So many of our students go on to get great gigs that it’s easy to overlook some of the best stories. This one, interestingly enough, has been right under our noses for a couple years now. FilmSchoolSFfilmmaker Serafina Kernberger completed the One-Year Digital Filmmaking Program way back in 2007. She didn’t have to go far to find work. Literally, that is. She works in the building right next to the school – about 200 yards away.
Serafina is a producer at one of the hottest web content companies in the nation. Called Revision3, the company is home to the popular show Diggnation, Tekzilla and many more.
About Revision3:
Revision3 is the leading television network for the internet generation. We create and produce all-original episodic community driven programs watched by a super-committed and passionate fan base. Our hyper-connected audience gets the vast majority of its entertainment, information and social connections through the internet.
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When did you attend FilmSchoolSF?
Fall ’06 through Fall ’07 for the One year program, Class 4.
What were some of the key lessons learned while at the school?
Learning the workflow for a shoot, from pre-production to post was the most valuable thing I learned. Learning how to prepare a shoot most efficiently, how to run a shoot, and how to turn it all into a final product on a tight schedule, in an environment that provides support and guidance is much better than having to figure it out on your own once a job is on the line.
You landed a pretty awesome job. Tell us about who you work for. What do you do, exactly?
I’m the Associate Producer at Revision3 for Tekzilla and HD Nation. Each releases a ~30minute show once a week, and I’m 1/4 of the team that produces each show. I do a little bit of everything, from writing segments, to organizing sponsor spots, to assisting the live shoot, overseeing the edit, and ensuring all the pieces fall into place for the final release.
Revision3 is on the leading edge of content development and distribution. What you think the future holds for film distribution?
Digital is definitely the future, but two things have to happen first: 1) High-speed internet needs to be more accessible and affordable to more people. Netflix’s instant streaming feature is the best and most convenient way to watch films, but only if your connection can handle it. 2) Studios need to adapt. They’re currently falling into the same trap that the music industry was in 10 years ago.
People will pay for content if it’s it convenient and reasonably priced. The iTunes music store was a great alternative to pirating music, and cheap enough, so it took over. You can currently “rent” movies digitally from iTunes, but the price is relatively high, and the restrictions aren’t worth it for most people. Legal digital music thrives without DRM, and movies can too, if they’re given the chance.
What kind of advice do you give new filmmakers?
Just do it. If you want to make something, make it, and get it out there. Don’t stress about your gear – good content is more important than good hardware, and even so, prices for decent equipment are lower than ever. Put it on Vimeo or Youtube and send it to everyone you know. Also, check out our show Film Riot. They have lots of good tips for DIY filmmakers, and it also just happens to be one of our funniest shows on the network.