Media Academy - It's not about Fame or Glory, It's about Community

The year I graduated from Film school, was the year DSLR cameras hit the market.  It was also the same year that HD technology was released.  Before digital technology, filmmakers had to spend around $120 per minute of film.  Digital technology erased that cost completely from the equation.  It was an exciting time.  I saw the power of media, was being placed into the hands of the artist.  So I started creating my own content, with my husband, and over the course of 10 years we created a box of IP (Intellectual Property).  As we were growing our family, and starting our business (Free Flow Academy) we kept creating.  I had a vision of taking our Academy and our students to build "New Hollywood" right here in our own community.  We started talking about this vision, and people started listening, and coming on board.  An old friend, Michael Poole joined our team, and he had his own box of IP.  We partnered with Jack Kohler, a teacher and artist, who also had a box of IP. Our dear friend James Burton, a comic book writer and artist, also a box of IP.  Between all of us, we have about 50-100 years of solid content, all of which have been developed over the course of a decade or more.  And our list of partners, and our list of IP, keeps growing. 

Michael, an animation graduate out of Silicon Valley then introduced me to an important essay written by Paul Graham (VC) called "How to be Silicon Valley".  After reading this essay I realized something, "New Hollywood" was already happening, and it wasn't just me and my friends that were creating something special, it was happening on a global scale.  Artists are the media.  We just have to be willing to invest in ourselves.

In January 2017 our Academy launched our Stunt & Film Program (aka Media Academy)  We shot 1 feature film, 1 tv pilot, and 17+ other projects (shorts, tutorials, behind the scenes documentaries, and more).  This is just through our Academy, and doesn't even touch on some of the side projects we are working on.  Now we are like an oiled machine, ready to churn out content and products to match that of a real production studio.  We plan on creating jobs and opportunities for artists and athletes right here in our backyard.  Don't spend thousands of dollars moving to Hollywood.  Stay right here, and join our vision.  Join a company and a community of artists and creators you can trust.  Invest in yourself.

Red Carpet World Premiere of our film "Immortal Fist" screened at the Action On Film Festival - Palms Casino and Resort, Las Vegas, NV

Students and Staff getting the good seats at our world premiere screening.

One of the reasons I love working with kids, is that they know how to enjoy the journey.  They know what's important, making friends and having fun.

In our environment students and artists are encouraged to follow our 3/7 Core Values, and are never pressured to do something they feel is against their own personal values.  We make family friendly action oriented content, and it's important to us that families feel they can enjoy this experience TOGETHER.

Many of our artists are working professionals, or just getting their career started.  Our Stunt & Film Program accommodates artists from the beginner to professional level.

Whether you are in class, or on set, we have a good time.

The coolest thing about filmmaking, is that there is truly something for everyone.  You may not like being in front of the camera, but perhaps you love creating props, doing makeup and hair, or creating special effects.

Perhaps you're a tech junkie and love making fireballs.  You are only limited by your own imagination, and in the world of filmmaking, you are constantly on the cutting edge of technology and innovation.

Filmmaking is a physical activity.  During the pre-production and production process, you are on your feet and working out sequences.  Actors and Stunt Performers learn choreography, and movie magic tricks.

Check out this Clip from Class

Photo Credit:  Dann Mann

Filmmakers are part storyteller, artist, athlete, pirate, explorer, entrepreneur, magician, techie, musician, general of an army, event planner, social commentator, and community cultivator wrapped into one package.  Filmmakers have to know a lot, about a lot of things, and are often criticized harshly for their work.  Filmmaking is not for the faint of heart.  And one thing is for certain.  Filmmaking is the most influential and powerful artistic medium known to man.