But the magic of filmmaking is a massive collaborative effort. If you’ve ever stayed in the theater to watch the credits roll, you know the list of names goes on for minutes. Who are these people? What is a “Best Boy”? What does a “Grip” actually grip?

At Palm Beach Code School, our Digital Filmmaking Program teaches you to wear many of these hats. By understanding every role on set, you become a better filmmaker, whether you ultimately want to direct, edit, or light the scene.

Here is an in-depth guide to the jobs connected to filmmaking—from the people running the show to the technical wizards who make it look cinematic.

1. The “Above the Line” Leaders

These are the primary creative decision-makers. They are usually the first hired and the last to leave.

• The Producer: The CEO of the movie. They find the script, raise the money, hire the crew, and ensure the film comes in on time and under budget.

• The Director: The creative captain. They are responsible for the artistic vision, guiding the actors’ performances, and deciding the visual style of the film.

• The Screenwriter: The architect. They write the script (screenplay) that serves as the blueprint for the entire production.

2. The Production Department (Logistics)

If the set was a military operation, this department would be the generals and lieutenants ensuring the battle plan is executed.

• Unit Production Manager (UPM): They manage the budget and day-to-day administration. They approve timecards, call sheets, and equipment rentals.

• 1st Assistant Director (1st AD): The director’s right hand and the timekeeper. They don’t direct actors; they run the set. If the crew is falling behind schedule, the 1st AD is the one to get things moving.

• 2nd Assistant Director: They create the “Call Sheet” (the schedule for the next day) and manage the background actors (extras).

• Production Assistants (PAs): The entry-level heroes of the set. They stop traffic, lock down the set for quiet, fetch coffee, and handle any task that pops up. (Fun fact: Almost everyone in Hollywood started as a PA!).

3. The Camera Department (The Eyes)

This team is responsible for physically capturing the image.

• Director of Photography (DP) / Cinematographer: The head of the camera and lighting departments. They work with the Director to decide how the movie looks—lighting, shadows, color, and composition.

• Camera Operator: The person physically looking through the viewfinder and maneuvering the camera during the shot.

• 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC): Also known as the “Focus Puller.” Their main job is keeping the image sharp. If the actor moves toward the camera, the 1st AC must adjust the lens focus instantly.

• 2nd Assistant Camera (2nd AC): They operate the slate (the clapperboard that goes clap before a scene). This syncs the audio and video for the editor.

4. Lighting & Electric (The Illumination)

Cameras need light to see, and cinematic lighting requires a specialized team.

• Gaffer: The chief lighting technician. The DP asks for a specific “look” (e.g., “make it look like sunset”), and the Gaffer designs the lighting setup to achieve it.

• Best Boy Electric: The Gaffer’s second-in-command. They manage the inventory, the electrical load (so you don’t blow a fuse), and the logistics of the lighting truck.

5. The Grip Department (The Support)

“Grips” are the engineers of the set. They don’t touch the lights (that’s the Electric department); they shape the light and support the camera.

• Key Grip: The head of the department. They supervise the rigging of equipment.

• Dolly Grip: A specialized technician who pushes the “Dolly” (a cart on tracks that the camera sits on). They must move the camera perfectly smoothly in time with the actors’ movement.

• Grips: They build scaffolding, set up tripods, and use “flags” and “silks” to block or diffuse light.

6. The Sound Department (The Ears)

Bad audio ruins a movie faster than bad video. This team ensures every line of dialogue is crisp.

• Production Sound Mixer: They monitor the audio levels on set, ensuring no background noise (like a plane overhead) ruins the take.

• Boom Operator: They hold the long pole (boom) with the microphone on the end. Their goal is to get the mic as close to the actors as possible without dipping into the camera frame.

7. The Art Department (The World)

Everything you see on screen that isn’t an actor was put there by the Art Department.

• Production Designer: They design the overall visual “vibe” of the film—the sets, the color palette, and the locations.

• Art Director: They oversee the construction and painting of the sets.

• Set Decorator: They fill the room with details—books on shelves, rugs, lamps, and furniture.

• Props Master: They are in charge of anything an actor touches or holds (phones, coffee cups, weapons, food).

• Hair, Makeup, & Wardrobe: Three distinct departments that ensure the actors look the part, from period costumes to special effects makeup (like bruises or alien prosthetics).

8. Post-Production (The Magic)

Once the filming stops, the movie is only half done.

• Editor: They take hours of raw footage and assemble it into a coherent story. They determine the pacing, rhythm, and emotional impact of the film.

• Colorist: They adjust the colors of the footage to ensure consistency and create a mood (e.g., making a horror movie look cold and blue).

• Foley Artist: They re-create sound effects in a studio. Footsteps, cloth rustling, and doors closing are often recorded after the movie is shot to make them sound perfect.

Start Your Filmmaking Journey in Palm Beach

goThe film industry is vast, with a role for every type of talent—whether you are technical, artistic, logistical, or a mix of all three.

At Palm Beach Code School, our Digital Filmmaking Program gives you hands-on experience with these roles. You won’t just read about them; you will hold the boom pole, set the lights, operate the camera, and edit the final cut.

Ready to find your role on set? Learn more about our Digital Filmmaking Course today!

The post Beyond the Director’s Chair: A Guide to Every Job on a Film Set appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

Below is an in-depth analysis of job opportunities, salary expectations, and the skills you will need to survive and thrive, sourced from government data and industry leaders.

