Media Arts Program

Media Arts

New Vista School’s Media Arts Program is a student-driven after-school film production academy for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other similar learning disabilities. This program helps address social skills.

Social Skills Learning Outcomes:

Students will understand and apply the following:

• Resiliency in the face of a challenge
• Successful team interaction
• Problem solving when cast members are absent or equipment is not working properly
• Strategies to manage personal problems and social anxieties for the sake of the team and the project
• Communication with peers and instructors in a respectful tone
• Responsibility to manage deadlines and accomplish and prioritize each assigned task
• Empathy for a character through specialized acting lessons

About the Program

• Screenwriting: Students use their imaginations to create original, cohesive short films, using standards-based practices to develop complex plot structures and compelling characters.
• Production: Students learn about choosing a location/setting, casting, costumes, using props, designing and building sets.
• Directing: Students learn how the director balances between honoring the content and tone of the script while still bringing his or her own interpretations to the production.
• Acting: Students learn to follow specific stage instructions, memorize dialogue, communicate the character’s feelings and motivations, and work as an ensemble to tell the story.
• Editing: Students can learn how to use Final Cut Pro X editing software to make high quality films, while also collaborating with the directors to bring their stories to life.

New Vista School Film Fest

Bringing Imagination to Life

Each year, students write scripts, plan production, direct original short films, edit, and star in the original films.  Our program provides a unique opportunity for students to develop life-changing social skills through dynamic and authentic project-based learning.

These student produced, original short films are then showcased on the big screen at a local movie theater for family, friends, and the public at the annual New Vista School Film Fest.  This much-anticipated event allows the students to show off their months of hard work, talent and dedication to this large creative project.

Each year, the personal growth of the students amazes all who view the Film Fest, as well as the students themselves.  Students who are shy or unsure of their communication skills often surprise themselves by learning to face their fears and act in the films.  Those with academic struggles get to see themselves as the author of a film script for a large audience.  Students also learn to recognize and encourage other students’ new found talents.

Students who participate in the Media Arts Program and Film Fest gain a tremendous amount of personal confidence and pride in their abilities that lives on long after the Film Fest is over.   Students not only see their imagination brought to life on the big screen, they learn to envision how to incorporate these skills into life after school.

The Media Arts Program and Film Fest are visible examples of what we do at New Vista School every day to help students: realize their hidden skills and talents, recognize and appreciate those qualities in others, communicate positively and effectively, and apply those skills to their personal lives and future careers.