The afterschool program is accepting applications for classes beginning in January.
The afterschool program is accepting applications for classes beginning in January. The classes are Tuesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays, with a monthly tuition.
Husband and wife filmmakers Gulliver and Christine Parascandolo have each been in the film business more than 25 years. The couple came to Prescott four years ago, thrilled to find the active arts community including a youth theater. “We thought this was a good place to launch,” said Christine.
Gulliver said the entertainment industry has changed a lot during the last five years. “They could use a bit more of Prescott,” he said, in reference to film content. “We need stories that resonate with people.”
The Youth Film Program high-tech studio is housed in the same building as the Natural History Institute on Marina Street. Big Film has donated 15,000 types of special effects that the students can use in their productions.
“We’re preparing students for real-world jobs,” Christine said. “The students come up with ideas, then a script and put teams together. We’re using new technology while focusing on students learning and having fun. The centerpiece is that students should have a voice.”
Christine said they also want the students to build confidence in their filmmaking skills. “We want them to become entrepreneurs. We want them to be able to work in teams. if they don’t go into filmmaking, video skills are something that can be used in any career.”
Last year, there were 25 students in the program who made six films that were shown at Harkins Theater and received the red-carpet treatment. Four of the films have been shown at film festivals, including the Prescott Film Festival. Some of the students have obtained paying film work after their films were released.
“We cannot green light every film, but we have a wide array of films and genres, so each student has something they are interested in,” said Gulliver.
One student’s film was about a song she wrote and performed. “Now that song is out there for the world to see,” he said. “One of the films is a hilarious comedy. Another film is like Star Wars.”
Gulliver said the students get to have use Prescott as its backdrop, whether it’s The Dells, the historic downtown area or local restaurants.
“Our Youth Film Program is unlike any I’ve ever seen because from day one, the students are getting professional experience.”
Gulliver says he is impressed with theater productions at Prescott High School and would like to see them on film. “I told them that you can have the best performance of your life, but if you’re not filming it, the agents aren’t seeing it,” he said.
When they moved to the Quad Cities, Gulliver and Christine were helping at The Movement Studio in Prescott Valley. “We saw the youth have an affinity for the dramatic and the arts. They encouraged us to do this,” he said.
The Youth Film Program can accommodate up to 40 students this year. Those interested can view films from last year on the website apply online. “During the first class, the kids get hands-on experience both in front of the camera and behind the camera,” said Christine. “They can be the actor in one film, the director in another and the camera person in another,” she said. “We encourage students to learn more than one skill.”
Gulliver also teaches fundamentals of film at Yavapai College.
Christine, who earned a degree in film from San Diego State University, has worked on productions for Fox Sports, Jack in the Box and other businesses. She was an independent film producer before working with Gulliver on film productions 25 years ago. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
For more information, email christine@parallelmediastudio.com.
Courtesy Photo: Students in the Youth Film Program collaborate at the downtown Prescott studio, where hands-on training helps young filmmakers develop skills in acting, directing and camera work.
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