The Pro-Creative Pivot: Why Storytelling is Surging

While data and AI literacy are essential tools, creativity is the engine of growth. The growth in technical roles is paralleled by a massive, surging demand for the human ability to create content that stops the scroll, evokes emotion, and builds an authentic connection. AI can generate a thousand captions, but it cannot conceive the single, brilliant idea that defines a brand’s year.

The future of digital marketing is where the Left Brain (Analytics) informs the Right Brain (Creativity). Data tells you who to talk to and when, but creativity tells you what to say and how to make them care.

Pro-Creative Roles with Surging Demand:

• Short-Form Video Director/Producer: Beyond the strategist (mentioned below), the person who executes, directs, and edits the highly engaging, short-format content that dominates TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. This is a technical and deeply creative role.

• Creative Technologist: The bridge between the marketing department and the web development/design team. They create interactive ads, branded filters, AR/VR experiences, and other innovative, unique digital assets that drive engagement.

• Brand Storyteller/Copywriter: As AI commoditizes basic text, the value of a master wordsmith—a professional who can capture a unique brand voice and craft a headline that converts—is skyrocketing. This is the art of persuasive, human communication.

1. The “Big Picture” Numbers (Official Govt. Data)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and global economic reports, the marketing sector is outperforming the general economy in specific high-skill areas.

• Market Research Analysts: Projected to grow 21% (much faster than average). Companies are drowning in data and desperate for people who can interpret it.

• Marketing Managers: Projected to grow 6%. While this seems modest, it represents steady demand for high-level strategy roles.

• Public Relations Specialists: Projected to grow 5%. As brand reputation becomes more fragile online, the line between “PR” and “Social Media Management” is blurring.

The Hidden Stat: While “Social Media Manager” isn’t always tracked as a separate category by the government (it’s often lumped into Marketing Managers or PR), industry data suggests demand for specialized digital roles is growing 2-3x faster than general marketing roles.

2. Social Media Marketing: The “Strategist” Shift

The role of the Social Media Manager is undergoing the most aggressive change.

• The Old Job: Write captions, schedule posts, reply to comments.

• The New Job (2025+): Customer Experience Strategist.

Because AI can now generate captions and schedule content, humans are being hired to do what bots can’t: build community and prove ROI.

Emerging High-Growth Roles:

• Community Architect: deeply managing Discord servers, Slack communities, and “inner circle” groups where AI can’t fake authenticity.

• Social Commerce Specialist: Managing “shops” on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. The goal isn’t just likes anymore; it’s direct in-app sales.

• Short-Form Video Strategist: Not just making the video, but understanding the retention charts and algorithmic triggers of Reels/TikTok/Shorts.

3. Digital Marketing: The “AI-Augmented” Era

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report highlights that analytical thinking and technology use are top priorities. In digital marketing, this manifests as “AI Literacy.”

The “Fractional” Revolution

A massive trend for 2025-2030 is the rise of the Gig/Freelance Economy for high-level marketers.

• Fractional CMOs: Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) can’t afford a $200k/year Chief Marketing Officer. Instead, they are hiring “Fractional CMOs” on retainer for $5k/month to guide strategy.

• Niche Freelancing: Generalist freelancers will struggle. Specialists (e.g., “Email Automation Expert for Dental Practices”) will thrive.

4. Salary Expectations (2025 Projections)

Based on aggregated data from salary.com, Glassdoor, and BLS indexes.

The post The Future of Marketing Careers: 2025–2030 Outlook appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

But there is a massive shift happening right under our noses.

South Florida isn’t just a hospitality hub anymore; it is rapidly transforming into an emerging technology center. From FinTech startups in Boca Raton to established software companies in West Palm Beach and innovative agencies in Jupiter, the demand for skilled talent is outpacing the supply.

If you live in the area and have been thinking about a career change, there has never been a better time to learn to code right here at home. Here is why Palm Beach Code School believes our local community is the perfect launchpad for your tech career.

The “Silicon Beach” Effect is Moving North

You’ve likely heard of “Silicon Valley” and perhaps the rise of “Silicon Beach” in Miami. That energy is moving north along I-95.

Palm Beach County is actively courting tech companies, and they are listening. Businesses are relocating here for the tax benefits and the lifestyle, bringing high-paying jobs with them. But these companies face a major hurdle: finding local talent skilled in modern web development, data science, and software engineering.

For locals, this means you no longer need to move to San Francisco, New York, or even commute down to Miami to find a lucrative career in tech. The opportunities are growing right in our backyard.

Why Learning Local Matters

You might be asking, “Why do I need a local school when I can just take an online course?”

While online tutorials are great for basics, they often lack the community and accountability needed to truly break into the industry. Learning to code at a local institution like Palm Beach Code School offers distinct advantages for South Florida residents:

1. Networking with Local Employers

When you learn locally, you aren’t just learning syntax; you are building a network where you intend to work. Our instructors and career advisors have deep ties to the South Florida business community. We know which West Palm Beach agencies are hiring junior developers and what stacks Boca Raton enterprises are looking for.

2. A Community of Peers Near You

Learning to code is challenging. Doing it alongside peers you can meet for coffee in Delray Beach or study sessions at a local library creates a support system that pure online courses can’t replicate.

