Tuesday, February 20, 2018

2nd Quarterly Parkour Olympic Challenge Results

Parkour Olympic Challenge Results
2018 Winter Quarter Parkour Olympic Challenge Winners
Congratulations to everyone who competed!  Our next Challenge will be April 2018.  Stay tuned or ask Coach Corey for details (freeflowacademy@gmail.com).  

5 - 8 Years
Hayden Hampleman
Course - 4:14
Longest Hang - 56.92
5 Cat Climb Ups - 24.0
Longest Balance on Feet - 1:45
Longest Rail Balance - 19.97

9 - 13 Years
Jarel 
Course - 5:40
Tac To Pre - 62"
Wall Run - 8'8"
400m Run - 1:28.10
Cody Jameson 
Standing Precision - 5'6"
Ethan Hindman
Side Flip Distance - 5'10"
Longest Hang - 36.6sec
100m Run - 16.04sec
14+
Max Schofield
Cat to Cat - 7' 11"
Lache to Cat - 9' 4"
Dyno - 37' 6"
Wall Run - 10' 6"
Longest Hang 2:01.17
Pull Overs - 6
Longest Balance - 10:23.55
400m Run - 1:08.07

Friday, February 9, 2018

Creating Sustainable Proof of Concepts within our Stunt & Film Program



How we are creating Sustainable Proof of Concepts within our Programming to give our Artists the best possible chances of Visibility and Opportunity:

Itemized List of Production Costs on the “No-Budget Feature Film” (Proof of Concept)

Item
Cost
Notes
Script
$0
We don’t pay for our scripts.  We write them ourselves, which means years of free labor we’ve put in. 
Camera Equipment
$500-$800 – repairs/upgrades to cameras, batteries, ect…

$240-$350 – for software programs and licenses

(One plugin to our software can cost upwards of $700/each, but thanks to AOF, we’ve gotten $5,000 worth of software plug-ins for FREE).  Our operations are professional, high end tech, and on the cutting edge of industry standards.
We invested tens of thousands of dollars into camera equipment early on so that we could make our films.  This means you aren’t paying for the rental or initial investment of any camera equipment.  But we often have to make repairs/replace parts, or purchase software.  We set aside a budget to cover the wear/tear on our equipment and the software memberships that we need to make the films.
Actors/Stunt Players
$0
We don’t pay our actors or stunt players (yet).  We use our students so they get the visibility and credit for making an awesome movie. 
Crew
$0
We don’t pay our crew (yet), we use our students and helpful volunteers, and ourselves to do the labor necessary to make the film.
Rehearsal Location
$0
Media Academy student tuition does not go towards paying for Free Flow Academy business expenses of Rent/Insurance/Employee Salaries, Utilities… ect.  All the tuition money goes directly into making the production. 
Filming Locations
$0
We rely on our cast/crew to deliver up many of the locations (private properties, personal homes, nearby public parks (which are often free to shoot in/permits are free) ect…
Wardrobe
$20-$100 per character


We usually have to spend money on costumes, depending on the type of project.  For “Immortal Fist” it was our biggest expense.  One mask cost $70, and wardrobe cost was around $20-$30 per character.  It all added up even when some actors wore their own clothing.  Expect to wear your own clothing in some scenes, or perhaps for the entire film. 
Props
$500
Again this depends on the project.  For “Immortal Fist” we needed a lot of cool looking weapons and interesting props to make the characters and scenes dynamic.  They were also part of the storyline. 
Food/Craft Service
$0
Generally on a no-budget film, food is the biggest expense.  It is industry etiquette to, at the very least, feed your people.  But we also know most of our talent and crew still live at home and usually can’t handle long hours on set anyway (we work with a lot of kids), so we ask everyone pack their own food/snacks.    
Permits/Insurance
$100-$500
We can’t get around this one, we have to be insured in order to operate our business.  And the State of CA does require filming permits, even if you’re doing it on private property.
Editing/Post-Production
$0
We do all of this in house.  We don’t have to pay anyone for post-production costs.
Music Licensing
$500 is our budget.  This covers the license costs on small indie license fees.

