FAQs

1. Why choose Zaki Gordon Institute for Independent Filmmaking (ZGI) over another film school?

ZGI is hands down the best deal in the country. However, keeping the costs low is not our primary goal. The film school’s primary goal is to help you launch your filmmaking career by providing professional mentorship, hands-on instruction and on-set experience. When you choose the Zaki Gordon Institute you are choosing to MAKE movies, not just learn about making movies.

Everyone who graduates has made their own short film.

2. Why does ZGI cost so much less than other film schools?

At ZGI we are fortunate receive funding from a variety of sources. We are always looking for ways to keep our program costs low and continue to purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment for out students. Our philosophy is you learn by doing, not by sitting in a classroom. So we give you all the basics of filmmaking from script to screen in an intensive year. Then you have the choice to take the fifty thousand dollars you would have spent at another school (on tuition or a thesis film—if you were lucky enough to have your project selected) and go out and make your feature film.
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3. What successes have your students had after graduating?

Our graduates have been in film festivals across the globe with their thesis films produced at the Zaki Gordon Institute. Several alumni have worked as cinematographers, assistant directors, set designers, producers, line producers, commercial directors and editors. Several are in preproduction on their feature films. There are some that are just starting or completing documentaries. And still others have started commercial production companies.

4. How can you teach filmmaking in a year when most film schools take three to four?

We teach one thing, how to make movies. If you want to take film criticism classes on the French New Wave, we’re not for you. Script to screen in a year, that’s what we do.

5. What’s the primary difference in teaching methods between ZGI and other schools?

Because independent filmmaking requires you to wear many hats we run the school like you’re on a production. You don’t attend Screenwriting 101 from 10-11am MWF and 102 second semester for another one-hour block like most conventional schools. At Zaki you’ll start the day early and charge on through till late at night. Five to seven days a week. Filmmaking is taught by melding all the crafts from writing to producing into one process. And the hours quickly acquaint new filmmakers with the lifestyle changes they must make to be successful and compete in the film market today.
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6. Do I need to have filmmaking experience before applying?

No. We just ask for your sincere commitment and a desire to learn. We can tell you that familiarity with a computer is a good thing, though!

7. Is it full-time?

Yes. It’s a very full-time film education with evening lab hours and some weekend seminars.

8. Why Sedona, Arizona?

There is a reason Sedona, Arizona has such a rich film history. The Red Rocks not only offer a great living environment, but Arizona also provides a multitude of options when location scouting for your next movie. Northern Arizona has a great variety of landscapes. If you want to shoot a scene that looks like it takes place in New York, the Middle East, Europe, Mars…all within an hours drive.

At the state of the art facilities of Yavapai College’s Sedona Center for Arts & Technology, where the Institute is housed, you’ll have access to the latest in digital technology.
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9. What other programs will the Institute expand into?

The popularity of the programs and the dedicated staff, and state of the art facilities support the expansion of the film school.

This is the second year we have an advanced certificate program in place. ZGI Film students in this program are working on a feature film. Classes have been built to cover feature length filmmaking, special effects and sound design.

We also have a wonderful Acting for Film program that integrates with the film programs very well. Film students have an opportunity to get directing tips from the Acting Instructor and acting students get the benefit of filmed auditions and readings to help improve their skills.

10. What gear do we use? Why digital over film?

Technology changes fast and ZGI is committed to keeping up. We use digital over film because it cuts the learning curve in half and keeps the expense down. Students don’t have to wait for film to get back from a lab for feedback. Saving time and expense affords every student numerous experiences shooting on HDV cameras and the gets you to the process of editing immediately.

Students can chose to shoot their thesis short on film stock. We do not encourage it because it is not necessary in the current market. We do not discourage it if someone can afford to have that experience and we do have the expertise to mentor a student through that process.

Most people after graduating from film school run off to Los Angeles and are stripped of what makes them unique. Our hope is that you’ll take your new-found understanding of filmmaking and tell stories only your experiences can tell. You can easily do that from anywhere in the world with digital technology.
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11. Is the program accredited?

Yes. The program is fully accredited through Yavapai College in Arizona and CILECT. All credits under the certificate program transfer to a four-year university. We have an agreement with Northern Arizona for a direct transfer of our Narrative or Documentary program into a Minor in Filmmaking at NAU.

12. Is financial aid available?

Yes. This program qualifies for all forms of financial aid. Financial aid is available to all those who qualify.
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