SCHOOLS
Practical education, workshops and resources connecting film students to the realities of filmmaking, festivals, distribution and building a sustainable career.
Jon Fitzgerald has spent three decades working across the independent film ecosystem - as a filmmaker, festival director, educator, author, consultant and industry entrepreneur. He has taught full courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Vista Mar School, and has visited classrooms across the country for guest lectures, screenings, workshops and presentations, both in person and online.
Jon Fitzgerald has spent three decades working across the independent film ecosystem - as a filmmaker, festival director, educator, author, consultant and industry entrepreneur. He has taught full courses at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Vista Mar School, and has visited classrooms across the country for guest lectures, screenings, workshops and presentations, both in person and online.
Bring the Industry Into the Classroom
His teaching connects the creative and business sides of filmmaking, helping students understand not only how films get made, but how the industry works - and how they can find their place within it.
Sessions can be tailored to an existing course, department priority or student cohort, with an emphasis on practical knowledge students can carry directly into the industry.
Sessions can be tailored to an existing course, department priority or student cohort, with an emphasis on practical knowledge students can carry directly into the industry.
Anatomy of the Industry
How the pieces of the film ecosystem connect - from development and production through festivals, distribution and exhibition.
The Business of Film: Hollywood
How the traditional studio business operates, who makes the decisions and where filmmakers fit into the system.
|
Film Festivals & Distribution
How festivals really work, how to build a custom strategy, maximize opportunities and turn exposure into career or distribution momentum.
The Business of Film: Independent
Financing, producing, marketing and distributing films outside the traditional studio model.
|
Filmmaking for Change
Using storytelling to create social impact, build partnerships, engage communities and connect films with causes.
Building a Career in Film
Helping students understand the range of industry opportunities and identify a path that fits their skills, interests and goals.
|
Ways to Work Together
Programs can be offered in person, online or in hybrid form, and can be customized for a single class, department, cohort or campus-wide event.
|
Guest Lectures
60-90 minute presentations tailored to an existing class or curriculum, allowing for Q&A with the students. Screenings + Conversations A film screening followed by filmmaker Q&A and discussion of the creative, production, festival and distribution process. Student Project & Career Sessions Group or individual sessions focused on student films, festival strategy, distribution planning and career goals. |
Workshops & Masterclasses
Half-day or full-day interactive sessions focused on festivals, distribution, independent filmmaking, impact or career development. Classroom Case Studies A behind-the-scenes look at a real independent feature - development, budgeting, production, post, audience development, festivals and release. Curriculum & Educational Resources Books, guides, workbooks, case studies and teaching materials that faculty can integrated into existing programs. |
Experience That Connects the Dots
|
Filmmaker
Writer, director and producer of independent films, with first-hand experience carrying projects from concept through release. Educator Taught full courses at UCSB and Vista Mar School, alongside guest lectures, screenings, workshops and talks for students and filmmakers. Industry Advisor Decades advising filmmakers, festivals and independent film organizations on strategy, audience, festivals and distribution. |
Festival Leader
Co-founder of Slamdance and former Festival Director of AFI Fest and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Author Author of Filmmaking for Change, Film Festival Playbook, Film Festival Workbook and the Film Players Guide. Entrepreneur Built companies and platforms across production, exhibition, audience development and film discovery. |
Whether you are looking for a single guest lecture, a screening and discussion, an intensive workshop or a customized educational program, we can build an experience around your students, curriculum and goals.
