Film program overcomes growing pains

Nova Scotia produced its first fine arts graduates with majors in film last year and some impressive thesis projects. But students and faculty haven’t forgotten the struggles of the film school’s early years.

Eleven years ago, the major in film was a twinkle in the eye of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation – a funding organization that cultivates the local film industry. Its chief executive officer, Ann MacKenzie, remembers how the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design’s film program came to be.

“We looked at the training gaps and need. We came out with a template” for the NSCAD bachelor of fine arts with a major in film.

Bob Bean, a professor at NSCAD, helped make the bachelor’s degree template a reality.

“It’s only been seven years, which is a short period of time to get a program like that up and running. Students are graduating and they’re doing good work. I think we’re establishing our reputation.”

The success of the program is little comfort to one former student. Darryl LeBlanc studied film during the early years at the Alliance Atlantis Academy on Brunswick St. He says some instructors weren’t trained to use equipment or software, classes were held in hallways and the equipment available was limited.

He regrets the money he spent on film school. “We shouldn’t have to pay for their growing pains.”

Nathan Ryan, LeBlanc’s former classmate, is in his fourth year as the school’s only film technician. He says the building’s wiring can’t support studio lights, which made filming tricky. Heat was another story.

“Administration was so shortsighted they didn’t even want to turn the boilers on. So we’d sit in our class with our winter coats on.”

Sam Fisher is a filmmaker and instructor at the academy. He remembers low enrolment and scarce funding. People asked him where to send their children to study film. His response was, “you know, NSCAD’s not quite ready this year.”

Fisher says funding has enabled the school to hire industry professionals and replace obsolete equipment. He says refined curriculum helps students begin their final projects with developed screenplays, ready to film.

Local producer Rick Warden is seeing “a technical  product that can stand up and not be apologized for.” Recent films, including two screened at this year’s Atlantic Film Festival, exhibit a “professional sheen.”

Ryan says they make do with scavenged equipment and makeshift facilities. He remembers mixing sound from a closet in the basement hall. That equipment has its own room now – no parka required.

Film Nova Scotia recently began funding thesis projects. Previously, students were footing the bill. The organization evaluates thesis film proposals and provides $2,500 per film to help produce up to six student films each year.

“These films are meant to be their calling cards upon graduation. It makes sense to provide funding,” says Mackenzie.

Ryan and Fisher have their fingers crossed. Grant proposals are in and the new master’s in film is a few steps from implementation. The school has come a long way in seven years and still has room to grow.  

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