of the script and its representation on screen. They are extremely involved in most aspects of the filmmaking process. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that producers and directors made an hourly wage of about $36 for the film industry in May 2004. However, they also say that the salary of directors varies greatly, depending on the project and the industry. A film program at an accredited institution is certain to boost your career in film. "Go For It!" "Girls in the Director's Chair" will post the two movies made by the young women on their website in May and America will vote for their favorite 10-minute short. The winning film will be entered into film festivals throughout the country. And even if they don't win, the girls will never forget what they've learned. For aspiring filmmakers, Fleming says, "Go for it! Don't be afraid to let your ideas out. It's worth it if it inspires just one person." Bertram agrees and encourages others to start any way they can. Perhaps they can do this by following Bertram's example of filming in a garage with friends. "Put together your own film," she says. "Nothing trumps experience in this business."
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Amanda Fornecker is the senior staff writer at The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about http://www.collegesurfing.com
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