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Arts

Film

Welcome to the dynamic world of Film Studies at St. Michael's Prep, where students embark on an immersive journey into the art and craft of filmmaking.
Led by acclaimed filmmaker and working industry professional James Dziedzic, the St. Michael’s Prep Film Program gives students the opportunity to develop their creative voices while building real-world skills in filmmaking, storytelling, production, and post-production.

St. Michael’s Prep is one of the few  four-year film programs designed to mirror the depth and progression of a university-level film curriculum. It combines hands-on filmmaking with film theory, cinematic history, genre study, production techniques, and critical analysis.

Our film students have earned:
  • Multiple TAPPS State Championships
  • Dozens of film festival awards nationwide
  • Students have has films screened in 10 countries
  • Acceptances to leading university film programs, including:
    • Chapman University - #5
    • Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - #7
    • The University of Texas at Austin - #8
    • Loyola Marymount University - #13
    • Boston University - #14
  • Acceptance to prestigious summer film programs at USC, UCLA, and Notre Dame
Our alumni have gone on to work on major film and television productions, including:
  • Fear the Walking Dead - Season 4
  • Landman -Season 3

 

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Learning From a Working Filmmaker

Mr. D. continues to work professionally as a filmmaker, bringing current, real-world experience directly into the classroom. His ongoing projects also give SMP students opportunities to contribute to professional productions while still in high school.

He is currently producing To the Ballgame, a documentary exploring PTSD and how baseball can help veterans cope. SMP students have contributed at every stage, from writing to editing. Students also assist with post-production on Ballpark Nation, his baseball travel series now entering its third season.

The program extends beyond the classroom through industry insights, networking opportunities, and the annual St. Michael’s Prep Student Film Festival, which attracts aspiring filmmakers from across the country and provides a platform for students to share their work and celebrate cinematic artistry.

Highlights of Our Curriculum

List of 6 items.

  • Broadcasting & Alternative Media

    Delve into the world of broadcasting news, shows, and events, and explore the realm of alternative media such as podcasts.

  • Editing

    Master the art of film editing using industry-standard software and Walter Murch's philosophy, culminating in the creation of original short films.

  • Film Critique

    Learn to analyze and evaluate films critically, exploring storytelling nuances and filmmaking craft.

  • Film & TV Production

    Acquire technical skills in shooting, lighting, and sound recording, bringing cinematic visions to life.

  • Screenwriting

    Develop scripts for short films and television pilots, learning the intricacies of visual storytelling.

  • Varsity Film - The Competition Class

    Engage in the creation of the school's vlog and original short films, competing and showcasing talents on a national stage.
Join us at St. Michael's Prep and embark on an exciting journey of cinematic exploration, creativity, and achievement.

Lower / Middle School

Upper School

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School maintains dual accreditation by Independent Schools of the Southwest and the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. 

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin in : (i) the admission of students; (ii) the offerings of rights, privileges, programs, or activities generally made available to their students; or (iii) the administration of educational policies, financial grant programs, athletic programs, employment practices or policies, or other school-administered programs.
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