11 Things You Might Not Know About Walnut Hill's WFMA Program
Are you curious about Walnut Hill’s Writing, Film, & Media Arts program (WFMA) at Walnut Hill? Here are 11 things you might not know about this exciting and creatively fulfilling program.
1. WFMA is more than just a film program
WFMA at Walnut Hill includes photography, creative writing, digital media, film - of course, and many more creative mediums for students to discover and hone their storytelling skills like photography, poetry, stage plays, radio dramas, game design, multi-media projects, and more.
2. WFMA welcomes creative experimentation
Not only do students have the opportunity to try out all manner of artistic mediums, WFMA welcomes experimenting with artistic expression, creating a safe environment for trying something new. The final project might not reach the student’s desired outcome, but as long as they learned something from the experience, we consider it a success.
3. Students with no prior film experience are welcome
You might assume you need to come to WFMA having already made your first film, but that is not the case. Even if you’ve never picked up a camera, rigged studio lights, experimented with game design, or even put a story to a page, WFMA welcomes all aspiring storytellers.
4. Students don’t have to choose one artistic medium
In this program, your creative storytelling opportunities are endless. An annual showcase event called Black on White offers students creative freedom to tell a story in a medium of their choice, having practiced and experimented with many throughout the year.
WFMA at Walnut Hill: One Program, Endless Creative Possibilities
5. WFMA goes beyond practical skills and techniques
Not only will you learn how to use state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll learn how these tools can enhance your storytelling skills. You need to know the rules before you can break them, and the foundation of these skills and techniques is critical to improving WFMA students’ storytelling abilities, creative thinking, collaboration skills, resiliency, and problem solving.
6. Students learn how to master their pitch
A key component of storytelling is sharing your idea with others, and getting them excited to support your project from idea to the end. Students gain necessary skills to pitch their ideas with confidence.
7. Students are never told what stories to tell
Assignments may add requirements, or bumpers, to encourage creativity, experimentation, and outside-of-the-box thinking but the stories told within WFMA come directly from the minds of our creative student body.
8. Creativity extends beyond art classrooms
You might think students only have the chance to be creative during their designated art classes. But the spirit of creativity is a core ethos of Walnut Hill and can be found in all classrooms, even academically focused ones like math and biology. Students are encouraged to think creatively in every aspect of their lives.
9. Collaboration is the heartbeat of the program
You can’t make a film alone. Ideas bloom when shared with others. Ego has no place in a welcoming, artistic space. Collaboration is a foundational skill, emphasized all throughout WFMA and Walnut Hill. In fact, WFMA is one of the most interdisciplinary programs at Walnut Hill, with students involving peers from other programs like Dance or Music to support their project development.
Lights, Camera, Collaboration: How Teamwork Drives WFMA Projects
10. Giving and receiving feedback is an essential skill
If collaboration is an essential skill to be a great artist, giving and receiving feedback is the way in which artists act upon it. In WFMA, we use several frameworks for providing feedback including large group, small group, one-on-one, teacher/student, and peer-to-peer.
11. WFMA is designed to prepare students for a lifelong career in storytelling, no matter the medium
When students graduate from Walnut Hill, there are countless opportunities in their future. Regardless of the pathway they choose, whether it’s an arts-focused career or a career outside of the arts, our students are equipped with the technical skills, the knowledge, and the soft skills necessary to thrive in any field or career they choose.
Are you interested in Writing, Film, & Media Arts at Walnut Hill? Inquire today.
- WFMA