Proposal

Narrative

This project will benefit all theatre majors, numerous media studies majors, and anyone interested in learning about acting for the camera. We are building our program and expanding to include more comprehensive training in the art of acting for camera. This is a growing discipline within theatre programs nationally, and is highly desirable to students. The entertainment world is seeing an explosion of work in the film medium and actor-training programs are struggling to provide adequate training. The Theatre Department at FAU is making an aggressive effort to improve our training in camera acting. I was brought in specifically to revamp the program. We have an excellent pedagogical approach to the work and students are responding extremely well. The classes are very popular and effective. We are looking to expand the work to include making short films, and to provide "reels" for our students. However, we currently lack the equipment necessary to reach our full potential. I am using a video camera that is 20 years old for classroom exercises and the students record all of their work for class on their phones. While this is a "good enough for now" solution to keep the program going, it is not sustainable and will not allow us to expand and grow the way we should. Students need to be able to use up-to-date equipment to fully develop their skills and create content that will benefit them in the real world. We need quality cameras, sound equipment, lighting, and editing resources to be a competitive program. This grant will allow for better instruction in class and opportunities outside of class to build a bridge to a career in this massively expanding field!

Facilities

The only facility needs would be a safe, lockable place to store the equipment (climate controlled) and a space to store and access the computers for the purpose of editing. This may be as simple as dedicating a small room to the cause or potentially modifying an existing space to maximize use and availability.

Hardware Requirements

If I'm reading this correctly, the hardware would be the equipment involved. This would include: 1 high quality camera 3 good quality cameras Camera lenses 4 tripods 4 external microphones 2 boom mics and boom stands 1 V-90 card 3 V-60 cards 2 computers (Mac-mini desktop pro) 2 monitors 2 Headphones 2 SD Card Readers 2 External Hard drives - 1TB each 2 Utility Carts 4 ND Filters for cameras Reflectors 8 Lights - specific to camera 2 clappers 2 Back drops (1 regular, 1 green screen) Several power strips A TON of rechargeable batteries!

Software Requirements

Final Cut software for both computers

Personnel Costs

As the program grows, it would be extremely helpful to have someone in charge of all the technical aspects. However this grant is not requesting any long-term personnel. An industry professional who is highly trained in the use of this equipment would be used to aid in the set-up and initial troubleshooting of all the equipment. This would be a short-term hire.

Other Costs

Over time, the equipment would need to be maintained and things replaced from normal wear and tear, but this is largely a one-time expense that should last us for 5-10 years.

Timeline

It would take about a month to order, receive, and set up all the equipment. Students could start to use it (in and outside of class) immediately thereafter.

Sustainability

The equipment would sustain the program and allow for growth for at least the next 5-10 years. As technology advances, we would want to stay abreast, but this package should "future-proof" us for a good period of time.

Resource Matching

I currently have no matching organizations.

Implementing Organization

The department of Theatre and Dance would supervise the use of this equipment with the potential to hire an expert on a short-term basis to assist with set-up and implementation.