Who, what and how.....

Check out this no-nonsense approach to screenwriting from professional screenwriter and Zaki Gordon co-founder, Dan Gordon.

Dan Gordon about the three act screenplay

New ZGI Students Already in Production!

ZGI's curriculum is designed to provide students with experience in all facets of digital filmmaking and production. The hands-on learning environment helps to foster creative confidence and artistic independence. In these photos, students gain familiarity with shooting on location.

Coyright Free Moby Music for Student Films!

How cool is this? Musician Moby, known for his sonic recipes that range from ambient to hard rock and techno, has free cuts of music for student filmmakers and non-profit projects.

Camera Coverage Workshop-ZGI

Director of Photography, Stephan Schultze, will demonstrate the aesthetics of lighting and camera setup for filmmaking. You will learn how to analyze story from a Director of Photography’s P.O.V., how to manage crew, the history of cinematography, the tools of lenses and cameras and how directors and cinematographers interface on a movie set.

September 19-20
9:00-4:00 both days
Register online at www.yc.edu
DFM 106 or call 928-649-4276 for more info.
or visit the ZGI website.

Spike Lee coming to Northern Arizona!

American iconic filmmaker, Spike Lee, will be speaking at Northern Arizona University, January 27th, 2010.

Lee's acclaimed films such as "Do the Right Thing", "Malcolm X" and "Jungle Fever" have sparked controversy throughout his prolific career. The man behind the camera doesn't shy from confrontation as well, once remarking on ABC's Good Morning America that Mississippi Senator, Trent Lott was a card carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Lee and his production company, 40 Acres & A Mule have produced over 35 films since 1983. He works as a writer, director, actor, producer, author and educator with fervor. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by the infamous Spike Lee.

More info. regarding tickets will be available soon at nau.edu/calevents.

What do “The Godfather, Gene Simmons and Sedona have in common?

Zaki Gordon Institute co-founder, Dan Gordon, proved to be just as charismatic as the characters he creates on screen. ZGI students and the general public were captivated by Dan's forty plus years of writing experience and the candor with which he communicated his process. Workshop attendees seemed to appreciate his ability to demystify screenwriting, while stressing persistence and confidence. The audience was privy to some "tricks of the trade" while analyzing scenes from "The Godfather". It was an empowering weekend for all who attended.

Recently, Dan wrapped his film "The Christmas Story" which he directed and wrote about a pregnant teenager who runs away from her upscale life and ends up struggling in a trailer park in New Mexico. The film will be released around the holiday season and stars Elliott Gould, Linda Gray, Lainie Kazan, Cloris Leachman, Della Reese, Olesya Rulin, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons and Fred Willard.
Thanks Dan!

To hear more from Dan Gordon and to understand the philosophy behind the Zaki Gordon Institute, watch this video!