10 Jul 2024
On 8 July, the School of Film and TV Arts at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) officially launched the inaugural MEGA Film Production Masterclass. The day before, students arrived at the school for registration, toured the School of Film and TV Arts building, met with faculty and fellow students, and enjoyed a warm welcome dinner.
Opening Ceremony
On the morning of 8 July, the school held a grand opening ceremony. Professor Li-Chuan Evelyn Mai, Dean of the School of Film and TV Arts and Associate Dean of the Academy of Cultural Technology, delivered a speech. She expressed, “This summer, we gather at XJTLU’s School of Film and TV Arts with a shared passion for filmmaking, embarking on the 11-day MEGA Film Production Masterclass.” Professor Mai highlighted the school’s international faculty, top-tier facilities, and the education philosophy centred on innovation and creative technology, specifically mentioning the application of AI in the film and media industry, aiming to cultivate professionals with a strong sense of innovation.
Professional Courses and Discipline Requirements
During the opening ceremony, Cheng Fang, Head of the Filmmaking Programme, emphasised the rigour and practical nature of the courses. Using vivid real-life examples, he discussed the importance of punctuality, collaboration, and personal reputation in the film industry. Cheng noted that film production is a team effort, and everyone’s punctuality and professional attitude are crucial. He further elaborated on the importance of teamwork, stating that in film production, whether one is a director, screenwriter, cinematographer, or actor, everyone needs to set aside their ego and work towards a common goal. Additionally, he discussed the importance of personal reputation for career development, encouraging students to build a good professional image to gain more opportunities in the competitive film industry.
Safety Training
At the opening ceremony, Technical Manager Qiang Wang provided comprehensive safety training for the students. The training covered laboratory usage precautions, emphasising the importance of adhering to rules to ensure safety while using lab resources. Wang also summarised common safety risks in student assignments, including equipment operation errors and environmental safety hazards. The training included emergency response procedures, health and safety knowledge, and proper use and maintenance of professional equipment. Wang Qiang also shared equipment login accounts to ensure the safety and convenience of equipment use. This training helped students gain a deeper understanding of safety awareness in film production, laying a solid foundation for their upcoming studies and practice.
Masterclass Lecture
Following this, Director You-Ning Li delivered a masterclass lecture titled “Passion and Methods in Film Production,” sharing his experiences and insights. Director Li delved into the entire film production process, from script development to post-production. With his extensive industry experience and unique perspectives, he unveiled the essence of film production to the students.
Director Li’s lecture not only covered technical guidance but also touched on balancing art and commerce. Using the case of Director Wong Kar-Wai, he demonstrated how to pursue artistic expression while considering market factors. His sharing provided students with a comprehensive perspective, helping them better understand the complexities and diversity of film production in their future creations.
Comprehensive Course Content
Over the next 10 days, students will deeply study scriptwriting, filming techniques, post-production editing, sound effects, and more. They will also learn how to collaborate with team members and communicate with actors. Finally, the students’ works will be screened in the cinema at the School of Film and TV Arts building.
In her speech, Professor Li-Chuan Evelyn Mai mentioned, “Film is a comprehensive art. In these 10 days, we hope you will study diligently, communicate with each other, express yourselves, and contribute to the team.”
Student Yichang Wang, currently studying Media and Cultural Studies at Lancaster University in the UK, has always had a deep passion for film art. During her university years, she elected to take mostly film-related courses.
“I was fortunate to watch the MEGA International Creative Media Ceremony and selected works of excellent XJTLU students, which deeply moved me and further ignited my passion for film. Therefore, I eagerly hope to gain a deeper understanding of the entire film production process and learn from the valuable experiences of various masters through this masterclass. As I plan to pursue a postgraduate degree, I intend to choose film and related fields as my top choice. Thus, I am very eager to use this learning experience to lay a solid foundation for myself.”
The MEGA Film Production Masterclass not only provides students with a platform for learning and exchange but also offers opportunities to interact with an international faculty, allowing them to access cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in the industry. With the launch of the MEGA Film Production Masterclass, XJTLU’s School of Film and TV Arts once again showcases its leadership and innovation in film education. We look forward to these 11 days of learning and creation, hoping they will unleash the students’ limitless potential and cultivate more outstanding talents for the film industry.
By Wenzhen Li
Photos courtesy of School of Film and TV Arts Technical Team
10 Jul 2024