2012 Instructor of the Year – Janet Wilcox

As the year concludes and we get ready for a new year of studies, new blog and new years resolutions, we have announced our Instructor of the Year in Film and TV studies.

The winner for 2012 is none other than Janet Wilcox.

Instructor Wilcox, who has taught for UCLA Extension for nearly 10 years is one of the most respected and highly scored instructors throughout UCLA Extension. She has taught Voice Over classes online and in the classroom and teaches throughout the year. Her next class will be an online Voice Over class.  There are still a few spots remaining, so you still have a chance to enroll!

She was kind enough to share her thoughts on her teaching and being recognized as Instructor of the Year.

What made you want to go into your respected field?

When I started as an associate producer at HBO my boss said, “Janet you have a nice voice why don’t you read this?” That experience was so fulfilling and so much fun I wanted to do it again. I took classes and did a demo and then got more voice acting opportunities. I acted in TV and film production classes in college and graduate school and was always told I should be an actress but I wanted to be a director and so I didn’t pursue acting. Eventually I did also do the acting after working at VO (Voice Overs) for awhile.

What work influenced you most during your professional development?

Working in Television was invaluable. As a writer/producer, I directed talented voice actors and celebrities. There’s nothing like learning from the pros! Plus I worked with producers who eventually hired me for VO too. I also think being in New York City and having traditional singing, acting, dance, and improvisation training was incredibly important for my voice‐acting career. Opera technique comes in handy whether doing an improv show in a comedy club, acting in theatre, or performing broad VO character parts. Getting a weekly VO gig doing the Lifetime Billboards was wonderful. There’s nothing like doing something every week because you build up performance chops. In addition, theatre training also came in very handy when I did the live event VO for Nicole Kidman: An American Cinematheque Tribute. In addition, my theatre and voice training paid off when GiGi Audio Books asked me to bring twenty‐nine characters to life for my children’s story Fifi of Fifth Avenue.

What inspires you to continue to provide excellent instruction to your students?

Experience has taught me so much in my VO career but transferring that knowledge to a class of individuals is always a source of inspiration. Getting a student to acquire new skills and unlock hidden talents is exciting. Finding new ways to bring a performance to a higher level is very gratifying.

 Can you compare how feel now compared to your first class that you taught?

I don’t think the desire to impart knowledge ever diminishes, however, you learn so many shortcuts to getting things done more efficiently the more you teach. You also can be more spontaneous and in the moment with more experience. On the other hand, technologies and techniques change so you’re always teaching something fresh to keep up with the changing times.

What does winning the 2012 Outstanding Instructor Award mean to you?

Winning this award is an incredible honor. I am grateful that I have been able to share something that I’m passionate about with my students. Passing on voice acting techniques to my students is a tribute to the many talented people I’ve worked and studied with and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to teach at UCLA Extension because it attracts such talented and motivated students.

Enroll in “Movie Magic Budgeting” and get Movie Magic Software for $99

For those interested in budgeting an Indie Film or to learn film budgeting from the most used Budgeting program, UCLA Extension is offering “MOVIE MAGIC BUDGETING” by Entertainment Partners. Enrolled students get the software for $99.

The course runs from late June until

Here is the course description:

Movie Magic Budgeting
X 479.088   Film & Television 2 units
For production managers, producers, corporate finance personnel, and production accounting professionals, this course provides you with a practical understanding of the budgeting process, including how to use Movie Magic Budgeting, a budgeting software application. You prepare a movie-of-the-week budget based on information that typically would be available during pre-production, including a script, day-out-of-days, 1-line schedule, shooting schedule, departmental budgets, and other hypothetical parameters. Lastly, you import the budget into the Global Vista Cost Reporting application and create a cost report based on production reports, payroll, invoices, petty cash, and purchase orders.

UCLA Extension student screening film at CANNES

UCLA Extension directing certificate graduate, Maud Ferrari, is going somewhere. Her film will be screened at the world renown Cannes Film Festival this year.

Her film, “The Chauffeur” will be screened at the Short Film Corner – Cannes Court  beginning May 17th to May 26th.

Press Release,  Denver Post Online :

Starring Johnny Kostrey and Rafaella Biscayn-Debest – this quirky, sexy comedy follows Audrey, a young French actress who’s trying to make it in Hollywood, and her meeting with Tony, a chauffeur of a luxury car. She needs a ride and he is looking for a “boss” (someone to dominate him). They complete themselves in what begins as a fair exchange and becomes much more.

French native filmmaker, Maud Ferrari wrote, directed and produced The Chauffeur as part of receiving a certificate in Directing with distinction from UCLA extension. This is her first American production and her fourth short which is a taste of a black comedy feature film that she is currently developing, titled Lady Diamond.

The filmmaker will be in Cannes and she is available for interviews.

For THE CHAUFFEUR information visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2391075/

“Bully” to screen at UCLA Extension’s SNEAK PREVIEW tonight

The documentary that has caused a lot of buzz about it’s R-Rating, “Bully”, will be screened tonight at UCLA Extension’s “Sneak Preview” .

The film which is aimed at an under-18 audience, has recently garnered support from a variety of celebrities, hoping to lower the rating of the current “R” rating.

The next quarter’s session is now open for enrollment.

“The Artist”, first seen at UCLA Extension’s Sneak Preview, wins Best Picture

Following a year when UCLA Extension was one of the first to screen last year’s best picture winner, “The King’s Speech”, UCLA Extension has done it again.

As everyone knows by now, “The Artist” won BEST PICTURE this year. UCLA Extension was one of the first to screen the award winner.

As Spring 2012 approaches, The next quarter’s session is now open for enrollment. Enroll early for bigger savings.

 

Internship Opportunities at the 2012 Cannes and Venice Film Festivals

The AmPav 16-day program at The Cannes Film Festival (May 13-28) immerses participants in the workings of the international film world. All participants are paired with film industry mentors who help guide and shape their Cannes experience. Through internships at The American Pavilion, the de facto headquarters for the American film community in Cannes and with international leading entertainment companies, participants gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections with industry professionals.

IMPORTANT

Application deadline to the 2012 Cannes International Film Festival Programs: March 3 (postmarked).

 

http://www.ampav.com/index.php/student-programs/cannes-film-program/

 

 

 

The AmPav 13-day program at The Venice Film Festival (Aug.29-Sept.8) provides a select group of participants with unique internship opportunities with entertainment companies, and an unparalleled access to movie premieres, international industry leaders, roundtables and Q&A sessions.

http://www.ampav.com/index.php/student-programs/venice-intensive/

 

 

Program details and online applications are available at www.ampav.com. 

Winter 2012 “Sneak Preview” Film Series begins tomorrow

The Winter 2012 “Sneak Preview: Contemporary Films and Filmmakers” begins tomorrow with moderation by Pete Hammond.

It’s not too late to enroll in the class, and for those undecided, we now offer a PICK 5 system, where you can buy a pass for entry to five films during the series.

The first film in the series is “Declaration of War” with Mark Johnson from AMPAS as the guest speaker.

Running Time is: 100 minutes