SAE Institute's Anthony Frantzis (the manager of marketing and strategic alliances) talks about SAE's history, film program, and the NEW film industries that are expanding.


*Can you tell us a little about the history and mission of the School of Audio Engineering?

The School of Audio Engineering as it was initially known (SAE Institute) began in 1976 by engineer/producer Tom Misner who developed the first practical/theoretical curriculum. At this point in time there are NO other colleges anywhere in the world offering practical audio education. SAE has since expanded to become the largest network of audio, multimedia, animation and digital film institutes in the world. It is now represented on 4 continents, in 21 countries and 50 locations.

Our mission is simple, as the worlds largest institute of its kind, we will continue to lead the way with audio & media education, specialising in vocational and higher education curriculum.


*Can you describe your filmmaking program and tell us how it stands out from other film programs in the country?

Our film making program follows the SAE training philosophy by being very hands-on and practical in its approach. It is an advanced program covering both technical aspects of equipment and software and the creative side of film/video production. SAE through its program provides current industry and technical know-how and fosters the development of imagination needed to master this discipline.


*How do you educate your students about the film industry and the “outside world”?

Our lecturers represent some of the finest professionals from within the film industry, spanning the entire globe. Not only does SAE meet the ever increasing demands of the most up to date curriculum and technologies but our students benefit from lecturers with extensive experience within their respective film communities. We rely on our teaching staff to utilise this experience and incorporate their own practical knowledge to our students as much as we invest in the development of the course.


*What are some of the companies you collaborate with in terms of getting equipment for your students? In your opinion, is the market suitable for students’ equipment needs and their budgets?

SAE Institute is a private higher education and vocational education provider that is not only industry recognised but has formal government accreditation in many countries across the world. As a global organisation our students benefit from our vast equipment & software purchasing power, always providing access to the latest digital filmmaking equipment from companies like: Adobe, Apple Computer, Avid, Sony Professional to name a few.


Since you have so many locations around the world, can you name a few places you see as developing in terms of filmmaking and the number of active filmmakers in that location?

Well certainly our school in Los Angeles is a prime candidate. Currently we teach Audio Engineering in L.A; however this is clearly a primary market for SAE and one we will engage in due course, with the proper consideration this market obviously demands. I also foresee my ‘home town’ of Dubai a clear candidate for development as not only a regional powerhouse for filmmaking but also a global one. The development of Studio City, a purpose built region for filmmaking on a grand scale, will in my opinion surpass anything the world has to offer in the future. Already it has attracted the attention of the big studios from the U.S, with a promise of resources and facilities to rival even Hollywood.


*How would you describe the film industry in the Middle East, and how is SAE is expanding in this particular area?

The film industry in the Middle East is one of the oldest and most venerated in the business. Egypt leads the way in sheer volume of film production with almost half of all feature films produced in the Middle East. Jordan is steeped in history of feature film making dating as far back as 1903 and has more than 5 feature films scheduled for filming in 2008. Not to mention countries like Iran and Syria emerging as new players in this powerful medium.

Dubai aims to turn itself into a regional filmmaking hub --

There is little doubt Dubai will overtake the whole region and become the pre-eminent force as it turns itself into the regional film-making hub. Providing everything from countless locations, to pre and post-production services, it is already attracting the attention of international productions like Academy award winning ’Syriana’ and ‘The Kingdom’ as well as a host of Bollywood productions.

The debut of Saudi Arabia's first-ever feature, "Keif Al Hal" this year, which shot in Dubai due to Saudi restrictions, also bodes well for the nascent film industry in the U.A.E. Saudi Arabia is the richest player on the pan-Arab scene, and a seeming willingness to shoot more features in neighbouring Dubai should provide steady cash flow and opportunity for UAE technicians and crews.

Dubai has been unwavering in its commitment to create a vibrant film industry and culture in the territory by sponsoring events such as the Dubai Intl. Film Festival and the development of Studio City. Plans are under way to launch a film commission next year and a film academy for aspiring students.

It is mainly the touchy subject of censorship that clouds the horizon.

Varying degrees of censorship is applied to literature, music and films deemed offensive to social and religious values or threatening to political stability and security by many in this region. Ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia bans movie theatres altogether and Kuwait has the toughest censorship banning approximately fifty percent of all movies.

Finding a resolution to this issue would make the region’s future as a genuine player in the international film industry filled with even more possibilities.



Interview by Eren Gulfidan - www.filmannex.com/Eren%20Gulfidan