[img]700|left|AVPA Film Director Alexis Butler with students and their parents at the Big Bear Film Festival||no_popup[/img]The new school year has started fast for the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts program at Culver City High School.
On Saturday, Sept.19, 15 AVPA students won the top prize at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival in the High School Film category.
The student film, “The Harry Hastings Method,” was directed by 2009 graduate Josh Blake and produced by senior Duncan Ballantine, the film’s cinematographer.
The film was created during the past school year and premiered at the AVPA's Frost Film Festival last year.
At this year’s Big Bear Film Festival, students attended a Q&A with world-class cinematographer Philippe Rousselot, whose credits include “Planet of the Apes,” “A River Runs Through It,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” and “The Great Debaters” among others.
One point Mr. Rousselot made in response to student questions was that, more important than the reputation of the film school students attend, is that young filmmakers find a group of compatible friends to work with in making movies.
The act of creating, trusting and respecting one’s colleagues in the process, is the most critical learning tool for young filmmakers, he said.
“The Harry Hastings Method” will screen on Wednesday, Oct. 7, Opening Night of the Backlot Film Festival at the Vets Auditorium.
For the past 13 years, the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts has been inspiring and empowering students to build a compassionate, creative community through innovative and challenging arts education since 1996. AVPA enjoys support from Sony Pictures Entertainment and other area businesses as well as from the Culver City community.
