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KD Studio Welcomes Dallas-Native and Hollywood Veteran Dennis Bishop to Lead Motion Picture Production Associate Degree Program Producer of award-winning film and television projects to share industry insight and experience through hands-on curriculum DALLAS – Jan. 14, 2009 – Dallas-based KD Studio, a three-decade old conservatory of film and dramatic arts, has announced the appointment of Dennis Bishop as director of its Motion Picture Production Program. Bishop’s experience spans more than 35-years and encompasses work as a producer, line producer and production executive for both television and film projects. Projects include well-known films such as “The Trip to Bountiful” and the “The Fast and the Furious,” as well as the pilot for the critically-acclaimed series “Dexter.” “The opportunity to nurture the talents of ambitious students in the art of the moving image is both invigorating and rewarding for me,” said Bishop. “After dedicating my life to the craft of filmmaking, being able to foster the next generation of artists is an honor I take very seriously. The phenomenally talented and experienced faculty at KD Studio, as well as the state-of-the-art equipment, allow me to do just that. Our program is unique in that it immerses students in the world of motion picture production for a comprehensive education within a collaborative environment.“ KD Studio’s Motion Picture Program will begin a new session on February 8, which includes four 15-week semesters. Graduates of the 15-month program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Motion Picture Production. Space is still available and those interested are encouraged to learn more at www.kdstudio.com or by calling 214-638-0484 or toll-free 877-2782283. The curriculum is comprised of four semesters, each of which builds on the previous, to offer a wellrounded perspective on the creative and business aspects of film production. Students will gain proficiency in the skills and crafts of filmmaking in a hands-on atmosphere that focuses on screenwriting, directing, producing, and post production (including editing, mixing, music and delivery). Throughout course work, students will produce, write, direct and crew short films, commencing with a final project suitable for a professional portfolio and film festival submission. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of creative outlets, such as feature films (studio and independent), television, the Internet and commercials. “KD Studio provides the resources and guidance to prepare students for real-world application of their education, which is the primary reason I was attracted to this endeavor,” said Bishop. “Every aspect of our syllabus is keenly focused on equipping our graduates with the basic skills they’ll need to succeed. North Texas offers a deep talent pool of students who have tremendous potential for creating impactful art through the moving image. For those committed to expanding their horizons, KD Studio is the place.” (more)
KD STUDIO WELCOMES DENNIS BISHOP (Page 2 of 2) Bio - Dennis Bishop As a Producer, Line Producer and/or Production Executive, Bishop has overseen numerous commercially successful and award winning feature and television productions including: Horton Foote’s Academy Award winning, “The Trip to Bountiful;” “NASCAR: The IMAX 3D Experience,” for IMAX/Warner Brothers, and Universal Pictures’ “The Fast and the Furious.” Bishop oversaw 27 movies that won 51 major awards including, “And the Band Played On” and “Barbarians at the Gate,” as VP of Production for HBO Pictures. He produced the critically acclaimed pilots, “Dexter” for Showtime and “Cane” starring Jimmy Smits for CBS. He commenced his feature work in Texas as a Location/Unit Manager on films such as “Local Hero.” Currently Director of the Lone Star International Film Festival & the Lone Star Film Society, Bishop was a resource advisor for the Sundance Institute’s Summer Workshop and has moderated, participated in and created film festival panels and workshops for several festivals. As an educator, he has served as an adjunct professor at USC, guest lectured at universities, career schools and high schools, and Mentored for both the Producers Guild and Directors Guild programs. Bishop is an active member of the Producers Guild of America, The Directors Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. About KD Studio KD Studio, was founded in 1979 by Kim Dawson and Kathy Tyner. KD Studio offers Associate of Applied Arts Degrees in Acting, Musical Theater and Motion Picture Production. The Motion Picture Production Program was created in response to the increasing demand for trained professionals within the moving image industries. KD Studio, located in Dallas, Texas, is celebrating 30 years of higher education training. For more visit: www.kdstudio.com or call 214-638-0484 or toll-free 877278-2283. About the Programs KD Studio Conservatory of Film and Dramatic Arts is dedicated to the development of acting skills, musical theatre performance skills, and motion picture production technical skills, and to the creation of avenues into the professional world of entertainment. Because the business of entertainment is ever changing, the Board of Directors, administration, staff and faculty are continuously searching for ways to provide a strong foundation for aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and film technicians. ###