Film Maker in Residence

In 2012, the Filmmaker in Residence program at New Perspective will host a recent college graduate as he or she develops, produces and seeks to distribute their original short film as an filmmaker-funded and produced project. Now in its fifth year, the FIRE @ New Perspective program is open to all filmmakers who are recent college graduates seeking access to professional facilities, equipment and professional collaboration as they produce their original short film.

The filmmaker awarded the residency will connect with some of Pittsburgh's most talented and experienced producers, directors, cinematographers and post production professionals. The resident filmmaker will be exposed to the demanding and competitive business of film and video production during their time at New Perspective.

As part of this experiential learning, the filmmaker will be required to serve as unpaid crew on two New Perspective shoots per month. The filmmaker may also have opportunities to gain crew assignments as paid personnel on a variety of productions after fulfilling the two-day crew requirements.

If You Make the Cut

Filmmaker awarded the residency will receive a dedicated workspace and associated office tools dedicated to the independent filmmaker at New Perspective’s Smallman Street facilities in Pittsburgh’s Strip District including internet access, an email account, office computer and phone, etc. In addition, access to full production and post-production resources are made available to the filmmaker during days and times when staff and resources are not in service on company productions. Professional development opportunities with exposure to experienced professionals are included.

New Perspective Management will review all applications and select one individual for each term of the program. New Perspective reserves the right to forgo the 2011 term if no qualified applicants apply.

New Perspective will provide Equal Opportunity to all applicants. All decisions will be final. Applicants will be required to submit the formal submission package including a comprehensive filmmaker application.

Molly Spurk, Resident 2011

Molly Spurk is a graduate of Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and is excited about new directions for her work after screening Unrequited Love in March 2011. She plans to pursue producing and continue her writing efforts for cinema, commercial and corporate productions.

Unrequited Love

A woman and man reveal the subtle yet powerful nuances in their relationship through the conscious and subconscious.

DJ Klinefelter, Resident 2010

After graduating high school in rural Bellefonte, Pennsylvania DJ left his hometown for "the big city" to pursue a career in film and visual media. Since completing his residency with NP's FIRE Program in 2010 he's gone on to do just that, having worked on a number of features and short films that have shot in Pittsburgh in addition to collaborating with individual clients on smaller projects.

Fixing A Hole

A man seeks to fill voids in his life by whatever means possible even if they are unjustifiable.

Andrew Batista, Resident 2009

Andrew Batista is a filmmaker and photographer based in the Pittsburgh area. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh and from Pittsburgh Filmmakers, Andrew was selected by New Perspective as the first Filmmaker in Residence (FIRE). During this time, Andrew, produced and directed the award winning short film, Piano Story. Andrew now works in the world of video production as a Producer and Director on both corporate and independent projects.

Piano Story

Set in the 1960's a piano player finds the girl of his dreams.