When I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to go to film school. I’m from Michigan, but for whatever reason, Vancouver seemed like a great option for me. The city is beautiful, there are tons of productions happening, and it isn’t LA. I chose Pacific Audio Visual Institute (PAVI) after weeks of research. Their program sounded perfect for me and was within a price range I could afford (a fraction of other Vancouver programs). I spoke with several advisers at the school during my registration and everyone was very helpful. I felt confident in my decision.
I quickly realized my expectations would not be fulfilled.
Prior to the move, I had a healthy amount of experience and education. I was looking to expand my knowledge, make use of school equipment, and walk away with some great quality work under my belt. Upon arrival, I quickly realized my expectations would not be fulfilled.
The Program
The instructors were all great, as were the other students, but the curriculum was designed for beginners. I found myself day after day, sitting through classes of information I had learned a few years prior. This was not what I wanted to pay for.
The Film and Digital Arts program was made up of a dozen courses or so. From Directing to Editing, Screenwriting to Film History, Audio Design to Managing Your Career. These courses were designed to give us an overview of the subject, but were never in depth enough to give us any practical experience. It didn’t help the situation that we were shooting on prosumer equipment worse than I had been using in highschool. I quickly decided to edit all my projects on my home computer because it ran better than the ones at school. The projects we ended up completing in class were never of great quality because of these equipment limitations. This, again, was not what I wanted to pay for.
It was obvious the money I spent on my education wasn’t going towards the film program. PAVI isn’t necessarily a bad school, but it’s definitely more focused on developing its audio courses and just sailing by with its film and digital arts program.
I would recommend the program to beginners.
The Verdict
I walked away from PAVI with some new knowledge, a few great contacts and several projects best fit for youtube. I would recommend the program to beginners, wishing to get an overview of the industry and gain access to some modest equipment.
I am currently working freelance in the industry as a motion graphic and visual FX artist for TV and film, in Los Angeles. I also own a production company that produces commercials, music videos, and recently our first feature film. However, I cannot give much credit to my time at PAVI. It’s a great environment with great people, but isn’t likely to launch your career.
If I were to choose a school again, I would ask about the curriculum and find one consistent with great student work! Its important to surround yourself with talented people that will motivate you and allow you to grow! You should expect much more from a school.
http://www.ryanwehner.com/
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Elliot Barmash
The audio program doesn’t get much funds either. Sure the studio is great but that was there before they started the school :P