President’s Blog

Here is the first group shot of BI's documentarians and faculty member Paul Myers (front row center) in Valparaiso, Chile. Photo Credit: Amanda Reyes

Each year, the Visual Journalism program of Brooks Institute offers an international documentary trip for interested visual journalism, professional photography, and film students. The class, which is staged in a different international location each year, is limited to the strongest applicants: those who demonstrate solid understanding of photographic story-telling, the ability to work independently, and who reflect sensitivity to their roles as ambassadors.

You can follow these students on their Chile adventures by checking out their blog at: http://documentary.brooks.edu/chile/blog

News

Way back on October 17, 1945, Brooks Institute of Photography began offering classes. Last Friday, October 16, Brooks Institute faculty, staff, and students celebrated its 64th anniversary with ice cream social held at the Ventura Campus (photo below) and the Jefferson Campus. Over 60 people enjoyed socializing on a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon with, of course, delicious ice cream!

Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

News

Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

Recently the Commercial class in our School of Film pitched the idea to me to make a short film explaining Brooks Institute’s Red Dot Policy. This policy was developed a very long time ago at Brooks to ensure that all students use our industry-current equipment and modern up-to-date facilities in a professional, safe, respectful and dependable manner.

Best of all, the students asked me to “star” in this video!

How could I turn down an opportunity to launch my big-screen career – especially after reviewing the script?

This film will be featured during our orientations to help students better understand the Red Dot Policy. No doubt the film will receive some laughs (whether intended or not!) while communicating to our new students key aspects of the policies and procedures used to check out equipment and reserve facilities.

Special thanks to the great film crew (below). They were well organized, professional and, best of all, fun to work with!

From Left to Right: Producer, Taylor Erickson; Director of Photography, Danielle Sandoval; Brooks Institute President, Dr. Roger Andersen; Sound Specialist/Actor, Eric Guerrero; and Director, Jared Alden (Not pictured: Editor, Dan Simmons) Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

News 15 minutes of fame, Brooks Institute, commercials, Film School, Film schools, Photography, Photography Schools, photojournalistsl, School of Film, student films, Visual Journalism

Front row (left to right): Shaun Kelly, Becky Huntzinger, Robert Woodward, Melissa Forsyth, Ehud Goren Back row (left to right): Dr. Ron Smith, Darla Anderson, Susan Bloom, Dr. Roger Andersen, Lois Freeman-Fox, Timothy Halsey Photo Credit: David Litschel

Three times each year, Brooks Institute recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance after their first year of study. This is a tradition that started a very long time ago in the school’s 64-year history. On Friday, October 9th, nine students were recognized at the First Year Award Luncheon held at the Marriott Ventura Beach hotel:

Jeffrey Mathis, Professional Photography

Rebecca (Becky) Huntzinger – Professional Photography

Dane Mehl – Professional Photography

Ehud Goren – Professional Photography

Melissa Forsyth – Visual Journalism

Shaun Kelly – Visual Journalism

Robert Woodward – Film

President Roger Andersen and Vice President of Academic Affairs David Litschel co-chaired the luncheon with award presentations made by the Program Director or faculty representative of the academic program.

News

Image by Stephanie Nice

Brooks Institute unveils its Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree program in Screenwriting, the newest offering from Brooks Institute’s School of Film. Designed by accomplished screenwriter and film faculty member Brian Price, this MFA program adds a new dimension to the area’s educational offerings and has begun enrollment for its kickoff in November. Individuals interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to contact an admissions representative at (888) 276-4999 or to attend one of the three panel discussions held at the school’s Ventura Campus located at 5301 N. Ventura Ave. in Ventura, California:

Thursday, Sept. 24, 5 – 6 p.m. in Room V4

Thursday, Oct. 1, 5 – 6 p.m. in Room V4

Thursday, Oct. 8, 5 – 6 p.m. in Room V4

“The instruction within the program covers the entirety of the screenwriting art, craft, and industry,” said Brooks Institute’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, David Litschel. “This exciting new program can help prepare aspiring screenwriters to turn their ideas into screenplays, and to equip them with the skills that can help them compete in the screenwriting market.”

According to Brooks Institute Film Program Director Glynn Beard, “a student graduating with the MFA in Screenwriting will have been exposed to the process of creating and exhibiting a body of dramatic writing work, including a minimum of three feature-length screenplays, one teleplay, and one short script for new media.”

The 66-credit degree program can be completed in as little as two years and includes the option of pedagogical training and teaching assistantships. Students will take 2-3 classes each academic session. The program’s class schedule coincides with the existing undergraduate degree schedule to take full advantage of the Brooks Institute’s faculty.

“This new program adds another dimension to Brooks Institute’s School of Film,” states Brooks Institute President Dr. Roger C. Andersen, “Geared to aspiring screenwriters, it will foster critical thinking, creativity, and professional excellence.”