Bigger labels charge $700-$1000 per minute of song use
Even when we are using indie/local artists, and trading for credit, there are still costs that come with music.  Sometimes it’s a software program we need to get for sound effects, or one time license fee for some songs on the net.  It’s really important we cover our basis on getting the proper clearances because if we don’t, that can sabotage the entire production.  We cannot get a distribution deal if our clearances are not in place. 
Audio/Lights/Grip
$400
We lost around $1,000 worth of lighting on our last production.  They didn’t like the rain/moisture in the air that poured down upon us unexpectedly.  But we were able to make repairs for a few hundred dollars. 

Our total Production Budget for above items is estimated at $3,000

What about teachers? 
Yes, we do need to pay teachers to run the weekly stunt and film workshops.  Free Flow Media Academy is FIRST and foremost an enriching educational opportunity.  We pay our teachers hourly for the time and energy they spend with the students over the course of 3 months.  We usually have 5-7 coaches working with students throughout the course of the 12-week program.  This cost is factored in and usually takes up our remaining budget.  Our teacher to student ratio is around 6:1

Our Total Expenses on the Production/Program Orchestration is estimated at $5,000-$6,500 (That’s less than a school play, or a basketball tournament).  But does a school play or basketball tournament give you a professional IMDB profile?  Something to put on your resume?  An exciting extracurricular to put on your College Application?  A potential career?  A fun and exciting side hustle? Years or possibly decades of extended opportunities?  It’s a no brainer…

What about distribution costs?

-          Film Festivals
-          Film Markets
-          Aggregators
-          Self Distribution Platforms/Peer to Peer Networks


Film Festivals - We didn’t have a budget for distribution expenses when we shot “Immortal Fist”.  We came out of pocket to submit the film to film festivals, (which we got in to AOF and had our film premiered at Brenden Theaters/Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, NV) and we had the opportunity to see our film on the BIG SCREEN!  We also had a Red Carpet Premiere and had the opportunity to participate in fun workshops.  It was a very enriching experience for our students, and our plan is to submit to AOF every year. 
Because we had to come out of pocket for festival expenses, we only submitted to one.  But we really should submit to 5-10 festivals so that we can have more visibility and opportunities to network with other artists.  Film Festivals are an opportunity to have your movie peer reviewed by other working artists in the industry.  Your industry peers can become your greatest allies and friends, because they will help spread the word about your film, and there is a possibility you will connect with other content creators, and help make their next movie!  Film Festivals house a wide range of talent, from directors, producers, actors, stunt players, writers, journalists, and more.  We’re going to be picky about the festivals we submit to, so we will only submit to moderate to large festivals that have a strong reputation, and have been around in the industry for years. 
Film Festival Submission Cost - $55-$200 per film

Film Markets – Film Markets are different than festivals.  This is where buyers congregate from world wide territories to purchase content for their TV stations, Cinemas, and Streaming platforms.  You want your film at all the major Film Markets such as AFM, Mipcom, and Ventana Sur.  “Immortal Fist” went to all of these Film Markets.  We did not come out of pocket to go because we landed a Distributor that pays for these expenses.  The cost is a whopping $20,000 to bring your film to these markets.  But “Immortal Fist” is now being reviewed by the Chinese censorship board, and we just landed a distribution deal in Vietnam.  Visibility/Proximity is power, and you can’t earn that, unless you’re willing to market your product.  But marketing is a major expense.  We’d like to attend the film markets in the future, so we can help sell our product.  A single badge is around $400 to enter the markets. 
Film Market Badges - $400/person ($1,200 for Sales Team) (This price is just to get in.  Once you’re in, it costs around $50 for a taco.  So… we’ll sneak in our own food)

