Training the Next Generation of Filmmakers at Moore Norman Technology Center
The landscape of modern cinema requires more than just a creative eye; it demands technical mastery of evolving equipment and a deep understanding of production workflows. At the Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC), the Digital Cinema program is bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional industry standards, preparing students to enter the workforce as job-ready professionals.
A Comprehensive Two-Year Journey from Script to Screen
The Digital Cinema program at MNTC is structured as a rigorous two-year curriculum designed for adults as well as high school juniors and seniors. The program’s goal is to guide students through the entire filmmaking process, ensuring they understand every phase of production.
Year One: Building the Foundation
The first year focuses on the essential building blocks of cinema. Students dive into the technical aspects of the craft, including:
- Technical camerawork and composition
- Storytelling fundamentals
- Graphics and editing
- Audio production
By the end of the first year, students collaborate in crews to create their first stories, applying these individual technical skills in a team environment.
Year Two: Advanced Production
The second year shifts toward specialization and high-level execution. Students build on their crew dynamics and focus on specific film departments. The culmination of the program involves producing short films where students manage every detail, including scriptwriting, lighting, production design, costuming, and final editing.
Industry-Standard Technology: The Sony Burano Upgrade
To keep pace with the “streaming wars” and high-end cinema trends, MNTC recently upgraded its equipment through a strategic grant. The program acquired Sony Burano camera kits, along with essential lens kits and peripherals.
This upgrade is more than just a hardware refresh; it provides students with hands-on experience in high-level camera assembly and operation. By using industry-standard gear, students graduate with the technical confidence required to step onto professional sets without a steep learning curve.
Expert Guidance and Professional Experience
The program is led by experienced video production professionals who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Ben Hlavaty, M.Ed, a Digital Cinema Instructor, brings a diverse professional background to the program, with previous experience at Czeckered Past Productions, the 48 Hour Film Project, and the Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center. Working alongside instructor Amy Smith, Hlavaty helps students navigate the complexities of film education through a lens of professional excellence.
Practical Application and Genre Exploration
Theory only goes so far in film; execution is everything. In Ben Hlavaty’s film class, students engage in a rigorous practical exercise each spring where they run through every cinematic genre. This approach forces students to adapt their technical style and storytelling techniques to fit different moods and narratives.
These efforts often find a home in venues like the Clean Shorts Film Festival, which showcases student works and provides a platform for aspiring filmmakers to see their projects reach an audience.
Key Takeaways: MNTC Digital Cinema Program
- Target Audience: Open to adults and high school juniors and seniors.
- Duration: A comprehensive two-year program.
- Core Focus: Full “script to screen” production, covering audio, lighting, and editing.
- Equipment: Training on professional-grade Sony Burano camera kits.
- Pedagogy: Emphasis on crew dynamics and multi-genre exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in the Digital Cinema program at MNTC?
The program is available to adults as well as high school students in their junior and senior years.
What specific equipment do students use?
Students use industry-standard equipment, most notably the Sony Burano camera kits and associated lens kits acquired through a recent grant.
What is the primary goal of the two-year curriculum?
The goal is to produce job-ready workers for the film and video industry by teaching every part of the production process, from initial scripting to final editing.