NJ Film Academy Programs

NJ Film Academy Programs

The NJFA courses and certifications are as rigorous as traditional college courses and require college level reading skills, complex problem-solving abilities, and college level intellectual capabilities.

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For more information, please email Daniel Colaianni: dcolaianni@brookdalecc.edu

To register call 732-224-2683

Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry is a mandatory prerequisite for all students

Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry

Course Code: XFILM-001
Cost: $375

Course Description:

This course provides foundational knowledge about the different stages of production, job opportunities, and professional expectations in film and television. Students will learn industry-specific terminology and processes related to above- and below-the-line positions, how a creative project moves from script to screen, and how to start and build a film or television career. With an emphasis on industry standards, practices and procedures, on-set safety protocols, and the realities of the job market, students will be best prepared to advance to the next level of training and start their careers in the industry.

Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue entry-level positions in the industry, including how to obtain employment and the training required to succeed. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical assignments, students will be prepared to navigate the realities of the job market and embark on their careers in the entertainment industry with confidence and professionalism.

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry, from script to screen, including its various stages of production, job opportunities, and professional expectations in film and television.

June 9 – July 31, 2025, Monday and Thursday 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

July 7 – August 28, 2025 Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Choose one additional course from the following:

(Hint**The more industry-relevant courses and certifications you complete, the more valuable you become to potential employers.)

A: Introduction to Production Accounting for Film and Television

Course Code: XFILM-002
Cost $799

Course Description:

This course introduces the skills, terminology and workflow used in production accounting offices in the entertainment industry, specifically to support films and television shows. It will cover relationships the accounting office may have with various entities, including the cast and crew, studios or other financiers, studio business affairs, labor unions, state and/or local film offices, vendors and banks, payroll processors, insurance and incentive personnel. The course includes demonstrations of budgeting, scheduling, record-keeping and reporting software as well as hands-on learning experiences.

Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared for an internship or entry-level job in the production accounting or payroll office of a film or television production.

June 10 – July 31, 2025, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

B: Introduction to Production Office: Production Coordinating & Management

Course Code: XFILM-003
Cost $799

Course Description:

This course explores the essential functions of a production office and the responsibilities of the team members that make it up. Film or TV Production Managers & Coordinators are members of the production team who provide logistical support and help manage administrative tasks to ensure the production runs smoothly, finish on time, and on budget.

Students will learn that the production office is the core hub for production management as it operates and serves alongside the many departments that play a crucial role in creating a motion picture. Students will also gain exposure to those departments and begin to develop an understanding of industry-specific terminology while taking a closer look at the studio filmmaking process from prep to wrap.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a clear understanding of the team’s roles and responsibilities inside the production office, and how each member plays a part in the studio filmmaking process. Students will be able to recognize and interpret various documents used throughout production and confidently navigate the production office environment with a path toward pursuing employment. Employment as a Production Coordinator or Production Manager requires strong leadership, communication skills, and a thorough understanding of the production process.

June 9 – July 30, 2025, Monday and Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

C: Introduction to Location Management-Coming Soon!

Course Code: XFILM-004
Cost $799
Required Equipment: Apparatus for photography (Ex. Cell phone camera)
Course Description:

In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the role of the locations department in the overall production for film and television, from script breakdown during pre-production to scouting, contracting, logistical planning and wrap out. Students will also learn about the various job opportunities within the locations department, as well as the role and importance of each. By integrating both theoretical knowledge and hands-on tasks, students will acquire the necessary skills to confidently navigate the intricacies of the job market and commence their careers in the entertainment industry with a strong sense of professionalism.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to succeed in the entertainment industry as a member of the locations team.

A: Introduction to Hair & Makeup for Film-Coming Soon!

Course Code: XFILM-008
Cost $799

Course Description:

This course will provide students with an introduction to working on set for film or television productions as a hair or makeup artist. Through presentations, script breakdowns, and instructor-led demonstrations, students will learn how to bring a story to the screen with the help of hair and makeup; the importance of continuity, hygiene, and sanitizing; practical hair and makeup skills to help bring characters to life; how to be an effective background artist; and what steps to take to help secure a position as a hair or makeup artist. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to practice and execute their own character-based hair and makeup designs during hands-on portions of the class utilizing their creative abilities.

Upon completion of this course, students will understand the world of hair and makeup on film and television sets, techniques for designing characters, hygiene and kit standards, and basic knowledge for hair and makeup application.

B: Costuming for Film & Television- Coming Soon!

Course Code: XFILM-009
Cost $799

Course Description:

Students will learn about cinematic costume history and iconic industry designers; the costume office organizational structure; job roles and duties in various areas of the Costume Department; and the names, uses, and protocols related to various pieces of departmental equipment and tasks.

Students will also learn how costumes and various film crafts relate to one another on a working production, as well as how and why they all must operate in sync. In addition, students will look at the importance of some non-traditional skills that benefit the department.

Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the Costume Department’s role in a film or television production.

C: Introduction to Set Construction, Scenic Painting and Set Dressing- Coming Soon!

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques of set construction, scenic painting, and set dressing for film and television. Students will learn the skills necessary to bring a production’s visual elements to life, including basic carpentry, standard and scenic painting techniques, and set dressing.

D: Introduction to Set Lighting & the Electric Department- Coming Soon!

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to modern set lighting, including its history and theory, while hands-on exercises allow the information to come to life. Students will learn industry specific on-set standards and terminology and how to properly integrate into the electric department while working smoothly with other interconnected departments. They will learn the basics of the electrical systems required to power the lighting needs of the set, as well as a thorough understanding of the varied lighting units and equipment needed to succeed.

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained an understanding of the roles today’s evolving film and television landscape as well as theory and practical knowledge while emphasizing safety and efficiency.

E: Grip & Rigging for Film & Television- Coming Soon!

Course Description:

Grips are responsible for the camera support, rigging, and lighting on film sets. Grips work in conjunction with the Electric Department in building rigs that support all the lights on a set. This course provides an introduction to the Grip Department and the fundamental rigging skills needed to safely create small and large rigs. The course will discuss and teach the operation of the tools, gear, and equipment used by Grips. It will examine light/exposure and discuss how to light interior and exterior scenes, both in daylight and at night. It will also cover the different types of rigs involved in camera rigging and the types of dollies and tracks used.

Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the Grip department’s function and responsibilities in the film and television industry. Students will practice fundamental rigging skills and learn the safe operation of Grip equipment and tools