Program Developer, Brian Price, earned his Bachelor’s degree at Yale and his screenwriting MFA at UCLA. He has received many awards including Indie Spirit Award at the Planet Indie Festival in Toronto; Best Documentary from the New York Independent Film & Video Festival; and Audience Award–Best Feature from the DC Independent Film Festival. Brian also won a well known scriptwriting contest called “Scriptapalooza” with a $10,000 first prize.

News

From Left to Right: VJ Program Director and Associate Director of Student Affairs Susan Bloom; VJ Faculy Member Paul Meyers; Scholarship Award Recipient Mia Shimabuku; President Dr. Roger Andersen Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

Visual Journalism student Mia Shimabuku was selected to receive the Photographic Society of America (PSA) scholarship for 2009. This scholarship offer was open to photography students at Harrington College of Design, IADT – Tampa, and Brooks Institute. Each school submitted one student for consideration and PSA selected Mia.

News

Students participated in a balloon toss to beat the heat! Photo Credit: Nina Gomez

Our Admissions staff hosted a social for our new students on Sunday, September 6 at the Ventura Campus. Incoming students finished their orientation experience on Friday, September 4 and didn’t start classes until the following Tuesday, due to the long three-day Labor Day Holiday. Our admissions team decided to provide them with an opportunity to socialize and have some fun. They organized games including Frisbee golf, croquet, and volleyball. New students, faculty and staff enjoyed a pizza lunch and some fun in the sun!

News

News Health, National Senior Games Association, NSGA, Photo Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism, Rick Rickman, Senior Sports, Sports, Visual Journalism

This past Sunday (August 30), 100 students participated in our October Commencement ceremony held at the historic Arlington Theatre in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. The last two graduates to receive their Bachelor of Arts degree diplomas in Professional Photography were Katie Groth and Ace Ujimori.  Katie and Ace met when they started at Brooks three years ago. Upon receiving her diploma, Katie attempted to return to her seat with the other graduates but I asked her to stand with me as Ace crossed the stage to receive his diploma. Once Ace received his diploma from me, he turned to Katie, got down on one knee, and pulled out a small jewelry box and opened it to reveal an engagement ring. “Katie Groth, will you marry me?”  When Katie jumped into his arms with tears in her eyes, the entire graduating class erupted in cheers and gave this very special couple a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. Although most couples clearly remember where they were when they became engaged, I doubt that Katie and Ace will ever forgot this very important moment in their lives – and Brooks Institute history! “Commencement” means beginning. This past Sunday ’s commencement was truly a new beginning for Katie and Ace and their lives together as they become Brookies (Brooks Institute alumni). Katie and Ace: the very best to you from all of your family at Brooks Institute!

News Ace Ujimori, Brooks Institute, commencement, education, Film, graduation, katie Groth, Marriage, marriage proposals, Photography, Photojournalism, Video, Visual Journalism, Weddings

Brooks Institute is proud to announce that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs  has given approval for the school to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program became effective on August 1, 2009 and Brooks Institute has already begun enrolling veterans for its September/October academic session.

Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay tuition and fees benefits up to each state’s highest public undergraduate tuition per credit hour and fees per term. In the state of California, eligible veterans will receive up to $287 per credit hour (based on eligibility tier) for classes taken at approved institutions of higher learning.  Brooks Institute continues to demonstrate its commitment to the support of our military population through its participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.  For veterans who are 100% eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Brooks Institute will provide  contributions, through the Yellow Ribbon Program, in the form of an institutional grant of up to $4,525 per year for tuition and fees that exceed the CA in-state maximum.  The VA will match this contribution, thus providing up to $9,050 for eligible veterans and ensuring military students have the opportunity to obtain an affordable degree from a premier institution.

“Eligible veterans will also receive a monthly housing allowance of up to $1,800 per month, as well as a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 every 12 months,”  according to Brooks Institute President Dr. Roger C. Andersen.  “This new program provides veterans with a very attractive financial benefit package to attend Brooks Institute and obtain their degrees in professional photography, film, visual journalism or graphic design.”

Whether someone is completely new to the field or seeking new skills to enhance an established career, Brooks Institute’s educational philosophy of “learning by doing” can provide a person with the artistic, technical, and business expertise needed in the field of photography.

“Our 63-year old school achieved its greatest growth in the late-1940s and early-1950s with the passage of the GI Bill that followed World War II,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs David Litschel.  “Many veterans decided to pursue their dream of a career in the visual arts by attending Brooks Institute of Photography – now Brooks Institute. We anticipate another large number of veterans will take advantage of this great new program to pursue their dream at our prestigious school.”

Classes are taught by experienced instructors in professional photography, film, visual journalism, and graphic design at beautiful, scenic campus locations in Santa Barbara, California.

For more information about Brooks Institute visit www.brooks.edu.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/School_Info/yellow_ribbon/index.htm.

News education, Film, GI Bill, Military, Photo Journalism, Photography, Photography School, Post 9/11 GI Bill, VA, Veteren's Affairs, Visual Journalism, Yellow Ribbon Program