Film School of the Week: Idyllwild Arts Academy

by MovieMaker Staff | Published May 21, 2007

As one of only three arts-focused boarding schools in the United States, Idyllwild Arts Academy has a particular knack for bringing out the creative talents of young people. With departments covering film, visual arts, theater, music, dance and creative writing, the school is a haven for those students who seek an environment that prioritizes their artistic abilities, rather than treating them simply as a hobby. With the “Hollywood Ending” writing contest, the school has reached out to young artists around the world, hoping to add a few more talented members to the Idyllwild community.

Participants in the contest were asked to complete the work of two current Idyllwild students, either a short story or screenplay, with Grand Prize winner Joseph DiFronzo landing a $25,000 scholarship to the Academy (second- and third-place winners were awarded $10,00 and $5,000 scholarships, respectively). “The Motion Picture department, as well as the entire academy, always looks to find potential students who have academic prowess, who are ambitious and highly focused,” says Darren Schilling, Idyllwild’s director of marketing. By bringing together the skills of current and future students, Idyllwild has ensured that its artistically vibrant community will continue to thrive, providing a space for young people to explore their creative potential.

For more information, visit www.idyllwildarts.org.

Sound Off: Do you wish you’d had the opportunity to attend an arts-focused high school? How do you think an early education in moviemaking impacts a person’s artistic style and growth? Let us know in the comments section!