Flashpoint Academy appeals to artistic students
April 30, 2009
By JANE DONAHUE For The Sun
Flashpoint Academy students Brian Wyner (left), James Gingold and Matt Christy prepare for a scene in "Confidence Men," an original sitcom written by Gingold.
(Submitted/James Gingold)
After the last graduation cap is tossed, many Naperville teens will follow the traditional educational path to a four-year college. For Naperville's James Gingold, there was another route. It may be less traveled, but it is a fast track for creative students wanting to leap into the digital world.
Gingold, a graduate of Naperville North, enrolled in college courses like many of his classmates. He soon learned the traditional education wasn't for him.
"I was in college, studying archeology. I realized while I was in school, what I really wanted to do was make 'Indiana Jones' -- not be Indiana Jones," explained Gingold.
He began researching film schools in Chicago and found Flashpoint, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences. Started in 2007, the two-year educational program is designed for those passionate about pursuing their dreams in film/broadcast media, recording arts, visual effects/animation and game development. It was ideal for the aspiring screen writer and producer to learn at an accelerated pace.
Kate Gingold is excited about the education her son is receiving at Flashpoint. She recalled how even as a young child James was an avid filmmaker.
"I have a video of James directing 'Cinderella' when he was about 4. His 2-year-old sister was Cinderella and he was everybody else. The director became a little emotional when Cinderella wouldn't take direction," she joked.
Flashpoint is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, across from Daley Plaza. Students divide their time between the main facility and a 32,000-square-foot production complex. The complex features multiple sound stages, edit suites and mixing rooms to give students a sample of equipment and technology they will use after graduation.
"I have high hopes for it (Flashpoint) as a springboard for kids like my son to get the skills they need for the jobs they want to do," said Kate Gingold. "James is incredibly enthusiastic about the work he does. He puts in long hours and takes advantage of any after-hour events to meet people in the business."
Flashpoint stresses the importance of students making contacts within the industry. They bring big-name producers and directors to campus to educate and inspire the students.
According to Rich Moskal, director of the Chicago Film Office, more than 800 feature films and television productions have been made in the Windy City since 1980. That's good news for Gingold and almost 400 Flashpoint students training to be the next generation of digital professionals.
Howard Tullman, founder of Flashpoint, understands the need for a nontraditional learning environment.
"My interest was in creating a high-end vocational training environment which connected kids directly into great jobs in the digital economy," said Tullman.
James Gingold has another year to hone his craft before graduation, but he is already putting his skills to use. He formed a production company, Time Travel 101, and is producing his own sitcom for the Web. "Confidence Men," a collaboration of several Flashpoint students, is online (www.confidencemen.net) and future episodes are being created.
Thanks to Flashpoint, Gingold isn't just dreaming of being a screenwriter or producer. He is making the dream a reality, one class and one episode at a time.
About the school
What: Flashpoint Academy, The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences
Address: 28 N. Clark St., Chicago
Call: 312-332-0707
On the Web: www.tfa.edu
