Q. How is SFSDF different from other film schools?
This is a great question and one we love to answer. Our philosophy is "the best way to learn the art and craft of filmmaking is to make films!" The curriculum at our school is entirely project-based ­ meaning all of our classes are based around the films each student makes. Whether a student is enrolled in our intensive one-year or 5-week program, each student writes, produces, directs and edits their own films. Students enrolled in our one-year program also apprentice with a professional crew on one of two feature films the school produces per year.

Q: How does SFSDF prepare me for working in the motion picture industry?
Every aspect of the filmmaking program at our school is designed to prepare you for becoming a filmmaking professional. This is true whether you want to become a writer/director or be part of a film crew.

Q: How hands-on are the classes?
From the very first day of class you will be getting your hands on the equipment. This is one of our guiding principals.

Q: Will I make my own films or be part of a group project?
You will be writing, producing, directing and editing your own films. In addition, because all of our students work in production teams, every student will gain valuable experience and credits crewing on other student pictures. By the end of our one-year program students have worked on over 25 films.

Q: Do I need a background in film or photography to attend your school?
No, you don't. You need a passion for filmmaking and a willingness to put in a maximum effort to achieve your goals. We are looking for committed people who care.

Q: Can I work and still attend classes?
We have designed our curriculum to accommodate working students. Students can choose either a daytime or evening course schedule for our Filmmaking class. The evening class receives the same amount of instruction and production hours as our daytime students.

Q: What is the difference between an internship and an apprenticeship?
At SFSDF, we believe in apprenticeship rather than internship. Other schools place their graduates at outside companies for internships with the hope these companies will teach them valuable professional skills. It's been our experience that most of these internships are a waste of time. At SFSDF, professional working experience is guaranteed to students because of their apprenticeship on school-produced feature films. It is on the movie set of these features that students take their filmmaking craft to the next level and become themselves professionals in the industry.

Q: Will I really work on a professional feature film?
Yes, you will. Students in our one-year Digital Filmmaking Program work with and are mentored by motion picture professionals on school produced and co-produced feature films. On these productions students fill key crew positions such as ­ associate producer, assistant camera, set decorator, best boy, wardrobe, boom operator, assistant to the director, key grip, and assistant editor.

Q: What kind of cameras and editing system does the school use?
Students shoot on the latest HD cameras, including the new Panasonic AG-HVX200, the Sony HDV-Z1U, and the awesome Sony CineAlta F950, the same camera used to shoot dozens of big budget Hollywood movies. For editing, students use Apple's industry-standard Final Cut Studio HD running on Mac G5 dual-core towers with 23-inch Cinema Display monitors.

Q: What are my chances of getting into SFSDF?
Your chances are excellent. Your enthusiasm is your best bet for enrollment.

Q: Will my movies be shot on film or High Def video?
Your projects will be shot on High Definition digital video, using the latest High Def digital cameras and equipment.

Q: How much access will I have to the equipment?
Students need to have as much access to equipment as possible. We realize that the greatest frustration a student faces is waiting for equipment. Because of the structure of our curriculum and the small size of our classes, students have great access to all equipment.

Q: What other expenses are there on top of tuition?
A: Students pay for their production expenses over the course of the year. We estimate this cost to be approximately $1000 for the year.

Q: What else will I get besides a Professional Certificate at the end of the program?
We know that the three most important things an aspiring filmmaker needs to be competitive in the job market are; a reel of your work, credits on a film and contacts within the industry. This is our commitment to each and every student graduating from SFSDF.

Q: Can I get financial aid?
SFSDF and SLM Financial (a Sallie Mae Company) are partnered in order to help students receive financial assistance for their education.  Eligible students may also receive living expenses, up to $6,000, as part of their loan.  For more information please contact our admissions department.  (415) 522-1200

Q: What is the policy for foreign students?
At this time, we are unable to accept foreign national students under an M-1 Visa. If you are interested in SFSDF, and would like to be contacted with information about future admission dates, please email admissions@sfdigifilm.com

Q: If I come for a tour, may I sit in on a class?
We welcome all visitors and would love for you to sit in on any of our classes.  Our school is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Speak with one of our admissions representatives to make arrangements.

Q: Can I contact a former student?
We have many former students who would love to share with you their experiences. Contact our admissions office by phone, fax or e-mail.