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Real World Education
Full Sail's David Franko tells us why his program is unique
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| Full Sail's David Franko |
Disney World's got nothing on Full Sail Real World Education's facilities, at least according to David Franko, Full Sail's Program Director for Film. In fact, it was while working at Disney that Franko first stopped into the school to see if what he had heard was true. "I stopped in to see the facility and could not believe it was a school," he says. Ever since, Franko has been letting the rest of the world in on the Full Sail difference.
With six different degree programs for what they call "creative minds" and production facilities that would make most of their Orlando industry neighbors jealous, Full Sail's reputation is growing on a national level. Franko recently spoke with MM about what makes the Full Sail program unique.
Jennifer Wood (MM): Can you talk a little bit about the Full Sail philosophy- the dedication to hands-on-training, for instance, and what you're striving to have your graduates accomplish.
David Franko (DF): Our philosophy is to help students achieve their career dreams. We put them into a "real world atmosphere" on film and video sets. We we'd like our students to achieve a familiar setting in the department they want to seek a career in. Our school is really a production facility, training people on the most current gear. When they leave, they feel comfortable in that production or post-production setting.
MM: While many other traditional film schools offer only four-year, bachelor degree programs, Full Sail's is a two-year, associate degree program. Are associate's degrees just as desirable to employers in the film industry?
DF: Yes, I feel an associate's degree is just as desirable. Employers are very impressed when they look at the training our students go through. And when they see the gear that our students train on, they're amazed.
MM: What is the typical Full Sail student like: average age, previous education and work experience, etc.? What do you think typically sets Full Sail students apart from individuals studying moviemaking at other institutions?
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| Full Sail students have access to two soundstages and a host of production gear and lighting. |
DF: Our typical student is between the ages of 18 and 25. Some of them might have some prior experience or a bachelor's degree, while others are right out of high school. Our students are really focused on what they want to do. They come in ready to train hard at all hours of the day. Their schedules are unlike other schools-this alone shows dedication to their craft. They are in school 40 plus hours per week-and during production, even more.
MM: One thing that Full Sail stresses is that students learn both the technical and artistic sides of their craft-much like this magazine's focus on both the art and business of moviemaking. How do you stress this balance in your classes and day-to-day operations? Why do you think that this dual focus is often overlooked in so many other programs?
DF: Technology never creates a great production. Film is an art and students here tend to understand this as they go through our curriculum. I always say technology is the icing on the cake. Without a good story, creativity, careful design and planning, a production can go sour with even the best technology behind it. I feel that students coming into all film schools might forget the roots of film. If a school does not reinforce the art, the art is lost within the student.
MM: Full Sail is based in Orlando. Can you talk a bit about the current moviemaking climate in your area? Do students have ample opportunity to go out and get some real-life experiences in central Florida?
DF: Orlando has many opportunities for independent filmmakers. With Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando close by, central Florida always has different films in production. Nickelodeon's "Slime Time" lets our students backstage for an in-depth look at production.
MM: What piece of advice would you give someone who is just now looking to enter into a film education program-any film education program? And what would you advise those looking specifically at Full Sail?
DF: Choose a program that is well-balanced, one that does a thorough job teaching both the technological and creative side of film. My advice to potential Full Sail students is to learn everything that you can and get involved. Teachers are here to help you, so pick their brains. When you're a student here, work on your colleagues' films. When you think you've had enough, learn some more. Graduates from Full Sail can also come back at any time to audit a course at no charge.
MM: What is the one thing that you think sets Full Sail apart from all the other film-related education programs out there? What is the one thing you are most proud of regarding your program?
DF: We focus on the film craft with our lectures and our extensive hands-on labs. I am most proud of our dedicated staff, our focused students and our amazing production facilities. We have four sound stages totaling over 30,000 square feet of production space, a scenic shop, a lighting and grip department and five large editing suites. Sorry I just can't name one-that's just too hard.
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