TEAcHING
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Ashton also works as a teacher having been a guest lecturer and full time lecturer at the
University of Rhode Island teaching film studies, film production, film history, directing
and facilitating a mentorship program for students to work with industry professionals on set. Previously she co-taught a 3 day intensive on directing for Sandbox.la and is currently working as a part time professor in the University of Rhode Island Film Department and the New York Film Academy (based on Los Angeles) Screenwriting Department.
University of Rhode Island teaching film studies, film production, film history, directing
and facilitating a mentorship program for students to work with industry professionals on set. Previously she co-taught a 3 day intensive on directing for Sandbox.la and is currently working as a part time professor in the University of Rhode Island Film Department and the New York Film Academy (based on Los Angeles) Screenwriting Department.
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
LA MENTORSHIP SHOOT IN RHODE ISLAND facilitated by Ashton Avila
Description:
Students and recent alumni from the University of Rhode Island team up with Los Angeles and New York Industry Professionals for mentorship through a production and networking opportunities after.
SUMMER 2019: SHORT FILM
LAKE FOREST ROAD
MENTORS: Producer Vanessa King (NY), Cinematographer Monty Sloan (LA),
Gaffer Connor Vickers (LA) and Special Effects Makeup Artist Celeste Maxwell (LA)
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA FLM 351 Film Production Topics: Directing IN PERSON Course Description: In this course students learn leadership skills required to direct, how to work with different departments within production, script analysis, script development, screenwriting, scheduling, set protocol and experience working with professional actors. |
Photo Credit: Arianna Rizzo
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Class Profile in School Newspaper:
http://rhodycigar.com/2019/03/21/taking-a-slight-break-from-the-west-coast-life/
http://rhodycigar.com/2019/03/21/taking-a-slight-break-from-the-west-coast-life/
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA FLM 110 Introduction to Film Media Production Technologies IN PERSON Course Description: Introduction to single-camera field production styles and aesthetics with emphasis on camera operation, lighting and editing by means of fundamental critical studies, field projects, studio supervision and experience. Students learn screenwriting, editing, how to use the camera, lights and sound equipment. |
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA FLM 206 History of Film III: The 21st Century IN PERSON Course Description: A survey of world cinema in the 21st century, examining the production, distribution and exhibition of narrative, documentary and experimental among other forms of film. Discussion about how audiences have evolved since the early 2000s and how content has adjusted over time. |
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA FLM 101 Introduction to Film Media ONLINE Course Description: Introduction to techniques of film practice, film history, genres, analysis of film texts, and reading of film images in their aesthetic, cultural, and literary context. |
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA FLM 101 & FLM 110 Talent Development Program Introduction to Film Media & Introduction to Film Media Production Technologies IN PERSON FLM 101 Course Description: Introduction to techniques of film practice, film history, genres, analysis of film texts, and reading of film images in their aesthetic, cultural, and literary context. FLM 110 Course Description: Introduction to single-camera field production styles and aesthetics with emphasis on camera operation, lighting and editing by means of fundamental critical studies, field projects, studio supervision and experience. Students learn screenwriting, editing, how to use the camera, lights and sound equipment. |
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
FLM 351
Film Production Topics: Directors' Workshop
ONLINE
Course Description:
This course will provide an opportunity for students to shape their voices and express their creativity specifically in the role of directing for film. Through assignments that include working with actors, interviewing industry professionals, and articulating their visual style, students will learn leadership skills as well as the art of directing.
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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
FLM 220
Film Production Topics: Producing
ONLINE
Course Description:
This course will focus on the role of a producer both creatively and logistically. Students will learn to develop a project from idea/script, collaborating with key creatives in production, scheduling, budgeting and taking a project from its conception to delivery of the final product. Throughout the course, the class will discuss narrative content in addition to unscripted, reality, commercial and digital content. Assignments will include interviewing industry professionals to better understand the role of a producer as well as assignments that focus on the actual producing, developing, scheduling, budgeting and marketing of productions.
UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
FLM 220
Film Production Topics: TV Development & Producing
ONLINE
Course Description:
This course will examine the process of creating a television series from the conception of the idea to production. Students will learn how to pitch for TV, create pitch decks, and learn what it's like in the writers room from guest speakers. Students will learn about pilot season, show runners and staff writing, specifically connected to narrative and reality based productions in Los Angeles. Students will interact virtually with producers currently working on networking and streaming shows. Through these virtual meetings, students will receive access to an LA network of professionals while developing and writings scripts for a show of their own.
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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
SCREENWRITING DEPARTMENT
8 Week Screenwriting
Elements of Screenwriting
IN PERSON
Course Description:
Through lectures, in-class exercises, outside readings, classroom discussions, and film viewings, this course introduces students to the craft of screenwriting. Screenplay formatting will be a major focus, and students will learn how to write scene description, to describe characters and locations, and to develop action sequences. Topics will also include: Classic screenplay structure, the Elements of the Scene, Developing the Character, Character Arcs, Antagonists, Dialogue, Writing the Visual Image, Introduction to Final Draft, Theme, Conflict, Flashbacks, Fantasy Sequences and Dream Sequences, Voiceover, Text and Subtext, Developing Your Writing Style, Tone and Genre, Visualization, Revealing Exposition, Creating a Compelling Second Act, Climaxes and Resolutions, and Scene Beats.
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
SCREENWRITING DEPARTMENT
Rewriting Workshop
MFA
IN PERSON
Course Description:
The art of writing is really the art of rewriting. A successful writer must know how to take notes on their story and their writing, and find something useful in every note. In this class, students will revisit one of their feature scripts written in previous workshops, and take the feedback they have received up until now, plus new feedback from this class, and build a revision blueprint – a plan to address the notes and improve the story and how it is told. Lectures will develop key concepts in rewriting and exercises will teach vital skills in revision. Finally, students will rewrite the script in a way that addresses the feedback yet still serves the writer’s vision and voice.
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
SCREENWRITING DEPARTMENT
Storytelling with Purpose
BFA & MFA
IN PERSON
Course Description:
The role of the writer is to share stories with the world. But what stories should the writer choose? This class is about helping to find your voice by introducing key concepts of personal style, voice, and theme. What type of story do you want to tell? Why are you the best person to write it? These are questions that this class will explore. With these lessons in mind, students will write a screenplay for a short film they will direct and produce next semester.
SANDBOX.LA
SANDBOX ACADEMY INTENSIVE
3 Day Director's Intensive
ONLINE
Course Description:
This intensive provides an opportunity for directors to learn how to break down scenes and work with actors through educational lectures, assignments and exercises working with professional actors.
CONTACT
University of Rhode Island - ashtonavila@uri.edu
New York Film Academy - ashton.avila@nyfa.edu