Guiding Principles

Prayer & Formation

We encourage our students “to form themselves and let themselves be formed into the image of the One who bore the cross and died upon it.” Therefore, we see prayer as an essential activity to the creative life of the filmmaker. We encourage our students to weave their prayer life into their creative life.

Also, staff gathers daily to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Students are welcome.

Mentorship

Our teaching model is built around Mentor/Apprentice relationships where select students are guided by faculty and industry professionals – it’s a model we derive from the art studios of the Renaissance. What’s more, at Compass artistic apprenticeship and spiritual discipleship go hand in hand.

Story

Film is a narrative medium. We emphasize the art of Story above all other aspects of filmmaking, ensuring that no matter where our students end up in the industry, they can make a significant contribution to the artistic and market success of whatever project they serve.

Vocation

Our students make films not to see their names in lights, and not to “conquer the world for Christ,” but because they understand being a filmmaker is a vocation, a spiritual calling to develop and apply the artistic talents God has given them. In other words, just as important as producing a film of Beauty and Truth is communicating the truth through your life.