Aggregators – Aggregators allow you to distribute your content on Amazon, Netflix, iTunes, and a number of streaming based platforms.  This is pretty much how indie content is being picked up by the major guys.  You need to “pay to play,” and drive as much traffic as possible to the “play” so that the platforms can see your content is “commercially viable.”  Having your stuff on an Aggregator also means visibility and potential sales.  You get the major portion of the proceeds on each download, so this creates a pipeline to develop the content further (for a sequel or spin off).  Our plan is to create solid proof of concepts, and give them an opportunity to become a “commercially viable” entity.  If the show makes money, we all make money, and will have a return on our investment.  That doesn’t mean we’ll refund you for the tuition costs and then some.  It means that once we’ve reached a certain payment threshold to make another project, we will then develop a project (a sequel, or spin off) in which you will be a paid performer or creative contributor.  We need to reach a specific payment threshold so that we can pay EVERYONE that was a part of the project.  So once we reach a budget where we can honorably pay everyone for their time and energy… ($10/day for a performer is NOT honorable)… meaning we will use a model that is up to par with industry standards.
Aggregator Cost – Estimated $1,200 for each streaming platform (we’ll want to do the major 3) Amazon, Netflix, and iTunes – Total is around $5,000 (We are estimating moderately because you have to do a lot of spec requirements in addition to paying the basic fees.  They get you on that, because if you don’t meet their very specific technical requirements, you can pay them to do it for you, which is usually the case from what I hear). 

Self Distribution/Peer to Peer Networks – Distributing on YouTube is free, but you are also giving away your content for free.  So the possibility of making a ROI is slim.  You need millions of hits in order to earn anything, and YouTube is paying less and less for the monetized content.  But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it as a last resort.  Again, visibility is a top priority.  But we always want to explore the other options before doing this.  We always want to give our Artists and our Project the best possible chances of success.  Once you distribute on a platform like YouTube, no one else will take your project.  It will be rejected by Film Festivals, and the film will be pirated, and downloaded/reposted to other channels, ect… Distributors will pass…
However, the peer to peer network is changing.  We expect some major disruptions to the industry due to some new advancements in technology, that is putting even more power/leverage into the content creators hands.  Peer to Peer networks will be using blockchain technology to change the playing field.  We are expecting some interesting new models by the end of 2018.
Estimated Cost – Unknown/Free (but we need to wait on this)

Total Estimated Marketing/Distribution Costs - $6,700 (This part we Crowdfund)

We aren’t going to ask our clients to pay for possibilities.  Which is why our tuition costs are broken down as they are.  Our clients only pay for what is concrete – the enriching educational experience.  


But we know the possibility is endless, and with a good strategy, we can optimize the experience for everyone.  Which is why we are going to crowdfund/fundraise for the distribution costs.  Remember when you were a kid and you sold candy bars to raise money for projects that may or may not come to fruition during your time at the school?  I remember my elementary school had bookoo fundraisers to build a new gym.  After years and years of fundraising we finally got the gym, and that was also the same year I graduated.  So even though I only got to use the gym a few times, my nieces and nephews now go to that school, and I feel proud that we had a hand in it’s manifestation. 


Our crowdfund campaigns will give our community and extended community a chance to get involved with project.  Your Aunt and Uncle might be named an Executive Producer, your friends and neighbors who own businesses may want some shout outs, and/or we’ll pre-sell limited edition copies with blooper extras… the point is, crowdfunding will be creative, and add a ton of value to the experience, without costing anyone a lot of money.   

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Survival Science - A Self Defense System








Survival Science was developed by Free Flow Academy Founder's Elle and Lon Beyer, Free Flow Academy Certified Parkour Trainer Colton Fuller, and Free Flow Academy Video Specialist Michael Poole.  After discovering Sacramento, CA was the 2nd worst city in the US for human trafficking, the 4 decided to create a program designed to help empower people in the primitive life skills of self defense.  Survival Science is the first Self Defense curriculum to use Parkour and Martial Arts combined, as a way to train the physical body, and train the mind to overcome any obstacle in your path.

Your Life is Worth Protecting.  This Issue is Worth Pursuing.
These are the foundational principles that guide our research and programming.  The reality is that sexual assault is a prevalent danger in our society.  Let's make sure the Survivors voices are heard, we learn from them, and we take action to stop sex crimes once and for all.

