CAMS major Isaac Burns ’14, now pursuing an M.F.A. in filmmaking at University of Texas-Austin, reports on his experience thus far:
The semester here has zoomed by so far and I’ve loved every minute of it. My cohort is great and the professors are too. Every course this first year has only my cohort in them so classes are super small and tight knit. My first term, I have four courses: documentary, editing, cinematography, and screenwriting. In cinematography we’re just starting to work with photochemical film, which I’m super excited about! Attached is a photo from my cinematography lab, half-way through loading my first 16mm magazine. In screenwriting everyone writes three scripts throughout the term and chooses one to direct next semester. In editing, we’re learning the ins and outs of Avid along with different editing techniques. And finally, the big project in documentary is a short doc we work on throughout the term. Mine focuses on underground rap in Austin and its place within the “live music capital.” I’m about half way through shooting and should be wrapped filming it by the end of the month. I also picked up a job at UT-Austin’s equivalent of the CAMS production office, prepping and checking in orders. It’s been super useful, getting to know what equipment is available. I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds. Thanks to all my friends in CAMS, for all the help you’ve given me the past few years.