Film and television production is no longer confined to New York and Hollywood. In fact, “the business” is presently booming in the Southeast, thanks to cheap labor and lower production costs. Chattanooga State Community College’s Professional Film and Television Training Program offers a series of fast-track, professional skills training courses for anyone interested in pursuing a career behind-the-scenes in the film and television business.

In as little as one semester, program participants can earn a certificate in a specific job category and be ready for the marketplace. Industry veterans teach classes. Most classes are offered on Wednesday evenings to avoid conflict with daytime work schedules.

The following classes will be offered during the spring semester:

Introduction to Film and Television Technology (PFTT 250) is a one-credit hour class that meets four Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; January 19 and 26, February 2 and 9. In this required entry-level course, students learn about the workings of the film and television business, and how to start a career.

Production Assistant Internship (PFTT 251) is a two-credit hour class that meets three Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Feb. 16, 23, and March 2. Students taking this class learn the art and craft of the production assistant – the traditional entry-level job of the film industry. In addition to the three required class meetings, students must complete 90 hours of internship by May 5, 2011.

Advanced Production Technology Practicum: Location Sound (PFTT 256) is a new class that offers three-credit hours. Class meets for five Wednesday nights from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; March 16, 23, 30; and April 6, 13, 20 and 27. Class also will meet two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 9 and April 23. A field trip is scheduled for Friday, April 29. This course encompasses lecture, workshops and demonstrations that introduce students to the craft and terminology of film and television location sound recording. Once the course is completed, students are eligible for certification with the Chattanooga Film Commission as a location sound technician for the SE TN region. Film and television location sound recording is an area of growing need as film and TV production activity continues to rapidly expand in the Southeast.

Finally, Introduction to the Cinema (HUM 299) is another three-credit hour class that meets Monday nights from 5:30 to 8:20 p.m., January 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Apr. 4, 11, 18 and 25. This is not a technical class and should appeal to anyone with a passion for film. Students will learn why and how the cinema has emerged in the last century as one of the most powerful art forms ever devised. Through a study of some of the classic examples of the documentary and narrative forms, students will develop an appreciation for the artistry, technology and craftsmanship of the cinema. The major film genres will be explored. In addition, the major movements in international cinema and film’s relationship to other art forms will be highlighted. Students will develop a working vocabulary of the language of the cinema, along with an understanding of the essence of all great films – visual storytelling.

Interested students are strongly encouraged to register now to be assured a spot in the class or classes of their choice. For more information, please contact our program director, Dave Porfiri, at (423) 894-8927 or dpvision@yahoo.com.