3. Curriculum Tailored to the Market

Because we are rooted in Palm Beach, we keep a pulse on the specific skills local employers demand right now. We don’t just teach generic coding; we teach the skills that get you hired in this specific market.

The Palm Beach Lifestyle + A High-Growth Career

Let’s be honest: one of the best parts about living in South Florida is the lifestyle.

A career in coding offers the flexibility and income needed to actually enjoy where we live. Whether you are looking for remote work options that let you code from a cafe with an ocean view, or a hybrid role in a downtown West Palm Beach high-rise, tech careers offer unprecedented work-life balance.

Coding is one of the few industries where you can significantly increase your salary potential in a matter of months, not four years.

Your Future Starts Here in Palm Beach County

You don’t need a computer science degree from a major university to become a software developer. You need grit, curiosity, and the right guidance.

At Palm Beach Code School, we are dedicated to turning local residents into world-class developers. Whether you are currently working in hospitality, retail, or finance, our bootcamps are designed to take you from novice to job-ready.

Stop waiting for the “perfect time” to change your career. The local tech boom is happening now.

Are you ready to join the next generation of South Florida tech talent?

Click here to learn about our program.

The post Why Palm Beach is Becoming the Next Big Hub to Learn Coding appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

From the booming financial hub of “Wall Street South” in West Palm Beach to the bustling hospitality scene in Delray and the rapid growth of tech startups in Boca Raton, competition is fiercer than ever.

In 2025, having a great product or service isn’t enough. If your customers can’t find you when they pull out their phones and search “best [service] near me,” you don’t exist.

This is where Local SEO comes in—and why the technical skills to master it are becoming the most valuable currency in our local economy.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. Unlike general SEO, which targets visitors globally, Local SEO is laser-focused on capturing customers in your specific geographic area—whether that’s Jupiter, Wellington, or downtown West Palm.

Above: Local SEO targets the specific geographic “Map Pack,” while Organic SEO targets global search results.

Think of it this way: General SEO gets you found by someone in California. Local SEO gets you found by the person walking down Clematis Street looking for lunch or a graphic designer.

Why Local SEO is “Do or Die” in 2025

The way people discover businesses has fundamentally shifted. Here is the reality for Palm Beach County businesses:

• The “Near Me” Explosion: “Near me” searches have grown by over 500% in recent years. When a tourist in Palm Beach searches for “Italian dinner,” Google doesn’t show them the best restaurant in New York; it uses geolocation to show them what is 5 minutes away.

• Mobile Dominance: With our massive tourism and seasonal resident (“snowbird”) population, mobile search is king. People are searching on the go—from the beach, the golf course, or the dashboard of their car.

• The “Map Pack” Trust: 46% of all Google searches have local intent. The top three results in the Google “Map Pack” (the map listing at the top of search results) capture the vast majority of clicks.

The “Map Pack” is the prime real estate every local business competes for.

The 3 Pillars of Ranking Locally

Ranking in Palm Beach County isn’t magic; it’s a mix of technical precision and reputation management.

1. Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your GBP is your new homepage. It feeds the map results. It needs to be completely optimized with accurate hours, services, and high-quality photos.

2. Reputation (Reviews)

In a service-heavy economy like South Florida, reputation is everything. A steady stream of positive, authentic reviews signals to Google that you are a trusted entity in the community.

3. Technical Website Performance

This is where many businesses fail. Google penalizes websites that are slow, not mobile-friendly, or poorly coded. If your site takes 5 seconds to load on a tourist’s iPhone, Google will stop showing it.

How Coding & Digital Skills Power Local SEO

This is where the connection between marketing and web development becomes critical. You cannot have great Local SEO without a solid technical foundation.

At Palm Beach Code School, we see firsthand how our students use their new skills to transform local businesses:

The Web Developer’s Role (The Technical Foundation)

In our Web Developer Program, students learn the “under the hood” skills that directly impact ranking:

• Mobile-First Design: Coding websites that look perfect on any screen size.

• Site Speed: Writing clean HTML, CSS, and JavaScript so pages load instantly (a major Google ranking factor).

• Schema Markup: Adding specific code that tells Google exactly where a business is located and what it does.

The Digital Marketer’s Role (The Strategy)

In our Social Media Marketing Specialist Program, students learn how to drive traffic and engagement:

• Keyword Strategy: Identifying that locals search for “West Palm Beach AC repair” rather than just “AC repair.”

• Content Creation: Building local authority through blogs and social media that signals relevance to the area.

• Analytics: Reading the data to see exactly where customers are coming from.

Why Learn These Skills at Palm Beach Code School?

The demand for professionals who understand both the technical and strategic sides of local digital growth is skyrocketing.

Companies in Palm Beach County—from real estate brokerages to healthcare startups—are desperate for talent that can help them stand out in this crowded market.

By joining Palm Beach Code School, you aren’t just learning to code or post on social media; you are learning how to build the digital infrastructure that powers our local economy. You are learning to be the person who puts businesses on the map.

Ready to Upgrade Your Career?

Whether you want to launch a career as a Web Developer or become a Digital Marketing Specialist, the best time to start is now.

[Explore Our Social Media Marketing Program] – Master the strategy that drives traffic.

The post Put Your Business on the Map: Why Local SEO is the Gold Mine for Palm Beach Businesses in 2025 appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

But in 2025, that narrative is changing fast.

