Alumni
We are working hard to build our alumni program for the benefit and mentorship of our current students and to help connect our valued past graduates with new talent. Please contact the school if you would like to be featured or want to know more about the current curriculum - we would welcome your experience in helping us develop it further. We would love for you to show your work and talk to our current students about your experiences after graduation.
Matthew Levandoski - 'Petunia' Kickstarter Campaign!
Congratulations to PFMA Alumni Matthew Levandoski as he begins the Kickstarter campaign for Petunia!
From Matthew: "Hello, my fellow VMPS & PFMA Alumni and Students!!! Please have a look at my project, 'Petunia.' on Kickstarter. Any and all support will be truly appreciated. Please copy and paste into your profile and spread the word!!! Let's make great film happen!"
Wishing you guys all the success with your campaign...we look forward to seeing it! To donate and support 'Petunia' please click below.
Daniel Carruthers...Congratulations!
At the recent Victoria Film Festival, PFMA Alumni Dan Carruthers received media praise for his cinematography in PFMA Instructor Jim Knox's feature film "Cascadia".
NEXUS - Victoria Film Fest review: Cascadia
"Shot and set in Victoria, Cascadia is beautifully photographed by Daniel Curruthers; at times Goldstream Park out-shines some of the scenery in Lord of the Rings."
PFMA alumni Dan Carruthers has been the Director of Photography and Camera Operator on 4 independent feature films, over 7 music videos and a dozen other projects. He has fast become one of Victoria's most respected and sought after independent DOPs. We'll let his show reel say the rest!
Daniel Carruthers Cinematography Demo Reel 2011 from Daniel Carruthers on Vimeo.
PFMA at the Victoria Film Festival
Greg Jeffs, Spencer Estabrooks and Keith Lawrence
Bounty hunter and gunman Jack Link has a knack for trouble, but when he stumbles into a town cursed with the undead, he might have bit off more than he can chew. Can he and his unlikely allies break the curse and make it out alive or will the evil in the old west consume them all? If you thought the western was dead you were right. Spencer Estabrooks directs this undead western horror film. Original score by two time Juno award winner Derek Miller.
Deadwalkers was written by PFMA alumni Spencer Estabrooks and Keith Lawrence. Spencer also directed the short, while Greg Jeffs Produced it. It premiered at Toronto's After Dark Festival, was picked up by Movie Central and has now found a global audience.
Check out their Facebook page for all the current info.
Greg, Spencer, and Keith have developed an amazing workshop on how to produce independent films. We are looking forward to hosting it in the future. For now, please check back as we post dates where the workshop will held in your area - it is highly recommended!
You can watch Deadwalkers on iTunes! Click here to download it.
Mike Wavrecan
PFMA alumni Mike Wavrecan has worked on projects that have aired on CityTV, A Channel, Bravo!, CTV Travel, APTN, Much Music, Global Television, History, W Network, Discovery and Movie Central. We wish to congratulate him on his recent achievements!
Mike is a Producer/Editor for May Street. He recently completely an interactive website for Tiga Talk! as well as an IPhone app for the series - you can download it here! In addition to being the editor for Tiga Talk, Mike has also edited and co-produced for the Vets Without Borders web series.
More coming soon! Check back often!
Student Testimonials
“My advice for future students- NETWORK, keep in touch and be your own moving train! Be pro-active and be open minded, you’ll come in thinking one thing, and walk out totally changed. Understand that things constantly change and you’ll do great!”
~ Christy Manuel MPP - 2010 
“I read recently that making a film is relatively “simple”, but that you need to know a little about a lot of things. No school can teach you everything, but the Motion Picture Production program at PFMA certainly provides a strong foundation on which to launch your career. You will discover why film is both “art” and “science” as you explore your creativity and develop your technical skills. You’ll learn that filmmaking is collaborative and requires so-operation, teamwork and a positive attitude. You’ll learn that, although the course requires a huge commitment and a lot of hard work, the rewards are immense. You will learn something amazing every day, sometimes about film, sometimes about yourself. And finally like LIFE, the more you put in, the more you get back. Best of luck!” ~ Sandra Quinn MPP - 2010
“During my tenure at the Pacific Film & New Media Academy, I was blessed to have so many opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills I need to be a successful filmmaker. Each and every teacher routinely went above and beyond for the sake of the student’s betterment. When I first arrived at PFMA, I faced a group of strangers and had little to no film experience. Over the last 9 months we all grew together and became so close knit that I would call them my ‘film family’. Leaving the Academy was sad but ultimately I feel that I have been well prepared for the bright future that lies ahead of me. I highly recommend PFMA to anyone who has a passion for film and wants to cultivate their craft.” ~ Miss Alice Faye MPP - 2010
"The Pacific Film and New Media Academy saved my life. I knew I wanted to be an actor but had no idea how to get started. I decided to attend PFMA and it was the best decision I ever made. The teachers are among the best I've ever encountered (regardless of subject). I had previously attended classes in Toronto and had great experiences but nothing close to here. I knew I had an acting voice but I didn't know what to do with it. Now I do. I have over 20 short films on my resume now and the connections I've made have been invaluable. If you want to be an actor, attend this school. It's not easy. You will be challenged and tested but it is worth it. The teachers create an environment that again, while challenging is supportive, encouraging and safe. You will discover things about yourself you never knew. If you too have that "voice" and don't know how to let it out, or just want more training from people that know what they're talking about, give PFMA a chance. You will be ecstatic you did. I certainly am. I now feel confident in calling myself an "actor." Isn't that what you want too?" ~ George Waters - 2009
"While at PFMA I have learned a lot of valuable skills that I can take with me and apply it to everyday life." ~ Jonathan Cairns - 2009
"All I can say is that I have grown tremendously over the past 9 months that I have attended the Motion Picture Production course. We the class of 2009 got to know what teamwork and working together can accomplish.
We were privileged to be in the company of lecturers that has great experience in the field of motion picture industry." ~Janco Jansen - 2009
"I looked at a lot of film school in canada and hands down the Pacific film and New Media film school was at the top of the list. The location is great, the equipment is up to date, and you really feel like your in your own private community. The teachers like to push the students to deliver the possible project. This is one road I'm glad I went down." ~ Chris Hernandez- 2009
"I really enjoy being a student at Pacific Film and New Media Academy. It has brought me closer to my second love, film and photography, through cinematography. I want to thank Oliver, the new owner of the school and the faculty who have all worked tirelessly to provide an awesome learning environment for both film and acting students."~ Susie Potts- 2009