New equipment awaits our first Cinema degree seekers

Posted on June 13, 2017 by cstallings

The new updated college catalog references the new AFA in Cinema (though it does state “pending” until we get final approval through state accredidation). With the launch of this new degree, we are also putting some new resources into supporting it, which means some new equipment has been added.

Though we love our RED Epic camera, we also now have a Sony FS7 camera (with lens) for the class to gain exposure (bad pun) on a second cinema camera.

Sony is one of the companies I like and trust almost as well as RED. In addition, when I took a class of film students on a trip to DC Camera rental house in Fairfax less than two years ago, one of the items we previewed was the FS7 and the students really wanted one – so, I listened.

Speaking of what the students want, I have also heard a lot of chatter about more movement in their productions so we added some nice dolly track and centipede wheels to our already impressive Matthews Round D Round dolly (for that uneven ground), as well as, we now have a Ronin-M gimbal for some fluid and smooth movement (just please don’t overdo it).

And for use with the Ronin-M, we also added a Canon C100 (mark ii) and two new zoom lenses.

Again, we want you to have the best experience possible as a film student at NOVA Woodbridge.

Let us know if you have any questions.

cstallings@nvcc.edu or babrown@nvcc.edu

A Cinema Degree Could Be Coming in Fall 2017

Posted on December 9, 2016 by cstallings

Cameron Pierson Rocks Out

Just found this still the other day from the spring music video shoot and thought i would throw it on this post to give it some visual pop.

The exciting news (and the reason there have not been many posts recently – lots of time-consuming work was done) is we passed an AFA in Cinema through Curriculum Committee yesterday afternoon by an unanimous vote.

Though the degree is not completely passed, as there are many more obstacles to come, such as the State college system and accreditation boards but this was a major one and should be celebrated by everyone as this will be a great step forward for our students interested in all things cinema.

Thank you very much to my partners in this, professors Bryan Brown (of Woodbridge campus) and Lucy Gebre-Egziabher (of Alexandria campus). If things stay on course (no pun intended), students can come to the college in Fall 2017 and earn a degree in Cinema!

So get a head start in the spring semester and take some film classes. If you have questions, ask me now: cstallings@nvcc.edu

Feedback from an Intern

Posted on March 7, 2016 by cstallings

It is not often we hear about the internship experiences of our students but please take a minute to read this article from one our recent students who worked as a videographer and editor at an auto repair shop – quite a mix but an experience she will never forget.

How did a young female filmmaker end up working in an auto repair shop?

Woodbridge Film Program Visits Woodbridge High School

Posted on May 6, 2015 by cstallings

WHS Visit

05/05/15

Jonathan Balsamo (pictured above) and Chris Stallings had the pleasure of visiting students at Woodbridge High School and discussing some aspects of the film program at the Woodbridge campus of NOVA.

You can see the RED Epic camera pictured here in the photo. Students can learn to work on this cinema camera.

For a sampling of some of the classes offered here on campus, please refer to the “About” section of this blog site. In addition, please feel free to contact Chris Stallings (cstallings@nvcc.edu) with any further questions about what is offered.

NOVA Promo Video 2014 New Post Production Stills

Posted on October 15, 2014 by cstallings

Here are some stills taken from the actual shoot rather than the behind-the-scenes. We should be wrapping up post-production soon and posting the video for all to see.

Enjoy…

Behind the Scenes Stills

Posted on October 1, 2014 by cstallings

As we work on the post production of our latest promotional video for NOVA Woodbridge, I wish to share some stills from student Megan Robertson.

You get a chance to see our two wonderful actors, Shea Davies and Rick Kain, as they prepare for their roles and, then, make the parts come alive. They were both sensational in their talent but, also, both very professional.

You will also see our wonderful makeup artist, Tiffany Roop, of TDR Artistry as she preps our actors.

I would also like to thank Sabrina Chandler of Center Stage LLC in Occoquan, Virginia, for working with us on the wardrobe. She is an excellent resource for those in the area in need of wardrobe.

Most of all, in these photos you will see a collaboration of students and faculty members working together to make art. You can also see the set construction of the detective’s office, including the light reflecting his name through the glass of the door. And the fake windows were used as our main lighting source, with the exception of a mood setting practical lamp on the table of his desk.

Some of the photos show the set while the house lights are on and others give more of an idea of the richness (though simplicity) of the lighting design.

Enjoy a look behind the scenes while you wait for the final product to come alive in post production.

Free advertising

Rick Kain as the PI

Shea preps her hat

Tiffany makes the femme fetale come alive

Studying lines

Rick on set

Shea takes her mark

Actors rehearse

One view of the set

second view of the set

Students work behind the set

wardrobe adjustment

Our detective discusses his character

The detective enters his office

Getting the floor image to work

Paige hard at work

Still at it

Reviewing the shot

Kelly and Jonathan share a laugh on set

Jonathan planning the shot

Getting the lighting correct

Fish eye view of Demetrius hard at work

Still at it

Chris explains the shot

Jonathan and Demetrius plan the next set up

Coaching the actors

Shea enters the scene

Chris watches on (the bald head is the give away)

Getting it right

Discussing the best way

Aaron doing audio

Prepping audio for the next shot

NOVA Woodbridge Film

Classes are starting soon

Posted on August 8, 2014 by cstallings

Just to let everyone know that classes are starting soon (August 20th). The Intro to Video class (PHT 130) is filling up and I don’t know if it will be taught in the spring, so I would recommend signing up now. It is Thursday mornings.

Students will get to see the new RED Epic camera used for a music video shoot and a promotional video for the film program.

Also, I would highly recommend ENG 279 (Film and Literature) with Professor Cochran and CST 151 (Film Appreciation I) with Professor Brown. Also, look at all the theatre classes, including Acting for the Camera.

In addition, the Filmmaking Club will be starting up again in the fall, so be on the lookout for this great student-led club.

As always, if you have questions, let us know.