With the rising cost of living in South Florida, the old choice between a costly university and a technical career has never been more relevant. When we talk about trade school today, we’re not just talking about traditional trades; we’re talking about high-tech trades like software development and specialized digital marketing skills.

If you’re a local resident exploring your future, here is an honest breakdown of the costs, time, and ultimate Return on Investment (ROI) of a traditional degree versus a trade-focused program like the ones at Palm Beach Code School.

The Local Context: Your Options in Palm Beach

Local colleges like Palm Beach State College offer great value, but even at their affordable rates, completing a Bachelor’s degree takes years and requires general education courses that may not relate to your desired job.

A program at Palm Beach Code School is designed to strip away the non-essential parts of the curriculum, focusing only on the specific technical skills required to get a high-paying job in West Palm Beach’s growing tech sector.

Above: The shorter duration and lower cost of trade/technical school directly translate to less debt and years of lost income.

The Ultimate Investment Metric: ROI

When evaluating education, the true measure isn’t the cost; it’s the Return on Investment (ROI). ROI accounts for not just what you pay, but what you earn and how fast you earn it.

1. The Opportunity Cost

This is the biggest factor often ignored. The Opportunity Cost is the salary you miss out on while you are in school.

• University: You spend 4 years accumulating debt while earning little to no income.

• Trade/Code School: You spend 6–12 months training, and then you start earning a professional salary 3 years earlier than your university peers.

By starting work sooner, you are adding years of income and retirement savings that your peers won’t catch up to for a decade.

2. Matching Skills to Market Demand

Many college graduates with non-technical degrees struggle to find an entry-level job that pays enough to justify their debt.

Conversely, specialized technical fields—from HVAC to Web Development—are facing massive labor shortages. Local employers are actively searching for individuals who possess concrete, practical skills.

Our programs are built on the principle of applied knowledge. When you finish our Web Developer Program, you have a robust portfolio and a clean, modern understanding of the tech stacks local businesses in Boca Raton and Jupiter use.

Why Choose the Technical Path Now?

The tech industry is the “new trade” because it offers all the benefits of skilled trades with high-tech salaries:

• Immediate Employability: You learn specific skills for specific, open jobs.

• High Starting Salaries: Entry-level developer salaries in South Florida can easily start at $\$60,000+$ (or higher for experienced hires), allowing you to quickly pay off your minimal school costs.

• Flexibility: Unlike plumbing or electrical work, a coding trade often leads to remote work, giving you the freedom to code from anywhere in Palm Beach County (or beyond!).

At Palm Beach Code School, we’re focused on providing the fastest, most cost-effective path to a high-paying career. We aren’t selling a “college experience”; we’re selling an outcome.

Ready to bypass years of debt and jump straight into a high-growth career?

Intro to Web Design & Development

Social Media Marketing Specialist – Night

Digital Filmmaking Program

The post The Real ROI: College Debt vs. Trade School (Coding) in Palm Beach appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

The calendar reads 2025, and if there’s one constant in the digital world, it’s change. The social media landscape is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly evolving, and for brands looking to thrive, staying ahead of the curve is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Here at Palm Beach Code School, we’re diving deep into the key trends that are shaping the future of social media marketing, and how you can leverage them to elevate your brand’s strategy.

Forget the static posts and lengthy articles of the past. In 2025, attention spans are shrinking, and visual storytelling reigns supreme. Let’s explore the essential insights you need to embrace:

Several people are working on a film set with various equipment

The Reign of Short-Form Video: If you haven’t already embraced the power of bite-sized video content, now is the time. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continue their dominance, capturing audience attention with engaging, concise, and often highly creative videos. Think quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, entertaining challenges, and impactful product showcases. The key is to be authentic, capture attention within the first few seconds, and deliver value or entertainment in a digestible format.

The Power of the Niche: The Rise of Micro-Influencers: Forget chasing celebrity endorsements with questionable ROI. In 2025, the focus is shifting towards micro-influencers. These individuals, with their smaller but highly engaged and targeted communities, offer brands an opportunity to connect authentically with specific niches. Collaborating with micro-influencers fosters trust and credibility, leading to more meaningful engagement and conversions. It’s about quality over quantity, and building genuine relationships with influencers who truly resonate with your brand values and target audience.

Social media influencer online video

Seamless Shopping: The Expansion of Social Commerce: The lines between social media and e-commerce are blurring faster than ever. Social commerce is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day reality. Platforms are increasingly integrating shopping experiences directly into their interfaces, making the customer journey seamless and intuitive. From shoppable posts and live shopping events to in-app checkout options, brands can now meet their customers where they are and facilitate instant purchases. This frictionless experience is a game-changer for driving sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Woman chatting with Artificial Intelligence software in computer laptop. Technology trends

Efficiency and Personalization: The Integration of Generative AI: The rise of Generative AI is revolutionizing content creation and marketing strategy. In 2025, expect to see even wider adoption of AI tools for tasks like generating compelling captions, crafting personalized ad copy, identifying trending topics, and even assisting with video scriptwriting. Leveraging AI can significantly enhance efficiency, free up human creativity for more strategic initiatives, and enable hyper-personalization of marketing efforts, leading to more impactful campaigns.