Our Program Contents 

~ A comprehensive look at the how and why sex crimes occur.

    ~ Learn self defense techniques that are proven to work and offset the dangerous reality that sexual predators with intent to rape, are at large.  

   Building an understanding of conduct, to recognize if YOU may be demonstrating actions that are equivalent to the actions of a sexual predator.

    ~ An educational, scientifically supported program that empowers women and men to take down rape culture in our society.

1 in 4 American women are victims of sexual assault
Women ages 12-34 are the highest risk group for sexual assault and human trafficking
Learning Self Defense increases your chances of escaping an assault by 80%

Besides offering Valuable and FREE educational content...

We also offer fully Downloadable Video Programs to Show at Your School or Organization.  Hours of Content Empower you as an Educator to decide how to best serve your students and/or clients.

OR...

Book Our Team to Present!  We provide lectures, talks, and even dazzling Martial Arts & Parkour demonstrations and workshops! 





Your will to live is imperative in aiding you in your Survival Science arsenal. When faced with doubt, fear, and uncertainty, our human responses to perceived danger are three-pronged.  We either fight, flee, or freeze.  Scientific studies suggest that these responses are built in, innate, and have proven useful to our human survival.  Freezing, is derived of times where wild animals were continuously present, over the course of our evolution.  In this series we hone the fight and flight response. We pose the statement, "Your Life is Worth Protecting".  In order to properly align yourself with the information we will be imparting, we ask that you ponder thoughtfully, the things in your life that really matter to you.  In order to optimize the value of this information you must desire to live and survive above all else. 

"When it comes to protecting your life, you must understand that your body and mind are the weapon."  - Ms. Elle

Principles of Self Defense

Do Not Comply
Create Space
Attack
Flee

Free Flow Academy Parkour Instructor Level I Certification













Current Level I Certified Instructors:

Christopher Alexander
Nate Davies
Emerald Barkley 
Elijah Dodson
Colton Fuller
Rob Gausewitz
Doug Pryor
Paige Williams
Kage Martin
Joseph Unruh
Tyler Pomerantz 


Upcoming Certifications:

FFACT Parkour Instructor Level I - Jan 28th, 29th, 30th 2018
Location:  Free Flow Academy - 1106 Tinker Rd. Suite 150 Rocklin, CA 95765
9am-3pm






You've got questions!  We've got answers! 

