The Gulf Islands Film & Television Studio (GIFTS)can give one the essential first steps and knowledge to what it is like to work with a cast and crew to produce a film.

GIFTS can be a rewarding experience for those who have a desire and passion or even an interest in the world of television. This program reveals some the basic and general aspects of the film making process, as well as the struggles and joys it takes to complete a project.

After a drive, ferryboat and a bumpy bus ride we arrived at a secluded area on Galiano Island. From there we were assigned our living quarters for the week. This was not a five-star resort. The cabins were small and personable, filled with our belongings, bunkbeds and strangers.

Meals were served at specific times and were not gourmet but edible. I also recall we were forced to rise from sleep early, giving us enough daytime hours to get our work done. Bed times were not arranged but people were expected to be back in their cabins and quiet at a reasonably early time. The age range of the students and teachers was wide but everybody was connected by the common goal of learning.

Each student was given the choice of the type of film work they would like to study; drama, documentary or music video. The category chosen divided the students into groups. Lessons and examples were few and kept short which made the experience that much more exciting and professional.

One of the first steps was to collaborate within your group and with the director to develop an idea and story line. After tossing around suggestions, the members of the group took turns using the newly taught script-writing format on the computer.

Then came the responsibility to search out actors, locations, props and costumes. The times we shot were up to the group to schedule; the responsibility was to meet the deadline.

The group did not act in their own projects; therefore each took turns as a member of the crew. The boom person (microphone), camera person and director are main positions to be filled behind the scenes.

After the scenes were shot, it was back to the computer to do the tedious job of editing, adding the special effects, music, credits, title, etcetera; with the help of the teachers. Toward the end of the program they held a showing to reveal the finished works, and to distribute DVD copies and the certificates of completion.

The stay did not go without its share of difficulties; unpaid actors who did not agree with the long hours of shooting, the tension and creative differences within the crew and director at times became an issue. The frustration did get to people, turning some into unhappy campers. Although in the long run, the bickering did not get in the way of the task at hand. Some could even view the conflict as something that made the experience much more realistic.

The demanding requests and requirements from the teachers and directors had put pressure on the lot. However, before the long trip back home the energy coming from everybody had a friendly sense of pride and cheer.

Sure the films were a lot shorter in comparison to a blockbuster, but this “media production training facility” can give a hands on experience for those seeking to learn about film.

Regardless if one is yearning to be an actor, costume designer, scriptwriter, director, etc., it can be helpful to know your way around the camera. Also not only can it add to one’s knowledge but it can add to one’s resume and assist in interviews.

Perhaps GIFTS will open one’s mind to different ideas. If this seems like something that intrigues you then the Pick Focus program may be worth giving it a shot.

The Gulf Island Film and Television Studio offers a learning environment that allows one to be expressive and interactive. GIFTS has surroundings where one can let their creative abilities flow from their mind to the screen.