Staying Relevant: The Importance of Cultural Fluency: In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, cultural fluency is paramount for brands. Understanding and engaging thoughtfully with current cultural moments, trends, and conversations is crucial for remaining relevant and resonating with diverse audiences. This goes beyond simply jumping on hashtags; it requires genuine understanding, sensitivity, and a commitment to inclusivity. Brands that demonstrate cultural awareness and authenticity will build stronger connections and foster greater loyalty.

Navigating the Future Together:

The future of social media marketing is dynamic and full of opportunity. By staying agile, embracing innovation, and focusing on authentic connection, your brand can not only navigate these trends but thrive within them.

Let’s move forward, adapt, and harness the power of these evolving platforms together!

Want to learn more about Digital Marketing + Social Media – Check out our program here!

The post 2025 Trends: Embrace the Future of Social Media Marketing! appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

Yeah, they do. Anyone can, really. I give students an option to call me Michael or MEL. Mike is fine too. That all started back when I was mentoring film students at the PBFS. I would write my full name – my director’s name – on the classroom board and I guess a few students put the initials together and just started calling me MEL. I remember telling them, “Who’s Mel?” Anyway, I didn’t mind it at all, so it kinda stuck from there. I just don’t want students calling me Professor or Mr. Lobsinger or… I mean, even at 62, that just doesn’t sit with me well – never has.

What got you into film?

Well I’ve always been a movie buff since I was a kid. I think I was definitely inspired by Steven Spielberg’s Jaws back in the early 70’s, and then it was those Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry movies. I always loved going to the movie theaters, still do. When I got older – much older – I realized I wanted to be director; a filmmaker. And I remember thinking, now, how will I ever do that? Well that didn’t happen ’til I was 47 when I enrolled, and graduated from Jim York’s former filmmaking school, The Palm Beach Film School (PBFS), back in 2007. So, after being hired as a production manager at the same school I graduated from, I later decided to change careers and do the dream. I worked for a civil engineering firm for over 25 years and was just done with it. So, becoming a part time production manager and mentor at the PBFS, all the while working freelance as a cinematographer was my gig. And, I continued to direct and film other projects – music videos, documentaries and short films.

I’ve been in the biz for over 15 years, but, even now, going through all the ups and downs – and let me tell you, there are plenty of those – but, I like knowing that I still have the same crazy passion for filmmaking today. And I love seeing that same passion in the eyes of my film students. Before the film bug bit me, I finally got the nerve to do community theater when I turned 40 – six years working backstage and performing on stage. That finally led me to befriend an actress who handed me a promo card for the PBFS, so, yeah, from 2007 to 2013, I was mentoring film students, going on their debut film shoots at the PBFS, and even going to Hollywood, Florida for Jim York’s former Miami Film School, (MFS) and I even did a short run at the International Academy of Film & Television when it took over the MFS. After those film schools merged and closed up, here we are now, ten years later, Jim asked me if I was interested in joining the CSB Media Arts Center to be a Film Instructor for his Palm Beach Code School’s Digital Filmmaking Program.

How does the Digital Filmmaking Program differ from other programs?

I’ll just answer that on how I believe our program is prestige. Overall, filmmaking is a complex art form. Any serious filmmaker will tell you that. There’s a lot of moving parts that need to fall together to make a professional movie, and the best way, in my opinion, to approach the art of filmmaking is by beginning with the basics. The key is getting the students out of their seats and their hands on the film gear as soon as possible. A learn by doing approach, working the digital film camera, its functions, setting up a tripod and attaching the camera properly to the tripod, setting up a light stand and attaching a light, or working the boom pole correctly.

Of course, yeah, it gets much more involved than that, and way more in depth, and because of all what’s involved, I really try to tell the students when it comes to their first screenplay to keep it simple – be creative, but to try not to bite off more than they can chew.

Filmmaking is storytelling, so, as the students learn how to write their short screenplay – which is formatted into a three act structure – they’ll also be learning how to tell that story visually, through the lens of a digital film camera. And as the students learn the basic film gear setup and operations, and learn how to set up mock scenes properly to work camera angles, lighting and sound gear, the fun begins to see what it really takes to film a scene.

Again, that’s why we suggest the students to keep it simple, ‘cause even with all that involved and being a new filmmaker, it’s really not that simple. They’re not only writing and directing their screenplay, but they’re also producing, casting, prop-gathering, catering, shooting, and editing their film.

Filmmaking isn’t easy. It takes hard work, takes dedication, and a willingness to learn and collaborate with others. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. And, let me just say this, when you have film instructors, such as myself, filled with real passion and patience for filmmaking, the students can see that, and feel that strongly, and I truly believe that’s when they see for themselves that they’ve made the right choice enrolling in our program. Believe it or not, I always feel more excited about the student’s short films before they even finish writing it, ‘cause, I know exactly what they need to do – or not do – from point A to point B, and it’s a lot. But they also will know soon enough, I’ll be right there with them every step of the way – from script to screen! It’s so much fun to see their hard work shine on premiere day. And the beauty of it all is – if the film bug keeps biting, many graduates will become colleagues and begin to collaborate on future filmmaking projects. Maybe even one of mine.

Tell us about some typical challenges when filming a scene.