What is FFACT?
FFACT is an acronym for Free Flow Academy Certified Trainer.  Free Flow Academy is the first Parkour gym in Northern California, and is the largest Parkour gym on the West Coast.  Our Academy started out much like any other, we were a group of athletes, who needed a place to train and cultivate our talents.  After opening our doors, our classes expanded, and over the course of time, we needed a systematic and proven approach to train other qualified professionals.  Our students and clients are extremely important to us, and as trainers, our highest priority is to keep our clients safe.  We take prospective coaches to the next level and teach them to incorporate proven and effective methodology that is backed by Science.  Our team of professionals consist of biomechanists, researchers, developers, creative artists, youth and adult programmers, and entertainers.  All of which play an important role in creating safe, effective, and entertaining settings that optimize the clientele learning experience. Proper implementation of skill progressions are an important part of being a coach, and are meticulously covered during the certification process.  Things that will be covered are skill progressions, human anatomy, terminology, building confidence in your students, history, philosophy, conditioning exercises and programming, and much more.  
Is FFACT recognized in other other parts of the world?
Free Flow Academy is recognized world wide within the Parkour and Martial Arts community.  In addition, Free Flow Academy and many FFACT Instructors work directly with California State agencies, implementing Physical Education programming throughout dozens of school districts.  Some of our Parkour programming has also been utilized at the University level, helping to shape the thoughts and modalities utilized in the next generation Kinesiology Science.
How do I use FFACT to land jobs as a Parkour Instructor?
Many gyms all over the world are incorporating Parkour into their programming.  Gymnastic gyms, rockclimbing, martial arts, crossfit, primal fitness, circus arts, and many other types of gyms have already brought Parkour programming in some form or another into their business model.  If they haven't already, then they will. However, over the course of the last few years particularly 2012-2015, many gyms have shut down their Parkour programs and/or have renamed them under other forms such as "Urban Gym". This is due to liability issues and insurance companies not allowing Parkour to be taught at facilities that are not properly equipped or staffed. Having a FFACT Cert gives you legitimacy as a coach, and reference to draw from when you are questioned about your qualifications.  Furthermore, the knowledge you obtain from our Certification course will give you the tools you need to properly implement a safe and successful Parkour program at any gym.  Simply do a search on your local gyms and find out what kind of programming they offer.  If they do not have a Parkour program, perhaps you can bring one to table. We give you the tools to do that.  Starting a program at a gym is a great way to segue into opening your own Parkour gym.  
How long is the Certification?
The Certification is 3 days long 9am - 3pm each day.  Plan on bringing plenty of food, snacks, and water. 
What should I wear to the Certification?
You should wear comfortable workout attire, as the Certification includes a written AND physical test.  Wearing low soled exercise shows such as feiyues are also helpful.
How much money can I make as a Parkour Instructor?
Our Certified instructors make anywhere from $15 - $35/hour, depending on the class/size/budget of the program.  Privates usually range from $40 - $120/hour depending on level of experience and expertise. This amount varies depending on what gym you are working for, but for a full class (6-8 students) instructors generally report an average of $20/hour, or per class.    
What is included in my Certification?
Skill Progression Notes, Entry into our Certified Coaches Database (which can link to your own personal page), Official Certification, 3 day intensive with physical and written test.
What kind of Value does being in your Database offer?
Many of our coaches use their certification to work for Free Flow Academy.  However, many move out of State, to teach at a local gym near their University or home town.  Some personal trainers want to incorporate our programming into their fitness regimes.  And some practitioners want to have the certification as a way to ensure they are training properly on their own.  But being in the Database is unique because it links you to our network, and offers legitimate peer reviewed visibility.  Plus, our database platform is viewed around 2,000 times per month (as of 2018) that number is expected to rise.  Free Flow Academy is also a pioneer in our industry.  We were the 4th Parkour gym in the USA, and the 8th Parkour gym in the world.  
How do I work for Free Flow Academy?
Our hiring process involves Certification, plus one of the following - 3 month apprenticeship, or 2 month internship.  Apprenticeship's are for prospective coaches who desire to Coach within a program or department that currently exists.  Internships are for prospective coaches who desire to start a new program or department that does not currently exist.  In order to enroll in either program, you must have a minimum of 2 years experience in that particular discipline.  You must be a current member of the gym in order to enroll in our apprenticeship program, unless your qualifications are a B.S. in Movement Sciences or you have a certification or educational level that is equivalent.  
How do I start my own Parkour Gym?
Starting your own Parkour Gym is an incredibly rewarding experience, but can also come with some steep challenges.  We're here to support you on your journey.  Our Level I Certification does not cover the basics of starting your own Parkour Gym.  Before considering taking on such a large undertaking, you'll want to have a strong foundation.  We believe in setting you up for success, and something like starting a business is a long term investment.  Being informed, and understanding market trends, Google analytics, market research within your area, knowing and understanding compliance laws at the Federal, State, and County level, dealing with leasing contracts or buying commercial property, obtaining insurance, managing a team of employees, marketing, accounting/bookkeeping... are just a few things that you'll need to know when starting this venture.  Our job is not to discourage you.  Our job is to keep you safe, minimize your risk, and set you up for a successful and sustainable future.   

Contact Us
Office:  916-759-1468
freeflowacademy@gmail.com

Corey Romines:  Traceurkimian@gmail.com

Monday, February 5, 2018

Free Flow Academy Maui Adventure Retreat

5 days/5 nights of Island Adventure

For some of us at Free Flow Academy, Maui is a place we once called home.  Let us take you on an epic adventure few people have the opportunity to experience.  Get down into the local scene by exploring places that you won't find on any tourist brochure.  Have your own personal tour guide throughout the entire journey saving you hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars.

