For_Immediate_Release:
What do the majority of children say when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most will respond, a veterinarian, a fireman, a pop-star, or a doctor. Well, not the kids at Arcadia High School in Phoenix. When Arcadia High’s students were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, the most common response was, a movie director.
Paul Hoperich has been the film instructor at Arcadia since 2008. Every year in Paul’s film program, the students all write a short film script. Four scripts then will be chosen and made into short films. Each film under twenty minutes in length will be completed entirely by students and overseen by Hoperich . Four groups of students will write, direct and edit their own movies. When talking about the film program Hoperich stated, “I remember the first time I saw my first film screened in a theater. What a rush! I wanted to give that experience to the kids, so the Arcadia Film Festival was born……Without support of our community partners such as victory angel films the students’ experience would not be nearly as educational. The say it takes a village to raise a child, and that is the exact concept we are going for. Not only do students get a great experience but they are also able to make real world industry connections very early.” The final four student short films will be showcased at The Arcadia film festival held on May, 14th 2012 at Harkins Scottsdale, Fashion Square cinemas and is open to the public.
Victory Angel Films has come on board to help the students. Victory Angel is a Tempe based film production and post-production facility. VAF has been volunteering at Arcadia since 2008. As a sponsor of the Arcadia Film Festival, the local production company is offering a mentoring film program that allows students to color correct and do the sound for their film at their studio in Tempe. Having filmmaker of the year and CEO of Victory Angel Films, Brian Skiba on hand to assist the students in all areas if post-production has proved to be a valuable asset. “The talent coming out of Arcadia is astounding, I’m honored to be working with these young filmmakers” said Skiba. “The response to the program has been overwhelming,” say’s Laurie Love of Victory Angel Films. “It’s amazing to see these kids come in to our office with their projects and a vision and help them bring it to fruition. These are the directors of tomorrow and it’s exciting to see them grow!” The students have already gained first hand experience before heading off to college. Gaining that type of hands on experience so early in their career is a huge feat in such a competitive field.
Students like Michael Notrica (18) who is currently working on coloring his 19 minute film “Only Grey” at Victory Angel Films studio. This is Michael’s first film before heading off to Emerson College in Boston to study cinematography in the fall.
Victory Angel Films is currently in pre-production on a slate of 8 films, hoping to be shot here in Arizona and looking forward to utilizing some of Arcadia’s talent on their own productions.
If you’ve ever dreamt of being in the movie business but didn’t know how or where to get started, your dream may start right around the corner, in Tempe. At least for students like Michael, it is.
Come see the future of film at the Arcadia film festival on may 14 at Harkins Scottsdale Fashion Square at 7pm!
For more information about the Victory Angel Films studio or to schedule a tour please contact:
Victory Angel Films, 602-909-8092