How much time have we got? Ha. Well. Every filmmaker will tell you that there’ll be a lot of challenges during the production process of making a movie. I can mention a few here. So, for one, while on location, when you’re shooting exterior shots – outdoor shots – you need to be aware of all the possible noise elements, like traffic, airplanes, air conditioners, lawnmowers, kids playing, rain, thunder, heavy winds, the list is endless. What I try to recommend to the students – and this is for interior shoots too, and that is to visit the location you’re filming at, at the same time of day you think you’ll be shooting the scene(s). This’ll give you a good idea if you’ll run into any noise issues or any other unforeseen issues such as a busy construction site or whatever. With my experience – and this isn’t being negative, it’s just the way it is – when cameras roll, the noise elements seem to come out and play. Students hardly ever believe me until they’ve experienced it for themselves.

Also, while filming exterior scenes, the lighting may change depending on weather – if it’s a sunny day that turns to a partly cloudy day, that’ll affect your camera’s exposure if, for example, a scene is being filmed on a sunny day, but all of a sudden dark clouds float in, then that scene – that particular shot – won’t edit well with any other shots that were filmed while the sun was out. But we usually catch that on set so, but, if that happens, there’s more delays to wait for the cloud to clear, and more camera takes are needed to get the consistent exposures.

So, yeah, exterior shots has its challenges, as it can be quite hard to control those elements. Now, when you film interior shots, you may encounter exterior noises as well but you also need to be aware of a whole new set of noises, such as computers, refrigerators, A/C’s going on and off, ceiling fans, people in the adjacent complex, what have you. Other challenges that students must accept is the fact that all the students are beginners, and they are all learning, so filming a scene will take time – a long time. Let alone, you’re working with new actors most likely, and surely scenes won’t be wrapped after just one take. My camera teacher back in 2007 told me, “There’s no such thing as a fast film shoot!” And boy, was he right a hundred percent.

The more a director is prepared for their film shoot, the more they can allow for unforeseen delays such as noises, lighting issues, tardiness, costume malfunctions, actors not knowing their lines, battery changes, or whatever the case may be. I do like it when students realize just how difficult, or how long it takes, to film a scene. After I explain some of the challenges of filmmaking, and they begin seeing it for themselves during our mock scenes we do during class, I’ve had students tell me they’ve cut some scenes or tweaked their story to shortened their scripts. And, yeah, come time for their film shoot, they were very glad they did.

What about your first film? What was that like? You know, take us back to that moment when you when you made your first film.

Oh boy. My first film was called ‘Miss Fyer,’ (2007) and it’s a short drama film that I directed and acted in. It did win a couple awards at a film festival in Rochester, which was nice. Even being well organized, I felt quite overwhelmed. And I really kept it simple, two main characters, one location and it still had me say to myself, “I don’t know if I wanna do this ever again.” Sounds so funny now, but it wasn’t when I said it. But that’s just it. Again, I prepared well, still felt like it was just too much, but I persevered and grew as a filmmaker taking on bigger challenges with each film project I took on over the years. And even in between directing music video shoots, and a few documentary films that were huge projects for me, I’ve written, produced, directed and acted in three of my narrative films. So, for me, being organized and listening to my mentors really got me through my first film shoot. If I tried to make even my third film project, as my first – which was pretty intense – I know I probably wouldn’t be a filmmaker today.

What are your all-time favorite movies?

I’m a big fan of a lot of Clint Eastwood’s movies. I’d say off the top of my head, ‘Million Dollar Baby’, ‘Unforgiven’, ‘Gran Torino’, ‘Mystic River’, and like I mentioned before, the ‘Dirty Harry’ franchise. Of course, he’s 93 now, but I’m especially excited to see his next film – what may be his final film (his words) – it’s called ‘Juror #2.’

Other movies? Hm. Of course Spielberg films, to pick a few, I’d say ‘Jaws’ and ‘E.T’, then much later, ‘Catch Me If You Can’, ‘Lincoln’, dang there’s so many of his. M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Sixth Sense’, Tim Burton’s ‘Batman’. Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight.’ Also Ron Howard is a fav, ‘Cinderella Man’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. Then there’s Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ and Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker.’ Oh. And I gotta mention Ben Affleck. I really loved ‘Argo’ and his latest, ‘Air’ with his ‘Good Will Hunting’ buddy Matt Damon.

What’s the emotion you feel when you complete a film project?

That’s simple. Accomplishment! It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so fulfilling when it’s premiere time. There’s a saying that movies are never finished. They’re just abandoned. I never really understood that until I started making films myself. There’s always something you could change, even when you’re finished editing. But that’s part of the process. The most exhilarating feeling is when you get to see your film on the big screen. It’s such an exciting time. Then, when the dust settles, you find yourself onwards towards the next one.

Tell us about the last class, you know, the latest film projects that you were involved with these last students.

Oh cool. Ok. Well. On the first day of class, I was introduced to these seven students who would become known as ‘The Magnificent Seven.’ I could tell right away that they had a strong sense of camaraderie. When one student would struggle, the others were there to help. And when one student had a setback, the others were there to pick up the pace. Sure, they had their own overwhelming moments, mistakes, and perseverance, but they all really did an amazing job with their film projects. I was really impressed and proud of them all. They’re creative filmmakers and worked together so well.

Could you tell me the importance of students being able to learn the other crew positions other than writing and directing?