We'll take you on some of the most famous waterfall hikes in the world (the known and the unknown) explore some of the most remote and beautiful beaches in the world, train in the deep jungles of Maui, participate in daily Parkour, Kung Fu, and Aerial Silks training, free dive, snorkel, boogie board, and so much more.

What you’ll get from your week in Maui:

-Intensive and personalized training
-A major advance in your skills and knowledge
-An exercise plan to develop your body for optimum fitness and practice
-Improved self-awareness, strength and balance
-Clarity of thought and the ability to conquer your fears
-See your environment as an opportunity rather than an obstacle
-Make lasting friendships with enthusiasts from around the world
-Relax and socialize in a beautiful Island Retreat setting
-Enjoy excellent accommodation and fresh healthy Island cuisine
-Includes training, accommodation, daily breakfast, and airport transfers

What the week's package includes:
-5 days of training
-Lodging
-Transfer from/to Airport

$695/person, $1,200/couple, $2,000/Family of 4 ($400 each add'l person over the age of 2)

All Lodging is One Bedroom Lodging or equivalent.  

Round Trip airfare is NOT included.  Round trip airfare from Sacramento/SF to Maui is usually in the $400-$1,000/person range depending on the time of year.  

Extra Activities: - Hiking through the World’s Most Beautiful Tropical Rainforests. Walk through waterfalls, swim in lagoons, and find yourself in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world. - Visit golden and black sand beaches - Snorkeling and Free Diving - Enjoy the local flavors – exotic fruits and handmade goodies sold along the roadside - Fishing/Spearfishing - Exploring Sea Caves - Exploring Caves deep within the Island.

**All Activities are Optional**

Day 1
Arrive to Maui (Pickups from airport will be at between 10am-12pm)
1:00pm - Official Welcome - Arrive to Hotel (grab some lunch nearby, within walking distance)
3:00pm – Swimming/Freediving around Hotel grounds
6:00pm - Dinner
7:00pm – Group meeting - Go over the week Itinerary
7:30pm - Stretch/Movement Session
8:00pm – Free Time 


Day 2
6:00am – Kung Fu (Qi Gong), Parkour Conditioning/Watch the Sun Rise
7:00am – Complimentary Breakfast
9:00am – Head to Lahaina (Beach Activities/Snorkeling/Diving/Free Time)
12:00pm – Lunch around Whalers Village
2:00pm - Head back to Hotel
5:00pm - Dinner near Hotel/Free Time
7:00pm - Stretch/Movement Session
8:00pm - Free Time


Day 3
7:00am – Complimentary Breakfast/Pack Lunch & Snacks (Bring a small waterproof back pack/wear low soled hiking shoes that can get wet)
9:00am – Head out to Secret Waterfall Hike
1:30pm – Picnic Lunch on the Trail
3:30pm – Head to Paia
6:00pm - Dinner in Paia
8:00pm – Head back to Hotel


Day 4

7:00am – Complimentary Breakfast
9:00am – Head to Baldwin Beach - Parkour Training Session
12:00pm – Lunch in Paia
3:00pm – Head back to Hotel
5:00pm – Dinner around Hotel Grounds
7:00pm - Stretch/Movement Session


Day 5

7:00am – Complimentary Breakfast
8:00am - Head to Hana:  Stops - Waianapanapa State Park (Black Sand Beach, Caves, Blowholes, Bamboo Forest/Banyan Tree Site/Tallest Waterfall Site ($10 Parking per Vehicle)
12:00pm – Lunch around Hana
4:00pm - Head back to Lodging
6:00pm - Dinner in Paia
8:00pm - Head back to Hotel

Day 6
7am – Complimentary Breakfast
8:00am – Movement Session
9:00am - Pack up and get ready for airport rides (Leave by 10am)

**Itinerary is subject to change/re-arrangement to suit optimal weather conditions**











Check out more Photos HERE