Intro to Physical Special Effects

Next Class: December 6 – December 16, 2010

Week 1: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm), and Saturday (8:00am-4:00pm)

Week 2: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm)

This class is designed to teach each student the basic skill sets necessary to work in an entry-level, non-union position in the Special FX Departments on Films, Television, and Commercial Productions.

The FIT Film Industry Training Program offers students the ability to develop the skills required to become entry level crew members on a feature film, television, and commercial production. In addition to 40 hours of classroom time, graduates can be placed in a 20 hour film production or industry related internship as part of this program. After the initial 20 hour internship, there may be additional internship or job placement assistance based upon previous internship performance.

This class will concentrate on Special FX. The areas of study will include:

1). Rain, Wind, Snow, Fire, and Water Effects. (Elements)
a). Safety
b). Different ways to make above

2). Special Effects and Stunt Rigging of Elements
a). Wire Rope
b). Cabling
c). Sheaves
d). Descriptions of rigging
e). Safety equipment and rigging

3). Aerial and Wire work
a). Description of high work
b). Safety and weight

4). Script reading and Special Effects Breakdown
a). How to Identify Effects in a script
b). Subject breakdown i.e. Explosion

5). Fire
a). Cast and Crew safety Requirements
b). Laws
c). General Knowledge
d). Certificates of compliance

6). Location Work and Special Effects
a). What is required for any Effects

7). Pyrotechnics
a). Licensing Requirements
b). Purchase and use
c). Safety requirements
d). Pyrotechnics, Stunts and Effects

8). Special Effects and Vehicles
a). Preparing vehicles for an Effect
b). What is the effect to be achieved
c). How to achieve Safely

9). Breakaway
a). What is Breakaway
b). How to make
c). When and when not to use

10). Set Etiquette
a). Chain of command
b). Working the set
c). Set dialogue

In our final class, Students will participate in a “model” production at FIT’s facilities, working side by side with industry professionals in order to gain hands-on experience utilizing the tools we have learned. Students will rotate through the job categories so they can understand how these disciplines work together on a film set.

Upon completing this class, students will be able to:

1. Understand the overall organization of and job opportunities available in the film, television, digital media and commercial industries.

2. Evaluate which specific positions their individual interests and skills will qualify them for.

3. Develop a hands-on understanding of positions in the Special FX Department.

4. Present themselves to working Production Managers as entry-level crew members with special skills, interest and experience in the relevant Special FX Department areas.

5. Develop a resume and job application approach specific to the film industry and geared toward employment in the Special FX Department.

The Special FX Class is taught in 40 hours, over a two-week period.  Classes are held at the FIT Studio Classroom in Ferndale, with hands-on access to the largest inventory of film production equipment in the State of Michigan.