Welcome to the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking!

San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking

Student Handbook

Revised 1/2013

Welcome to the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking!

Thank you for joining the ______Name of Program______Date

The San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking is proud to work with a diverse group of students, instructors and staff. We take pride in combining creativity, high energy and hard work with respect and appreciation. We are good hearted passionate people who care about our work, our students and our school.

At SFSDF we are not only teaching you to become filmmakers, we are teaching you to be professionals in the film industry. We feel it is best to teach by example and to mentor you toward this goal. Your ability to step into the professional world of filmmaking is a direct reflection of our time, energy and instruction.

SFSDF is an active participant in the San Francisco film community and, as such, hosts a variety of workshops, lectures and classes that may or may not be going on during class hours. In addition our sound stage is a working stage that we rent out to production companies for filming. We feel this is good exposure to this innovative, technology savvy group of working professionals and will involve our students whenever possible.

In return, we expect a high level of commitment from all our students. Our classes are intensive and it takes hard work to make a movie, but the experience is a rewarding one. Students, instructors and staff alike move equipment, set lights and generally each help each other out. We have fun working as a team and there is always plenty of work to do. It is important you follow all safety guidelines and stay focused and healthy.

Be respectful of your team and classmates, you could be working with them in the future. You are here to get the very best education possible and that includes what you will learn from your class.

We are happy to have you on our team!

Sincerely,

SFSDF Staff1.

SFSDF Mission Statement

Mission Statement: The mission of the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking creating filmmakers with careers in the entertainment industry.

SFSDF Vision Statement

Vision of the Institution: The vision of the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking is to be one of the premier film schools in the world teaching a small, diverse, international student body the art and craft of filmmaking. SFSDF nurtures the individual artistic creativity of our students through a highly, mentored project-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning by an award winning faculty using cutting-edge filmmaking tools.

SFSDF Table of contents Student Handbook

Welcome ______1.

Mission and Vision Statement s .______2.

Table of contents ______3.& 4.

Location ______5.

Faculty ______5.

Staff ______5.

Academic Policies

Grading/ Failing Grades______6.

Tardiness/ Makeup work ______6.

Graduation Requirements ______6.

Rules of Operation/ Student Conduct ______7.

Safety

SFSDF is Drug Free ______7.

No Weapons of Firearms ______7.

No Smoking ______7.

Care for Students and Equipment ______7.

Student Responsibilities ______8.

Students Responsibilities toward the Facilities ______8.

Code Compliance ______8.

Internal Student Grievance Policy ______9.

Dropout and Leave of Absence ______9.

Record Retention ______9.

Cancellation and Refund______9.

Refund Payments and example ______10.

Other Policies

Non-Discrimination______10.

Harassmen______11.

Harassment Defined/ responsibility & Reporting ______11.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA)______11. Intellectual Property ______13.

Library/ Media Center ______13.

Building Access ______13.

Fire Protection ______13.

Other Disaster/ Earth Quake ______13.

Parking ______13.

Directions ______14.

Receipt of Student Handbook, Orientation. Tour of the Facilities and Introduction to the Staff______15.

Location

SFSDF is located at: 925 Mission Street, Suite 108, San Francisco, CA. 94103

(415) 824-7000

Faculty

Digital Filmmaking Program (12 month and 15 month)

Jeremiah Birnbaum – Screenwriting/Directing/Producing/Editing
Stephen Kopels – currently on sabbatical
Pamela Gray – Screenwriting
MilenaGozeva-Levy – currently on family leave of absence
Tom Donald – Commercials
Jesse Zookman – Documentary Filmmaking
Darcel Walker – Sound for Film
Ian Thomas – Sound for Film
Roy Cox – Directing
Richard Favarro – Lighting
Staci DeGagne – Editing
Alex Fletcher – Camera/Lighting
Brandon Hamilton – Camera/Lighting
Frazer Bradshaw – Camera/Lighting

Matt Szymanowski- Screenwriting/ Directing/ Editing

Documentary Filmmaking Program (6 month)

Jeremiah Birnbaum – Writing/Producing/Directing/Editing
Alex Fletcher – Camera/Lighting

Frazer Bradshaw – Camera/Lighting

Ian Thomas – Sound for Film
3-Month & 5-Week Workshops

Brandon Hamilton – Camera/Lighting/Directing/Producing/Sound
Jeremiah Birnbaum – Directing/Producing
Staci DeGagne – Editing

Staff

Jeremiah Birnbaum President

Bonnie Birnbaum CFO

Victor Nieves- Controller

Alfretta Clark- Director of Admissions

Crystal Carter- Admissions Assistant/ Administration

Jesse Gonzalez- Facilites Manager

Academic Policies6.