Sure. I’d say in order to gain respect as a professional filmmaker, regardless of what your number one niche is, be it director or producer or whatever, I think it’s important for the students to learn as many crew positions that they can. For one, it may land them a paid crew job. It may not be the job they want, but heck, you’re on film shoot and that can only get you more experience. I remember holding a reflector in front of me, bouncing light onto a scene for like an hour on a film shoot. The director felt sorry for me, but I was happier than a pick pocket because I was excited to be a part of the film project. Other than having a goal to be a mentor/production manager, my initial goal back when I was in school was to get good at camera work and editing which later led me to being a freelance cameraman traveling the country filming project.
But also, because some of my work entailed corporate work, with dialogue, I was also able to be the sound man/boom operator, let alone setting up lights if needed. So, yeah, if you’re wanting to find work in this field, it’s best to know as much as you can for each crew position.

Do you have a favorite aspect of filmmaking?

Yeah, when I’m wrapped. Ha. No, I’d say my favorite aspect of filmmaking is either when I’m directing or when I’m the cinematographer. I love to direct and still have so much to learn myself, but, I love when I have a vision of a scene, and it’s executed pretty close to what I had in my head or what was written in the script. I also love creative shots made on the fly. Being a Director of Photography (DP) or the cinematographer, there’s nothing like framing up a shot, and capturing special emotional moments, whether it be spoken or just movement, is always quite exciting for me. I love it.

Lately, I must say, I’ve shifted my screenwriting skills up to the top of the list with directing and camera work as I’ve written four features length screenplays over the course of my career, and have enjoyed those challenges as well.

Do you have a favorite genre? 

Personally, as a writer, it happens to be drama. But, I think some day a thriller feature, or maybe even an action film is in store for me, but for now, it’s drama. As far as blockbusters, I’m all over the place – action, romantic comedies, dramas, thrillers, and even some Tarantino’s films.

What can students expect when taking this program?

Students who take this program can expect to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to editing. They’ll be working with experienced mentors. The most exciting part is they’ll be creating their own short films, which will be premiered on the big screen. One very important thing they’ll learn is whether filmmaking is their passion or not. Some students may go on to pursue careers in screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, or guerrilla filmmaking. Others may use their skills to advance their careers in other fields, such as marketing or producing. I personally love bringing graduates who have proven themselves to be responsible, passionate and productive filmmakers on to my film projects. That is, as long as they don’t smoke. No smokers allowed on my set.

Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Ah, there’s too many. Ok, well, I’ve been a huge fan of Kevin Costner since ‘No Way Out’, Meryl Streep since ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’, Tom Hanks since ‘Bosom Buddies’ (TV Sitcom), Julia Roberts since ‘Pretty Woman,’ Michael Keaton since ‘Night Shift.’ But my fav actor right now, at the time of the interview, Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart, True Grit, The Old Man (Streaming Series), Hell or High Water, and of course, The Big Lebowski). Joaquin Phoenix is another one of my favs. Then there’s the awesome Brad Pitt. Leonardo DiCaprio is another. I could go on and on about great actors, but these are just a few of my favorites. Sorry, can’t just pick one. Oh. One more. Julia Garner is a huge fav (Ozark Series). Wow, she’s good.

Ok, last question. Any more advice you have for upcoming filmmakers?

Own your mistakes and learn from them. I do talk to the students a lot about the making of my last short film ‘Rotten Mangos’ (2016) because it was really my biggest challenge yet as filmmaker. I won’t go into all the details here but the production was supposed to be a three-week shoot, which ended up taking me seven or eight months to wrap, then it took me an entire year to complete the film in post production, due to color correction issues and the need to do ADR work – that’s Automated Dialogue Replacement, where you bring all your actors back to a recording studio and have them all record and sync all their dialogue in the film. But, that’s filmmaking, and yeah, there’s other things I should’ve done much better but we also had those exterior elements.

The entire film was filmed at night, outdoors, mostly in a downtown narrow alleyway, between two buildings – during rainy season, so add that to the list and it was quite a hurdle. But, in hindsight, and having tons of patience, the movie turned out way better than expected and also won several independent awards – best short, best screenplay, best musical score for my good friend Robert Gugliuzza (‘BobbyG’), best actor for my lead actor, John Zambito. And I’d admit, there was a time where I thought this film would end up on a shelf for life. I mean, it was a very hard one to finish, but, I owe it to my mentors, my past filmmaking experiences and my film crew that really got me through it. Plus taking some of my own medicine and that is to never give up.

Yeah, so, in saying that, another piece of advice is to keep that word ‘perseverance’ in your back pocket, ‘cause you’re gonna need it! If you don’t have that, then your film has a high risk of not being finished. I’m very proud of ‘Rotten Mangos’ and my goal from the very beginning was to have it on a streaming platform and I’m happy to say that it’s been on Amazon Prime since 2018.

The post Inside the Mind of a Filmmaker: A Conversation with MEL appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

At age twenty-five, Jessica St. Jean is adept at social media. Like many millennials, she has all the key social media accounts—Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Snap Chat—and posts to them regularly. Still, St. Jean wanted to go deeper than just posting. She wanted to master social and digital media marketing and use those skills in her work as a community organizer. She explains:

“I have a bachelor’s in political science and African American studies from FSU (Florida State University). Since graduating college I’d been doing grassroots political organizing and door-to-door canvassing for NextGen America, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to youth voting.

