Filmmaking

@gsfta_film_program

Directing Tennessee’s Future Filmmakers Filmmaking students are introduced to both the theory and technical aspects of filmmaking. Through lectures, films and hand-on experiences, students will learn the three aspects of filmmaking: pre-production, production, and post-production. Students will be taught all aspects of camera, lighting and grip equipment, sound equipment and editing software.

What Students Will Learn:  the process of brainstorming to come up with a story – to write a script – to use a camera – to cast talent – to schedule the shoot – to location scout – to shoot the film – to edit the film. Each student will fulfill a crucial crew position on the set using the same protocol as is conducted in Hollywood studios.

Filmmaking Chair

Amanda Dillingham

  • Amanda Dillingham

    Filmmaking Faculty

    Nashville based artist Amanda Dillingham graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts from Watkins College…

  • Christian Whittemore

    Filmmaking Faculty

    Christian Whittemore graduated with a BFA in Film Production Editing from Chapman University’s Dodge College…

  • Sam Dalton

    Filmmaking Faculty

    Sam Dalton is an accomplished Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy, a two-time national Telly, and a…

  • Spenser Fritz

    Filmmaking Chairperson

    Spenser Fritz is a Nashville-based director and director of photography with a BFA in Screenwriting…

Amanda Dillingham

Filmmaking Faculty

Nashville based artist Amanda Dillingham graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts from Watkins College of Art & Design in 2005 and with an MFA in Studio Art from Vermont College of Fine Art in Montpelier, Vermont in 2008. Amanda’s growth as an artist has benefitted from mentorships with established artists such as Faith Wilding, Judy Chicago, Jeanne Dunning and William Pope L.

After exhibiting in shows across Tennessee, as well as exhibiting nationally in cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia and New York City, Amanda made the leap into the film world. Starting in the art department, she art directed feature films before truly finding her knack as a producer. Amanda currently works as a freelance producer and production manager in Nashville working on commercials, music videos, shorts, features and more.

 

Christian Whittemore

Filmmaking Faculty

Christian Whittemore graduated with a BFA in Film Production Editing from Chapman University’s Dodge College in 2020. He is currently based in Los Angeles, working in post-production as an editor for commercial films, short documentaries, and music videos. Christian is part of the production company Boxfort, having recently completed work on their first independent feature film “A Most Atrocious Thing”. Christian served as the colorist for the film, and as a body double for his roommate. Additionally, he will receive his first credits as an assistant editor and associate editor later this year with the release of the feature film “SHARE?”

Sam Dalton

Filmmaking Faculty

Sam Dalton is an accomplished Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy, a two-time national Telly, and a Parent’s Choice award-winning television and motion picture actor, writer, director, producer and television and print journalist with over 35-years of hands-on experience in all phases of the entertainment and communications media, on both sides of a camera.
His motion picture and television acting credits include the original Paramount motion picture “Footloose”, the NBC Daytime Series Santa Barbara, a costarring role on the NBC Prime-Time Series Mancuso FBI and numerous other appearances. His television and radio commercial credits include a stint as “Gibby” in a regional Emmy-winning series of commercials for the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Sam served seven years as a full-time visiting faculty member of the Film Department at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film in Nashville.

Spenser Fritz

Filmmaking Chairperson

Spenser Fritz is a Nashville-based director and director of photography with a BFA in Screenwriting and Directing. He has found his niche in sports, comedy, and youth entertainment, with work ranging from feature-length comedies and commercials to promotional campaigns for organizations including the Tennessee Titans. Working across narrative, branded, and promotional content, he has developed a versatile filmmaking style — both as a director and behind the camera as a cinematographer.

Known for his driven approach and positive energy, Spenser brings a practical, collaborative perspective to filmmaking with an emphasis on visual storytelling and building strong creative relationships. More than most in his field, he has made it a priority to engage with and mentor young and emerging filmmakers, and is deeply passionate about supporting the next generation — believing that investing in new voices is just as important as the work itself.

 

 

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