A look at SCAD’s new film studio
Written by Jazmin Unruh
Photos by Katherine Rountree
With the Savannah Film Studio added to SCAD’s facilities, film, television and sound design majors have had the benefit of new equipment, more space and more classrooms. The new studio provides a more spacious and professional environment for students.
“I got the chance to shoot a little bit on the stages back before SCAD bought [the studio] and while there are many cosmetic changes, it’s been left with all the same professional lighting and set up,” said second-year film major Will Morris from Webster Groves, Missouri.
SCAD bought the new film building a mere two weeks before the quarter began, and so far the reviews have been mostly positive. The only real sticking point is transportation to and from the building, which has been difficult.
“Location wise, it’s proven to be a struggle. It seems logical for film students to have cars in order to rent equipment, but with this new location, it’s almost essential. It’s quite far for a bike ride, but I know of several kids who have tried it, and they all agree the road is too busy and dangerous for bikers,” said Morris. “The bus system isn’t very reliable, either. For the kids that do rely on the bus, it seems like they are late to class every other day.”
As midterms approach, other technical problems have come to the surface.
“The new loading docks are convenient, but dangerous and there are only two. It makes equipment checkout a nightmare in terms of space. I don’t feel as though the equipment is as secure in the new location because a lot of it is in rooms that everyone has access to,” said fourth-year film major Henry Drayton from Newport, Rhode Island. “The studio floor isn’t level, making it harder on production designers to create level walls,” said Drayton.“[But there are] tons more classrooms and the rental cage seem far less claustrophobic.”
Though the new facility obviously has room to grow, students are altogether pleased with the studio. Tours of the building have encouraged future students to enroll, and will surely help garner some admiration at this year’s Savannah Film Festival.