“When the pandemic hit, all of that halted. We couldn’t go door-to-door anymore because of the quarantine so I began exploring other jobs. I started thinking about social media marketing because I realized very quickly that social media was becoming the greatest tool connecting people in our communities. I wanted to see how I could use it to connect with voters. “

St. Jean understood the social media platforms, and she’d used design tools like Canva and Adobe Photoshop, but she wanted to learn about audience targeting, optimizing analytics, and the fundamentals of digital marketing.  She turned to CareerSource Palm Beach County, a state-chartered nonprofit that specializes in helping job seekers find employment through career assessments, job skills training, and general employment assistance.

Assigned to a CareerSource counselor, St. Jean explained her interest. The counselor recommended the social media marketing specialist program at the Palm Beach Code School (PBCS). She informed St. Jean that CareerSource would pay for the course as part of their training program if she qualified for their scholarship.

“I didn’t even know there were opportunities like that out there,” St. Jean says, “so when the counselor brought it up, it was pretty amazing.”

Upon researching the PBCS program, St. Jean learned that it cost $4650, considerably less than similar programs she’d researched.  The scholarship possibility made PBCS the ideal option for her, so she applied and was accepted into the program’s next session.  (The Palm Beach Code School offers several payment options, including tuition financing, for those who do not enter the program using the CareerSource scholarship.)

St. Jean started the course in March of 2021 and graduated four months later. Because of COVID, she did the course virtually, meeting with her instructor and classmates twice a week via Google Meets for three and a half hours each time.  At the course’s conclusion, she had earned a certificate as a social media marketing specialist.

Today she works as a support associate with a political tech company, a job she landed within weeks of graduating.  Her primary focus is customer relationship management (CRM): helping clients—progressive campaigns and organizations—use digital tools for peer-to-peer texting, phone banking, and grassroots organizing.

Many of the CRM tools she uses are ones she learned at the Code School. Using the design guidelines learned from the same class she is also assisting the company’s help center with the design and rebranding of their guides.

She says it’s an added bonus that her company has a product and design department and does a lot of in-house design work. She’s optimistic about future opportunities to use more of the skills that she learned at the PBCS.

Until then, however, she’s not waiting to use the skills she acquired at the Code School. Instead, she’s starting a side-hustle doing social media design and content creation for small businesses. She’s done a branding redesign for a local law firm, including creating a new logo, and some in-house design content for future marketing.  She’s also designed event flyers, and other social media marketing content for several local businesses.

An unexpected outcome was that the course gave her the confidence to consider becoming an entrepreneur.  Initially planning to become an attorney like her father, she plans to return to school to get a master’s degree in business, with a concentration in entrepreneurship and marketing.  Her vision is to create an agency that serves nonprofits and grassroots organizations by producing their social media content and managing their marketing.

“When I joined the class,” St. Jean says, “I was more interested in the social media management aspect: content planning; learning how to build and manage the profiles for different organizations.  I got that, but I also got a refresher in Photoshop. I learned how to use analytics tools so I could better understand how to create a sponsored post and measure if it was being effective with an audience. I learned about color coding and image formatting; about keeping things consistent with the design; all those things that I see the design department at my job doing. That was really beneficial.”

She concludes: “Before the class, even though I used social media, there were so many aspects I was unaware of. The class gave me that understanding that you wouldn’t be able to get if you didn’t have a job doing those things.   On a more personal note, it gave me confidence. Prior to the course it was harder to get my foot in the door without having that experience. So definitely it’s helped me.” Writer/Interview: Max Smith

CLICK HERE TO LINK TO JESSICA ST. JEAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING PORTFOLIO

The post Student Feature: Jessica St. Jean appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.

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Tik Tok currently has over 1 Billion users, making it not only one of the most popular apps in the world but also one of the most popular apps in history. Many apps you see on the front page of Google Play or the Apple App Store are doing something right to earn their place at the top. 

Having such a massive reach has it’s advantages. Tiktok’s popularity is symbiotic, when you are known as a “Tik Tok star”, companies like Dunkin, Starbucks, Walmart, Cadillac and more multi billion dollar businesses are knocking on your door looking to strike a deal for mutual benefit. Basically, Tiktok gives you a platform to gain popularity, and in return you drive more revenue and attention to the app itself.

Tik Tok gives younger people another platform, like YouTube, to express themselves. That being said, stardom on such a world famous app can have it’s dangers. No matter how silly, vulgar, or inappropriate content is, if it’s popular, the general public will drive up the hits for it. Popular content is not always the mark of good art, so putting in effort to create this material can come at a cost. Most influencers and online professionals will tell you the same thing “it’s much more work than you think it is”. 

Because of Tiktok analytics and other social media platforms methods, you have to constantly be pushing out content to stay relevant in an incredibly fast paced, changing digital landscape. Tik tok videos are usually short,  so creating 1 video week or month simply won’t cut it. If you end up striking it big on the platform, no matter how many views you got the first time won’t last long. You’ll need to create dozens of videos every week that pertain to your audience. This takes an understanding of target market, analytics and their relevance for sponsorship deals with large companies, and how to gain a following as well as maintain it.

All of these strategies take tremendous effort, skill, and planning. It’s important to remember the power an app like Tik Tok has, while respecting that even the stars have to work hard to stay relevant, no matter the content.

The post The Honest Truth of Tik Tok Stardom appeared first on Palm Beach Code School.