| Gulf Islands Film and Television School (GIFTS) | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1995 |
| Type | Private centre for advanced training in Film, Television and New Media |
| Location | Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada, Canada |
| Nickname | GIFTS |
| Website | www.giftsfilms.com/ |
The Gulf Islands Film and Television School, or GIFTS, is located on Galiano Island off the west coast of Canada, British Columbia. It was started in 1995 by George Harris, and is now currently maintained by him, to continue to prove excellence through film and teaching. Not only is the school located in one of the most flourished natural habitats, but is surrounded by artistic culture of the Gulf Islands. GIFTS is an indie film school which specializes in short, intensive classes on film production. They also offer things such as, documentary, directors, acting, visual effects, game design, music video production, extreme sports video production, computer/3D animation as well as the opportunity to create an original soundtrack to student films.
When students finish creating their films they then have the opportunity to enter the film into festivals as well as use it as a major part in their portfolio. Application to University and demonstrating your artistic being. The Gulf Islands Film and Television School is a unique program, the only one of it's kind in Canada.
In 1995 founder, George Harris, gathered his friends from the film making community, among them were Velcrow Ripper, Brett Gaylor, Gail Noonan, Kenna Fair, and David Ozier, and talked about strategies for a film school for youth to come and make a film.
Over the years GIFTS has added to their collection of spectacular mentors with Canadian greats such as: Jennifer Abbot, Rachael Fortier, Heather Frise, Marcus Youssef, Geoff Inverarity, Richard Reeves, Renae Morriseau, Christine "Tiny" Taylor, and Peter Campbell, among others.