Grading and Academic Progress

SFSDF’s grading policy is pass/fail. Our goal is to prepare digital filmmakers. Our key instructional method is to involve students in the production of digital films as they learn their craft. The students’ work on an assigned digital movie is the best, most direct, and most powerful possible test to measure the student’s ability as a digital filmmaker.

While performance on a task as complex as that of making a digital film cannot be reduced to a number, it is possible to state that the minimum score of “satisfactory” must be achieved in order to receive a passing grade. Faculty members will judge student films satisfactory or not satisfactory.

Students are responsible to know their academic standing by referring to written policies and regulations and by consulting with their instructors.

A passing grade is required for advancement or completion in the program. The basis for student evaluation may include:

·Class Grades

·Attendance (exceptions may be made for documented medical or other emergencies)

·Lab and practicum grades and attendance

·Proficiency test on all equipment taught in the program

·Specific requirements given in writing at the beginning of a course

Students will receive reports of their progress every 8 weeks and at the end of school terms. Students whose grade is failing will be counseled and may be terminated. Students who do not maintain satisfactory progress may be placed on probation for a period to be determined by the program or education director until minimum performance is achieved or the student is terminated.

Failing Grades

If all required coursework is not completed within five days of the course’s last day, incomplete grades will be changed to failing grades. Such failure will preclude a student from advancing to the next level in an instructional sequence or failing the class, and the student may be placed on academic probation.

Tardiness

Tardiness is defined as arriving within the first 15-minute period of time from the scheduled start of the class or lab. Four tardy documentations result in one full absence.

Make-Up Work

Students may be given the opportunity to make up any work or tests, subject to the approval of the program or education director. Make-up work must be completed within a week of returning or before the final exam day, whichever is sooner.

Individual Courses

Students can register for individual courses, subject to availability. Individual course refunds are granted if cancellation is received before the first day of class.

Graduation Requirements

To receive an SFSDF certificate, students must have:

·Achieved a passing grade on all their coursework

·Completed all applicable courses

·Fulfilled all financial obligation, completed an exit interview with the program director or career advisor

Rules of Operation and Student Conduct

Students are expected to attend classes, labs, and exams on time. They are expected to read and abide by the SFSDF student handbook. Conviction of a criminal offense is sufficient grounds for termination, as are destruction of

property, cheating, disruptive behavior, or dishonest behavior. Termination will be determined by a quorum of the

SFSDF owner or designated representative, director of education, and director of the program in which the student is enrolled. Students are expected to exhibit good taste and discretion. Clothing expressing extreme or hate speech is not permitted. SFSDF may terminate the enrollment of any student whose conduct is detrimental to the academic environment or the well being of other students, faculty, or staff.

Safety

The first Aid Kit located in the equipment cage. All accidents must be reported on an accident form. These forms are located in the equipment cage and/ or the admissions office.

SFSDF is a drug-free environment.

Illegal drug use in SFSDF facilities is prohibited and may be grounds for immediate termination. Alcohol consumption is prohibited in SFSDF facilities, and students under the influence will be asked to leave, and probation or termination may follow. There may be alcohol served at evening events all students will be “carded”.

No Weapons or Firearms. No weapons or firearms are permitted at SFSDF or at SFSDF activities.

SFSDF is a non-smoking environment

Care for Students and Equipment

SFSDF cares about the health, safety, and welfare of its student.

Film sets can be hazardous environments. There can be very hot lights that are “sandbagged”, along with multiple cables. Students must at all time be very aware of the dangers and exert utmost care.

Students will spend many hours editing films.

Proper ergonomic practices are necessary to preventrepetitive strain injuriesand othermusculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

Ergonomics: the science of designing user interaction with equipment and workplaces to fit the user.

Besides using correct positioning when at the computer it is very important to remember to get up, move around and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes. 7.

Never obstruct any corridor or exit ways or exits. At all times be aware of the danger of tripping over equipment. Please make sure the halls and aisles are clear. Report all problems with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, exit signage or other built-in fire protection immediately to faculty member or staff.

Students are given access to very expensive, state of the art and potentially dangerous equipment. In order for students to access equipment outside of lectures, the student must submit a checkout request form, and an instructor must approve the request. If the request is approved, the student becomes liable for paying for any damaged or lost equipment due to negligence. Equipment is only to be used for the purpose, time period and location in the request form approved by the instructor, so that there are no scheduling conflicts. The equipment must be checked in once the student is finished so that the student may be released from the liability.

Students are not permitted in the equipment cage. Properly working equipment is often the difference between a good production and a bad one, so treat the equipment as if the production depends on it, because it does!

All cables should be neatly wrapped. Do not leave checked out equipment unattended. We know that accidents happen- if a piece of equipment is damaged or not working properly, mark it with red tape and bring it to the attention of the facilities manager so that it can quickly be repaired. If you have any questions about the equipment please contact an instructor or the facilities manager.

