Professional Filmmaking Program to Expand Entertainment Career Pathways
– Program will offer associate degree in film and media production –
The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) in Riverdale and Great Point Studios (GPS), a leading owner and operator of film and television studios with multiple soundstages and a full production campus in Yonkers, recently announced the Hollywood on Hudson Film Production Program to prepare students for careers in film, media, and production industries.
The program will feature an Associate of Arts degree in the liberal arts with specialization in film production, offering coursework in both film and media production, communication, digital editing, practical training, job placement assistance, and opportunities that can lead to representation in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE).
In addition to the associate degree program, UMSV will also work with Great Point Studios and IATSE to develop curriculum and dual credit course opportunities for the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, a public school in Yonkers, allowing its students to earn college credits while still in high school. Courses may include writing, directing, studio filmmaking, art direction, lighting, set design, sound design, cinematography, digital editing, and audio production.
“The University of Mount Saint Vincent is committed to preparing students for meaningful careers in growing industries,” said Susan R. Burns, PhD, President of the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “Our partnership with Great Point Studios reflects that commitment. Our students will have the opportunity to be connected to real-world experiences and career pathways in entertainment, a field long foundational to New York City and one that is booming in Yonkers.”
“Together, UMSV and GPS are building a rigorous academic pathway that combines practical experience with industry-informed curriculum,” said Lynne Bongiovanni, PhD, Provost and Dean of Faculty at the University of Mount Saint Vincent. “Our students will graduate with strong technical skills and the professional exposure and connections needed to succeed in the vital sector of entertainment.”
“This program is about creating real access to the industry,” said Robert Halmi, Founder and CEO of Great Point Studios. “By combining academic training with hands-on experience inside a working studio environment, we’re helping to build a new, diverse pipeline of talent that reflects the future of film and television production. We’re proud to partner with the University of Mount Saint Vincent to bring meaningful opportunity to students right here in Yonkers and New York City.”
Great Point Studios Yonkers, whose anchor tenant is Lionsgate and is home to shows from Apple, NBC, Paramount, and Starz, will offer UMSV a broadcast stage, black room, and podcast recording studios on their Wells Avenue campus, as well as classroom, teaching, auditorium, and administrative office space. Through partnerships with Great Point Studios, Lionsgate, IATSE, and the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, UMSV will offer students unprecedented access to industry professionals in academia and film production, from script to screen. Students will learn from and network with industry professionals through workshops, lectures, and internships at various Great Point Studios locations.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) offers a nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark 70-acre campus overlooking the Hudson River, 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational, and career opportunities of New York City, the University equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment, and leadership in the 21st century. With an enrollment of 4,225 students (undergraduate and graduate), UMSV has a 12:1 student-to faculty ratio and offers 75+ academic programs. UMSV aims to develop a talent pipeline of work-ready, career-prepared, and practically trained graduates to meet the needs of various industries.
About Great Point Studios
Great Point Studios is a media-focused company specializing in film and television infrastructure. It was founded by Robert Halmi and Fehmi Zeko. Great Point Studios currently has locations in Yonkers, Atlanta, Buffalo, and Cardiff, Wales, with an additional location under construction in Newark, NJ. Prior to Great Point Studios, Robert Halmi was the founder of the Hallmark Channel and was President and CEO of Hallmark Entertainment. At Hallmark, Robert transformed the business from a small production company into one of the first modern studios, combining production, distribution, and broadcast under one roof. Under Halmi’s leadership, Hallmark Entertainment produced over 2,000 hours of original content. He is an active member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and serves on the board of the International Emmy Committee.