At all times be aware of the danger of tripping over equipment please make sure the halls and aisles are clear.

The Chronicle Building is a secured with 24 hour security protection. Never admit an unknown person to the building.

Students Responsibilities

·Read, understand, and adhere to student handbook rules and regulations

·Keep copies of all school forms that you sign

·Notify SFSDF administration about any changes in information submitted when applying

·Provide such documentation as the school requires regarding prior education

·Understand the SFSDF refund policy

·Know course, program, and completion requirements

Students Responsibilities toward the Facilities

Students are required to respect the facilities here at SFSDF. We ask that students respect each other and clean up after themselves. We have a lunchroom where students may dine- please keep it clean.

Code Compliance

Users of SFSDF facilities are required to comply with requirements of all state and federal regulations as well as all regulation or ordinances for the City of San Francisco and San Francisco County, including Health, Fire, and Health Safety, and all other applicable laws.

Job Placement

SFSDFmaintains an on line list of job postings on line, also the faculty is available for job referral at all times. Please keep the administrator informed of any job placement.

Internal Student Grievance Policy

SFSDF believes that problems can be resolved through cooperation among students, faculty, and staff. Any student who feels that a complaint or appeal has not been addressed satisfactorily can write the SFSDF Director, attaching any pertinent documentation. The person(s) addressed will render a decision in writing no later than 30 days after the written complaint is received by the President of the school. If this grievance cannot be resolved at the institution please refer it to the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Telephone (Toll-Free) (800) 917-2081 Fax (770) 396-3790

Any questions a student may have about this handbook that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, phone 916.431.6959 or FAX 916.263.1897.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 toll-free or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau's internet web site

Dropout and Leave-of-Absence Policies

Students may withdraw from a program at any time. They may apply for re-admission after a period of 90 days, such application is to be reviewed by the program and education directors, and clearance from the business office is required.

Students will be notified in writing seven days in advance of a SFSDF intention to terminate. The student may at that time request an appeal, which will be heard by the program director and director of education. SFSDF reserves the right to terminate a student immediately if circumstances warrant. Terminated students may, after a period of one year, request re-entry. If the program and education director concur, such students may be re-admitted on a probationary basis.

Leave of Absence

Students may apply for a leave of absence through the program director or education director. Students in good standing may receive a leave of absence for up to 180 days within a 12-month period. Students who do not contact SFSDF prior to the end of a leave of absence to arrange for their return or those that do not return from their leave of absence by their agreed upon date will be terminated.

Policy Regarding Record Retention

SFSDF maintains permanent records of grades, attendance, disciplinary actions, and certificates granted for five years. Students or graduates or their parents may in writing request an official transcript of their records for up to fifty years. A fee of $5 per transcript is charged for the service.

Cancellation and Refund Policies

You have the right to cancel this enrollment agreement and obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. (Pursuant to Ed. Code § 94911(e)(1),(2),(3)

After the end of the cancellation period, you also have the right to stop school at any time, and you have the right to receive a refund for the part of the course not taken. Your refund rights are described in the contract. Application, registration and card key fees are non-refundable. You are obligated to pay only for educational services rendered and for unreturned equipment.

If the school closes before you graduate, you may be entitled to a refund. Contact the Bureaufor Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education at the address and telephone number printed below for information.

Cancellation shall occur when the student gives written notice of cancellation to the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking at the address specified in the agreement.

(a) The written notice of cancellation, if given by mail, is effective when deposited in the mail properly addressed with postage prepaid.

(b) The written notice of cancellation need not take a particular form and, however expressed, is effective if it indicates the student's desire not to be bound by the agreement.

(c) If the student cancels the agreement, the student shall have no liability, and the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking shall refund any consideration paid by the student within 30 days after the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking receives notice of the cancellation.

(d) If the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking gave the student any equipment, the student shall return the equipment within 10 days following the date of the Notice of Cancellation. If the student fails to return the equipment within this 10 day-period, the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking may retain that portion of the consideration paid by the student equal to the documented cost to the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking of the equipment and shall refund the portion of the consideration exceeding the documented cost to the San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking of the equipment within 10 days after the period within which the student is required to return the equipment. The student may retain the equipment without further obligation to pay for it.

Refund Payments, Refund Example and Right to Recovery of Tuition

All refund payments will be mailed within 30 days of the date of cancellation, withdrawal or involuntary withdrawal. Student refunds will be mailed to the student’s local address maintained by SFSDF. Students must submit a change of address form if they change their address. Refunds for students who receive financial aid are first paid to the financial aid source.

Refund Payments, Refund Example and Right to Recovery of Tuition