Apple Spells Success for Student Filmmakers at SXSW

Lonnie Lazar ()

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The key to success for some of the best young filmmakers in America may be the unique partnership their school district has with Apple.

Students from Birdville (TX) ISD’s Media Technology program have distinguished themselves by having 5 films chosen for the student showcase at The South by Southwest Film Festival, which began Friday in Austin, TX.

Five films from students in a single school district is a record for the nation’s preeminent art, film and music festival and the program’s director credits the district’s relationship with Apple for her students’ success.

“Apple has made it possible for our students to be certified in Final Cut Studio while still in high school,” says Karen Seimears, the program’s director. “The University of Texas offers this to their students, and it costs almost $2000. Our students can earn it for free! What’s amazing is that we’re giving kids the tools they need while they’re still in high school to be absolutely employable. And not just that, but when they go into college, to be at the head of their class.”

Apple began providing individual laptops for each student in the Birdville program two years ago and the district is home to the nation’s only Apple Authorized Training Center for high school students.

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About the author

Lonnie Lazar

Lonnie Lazar is a writer-musician-web designer-attorney. He writes about Apple for Cult of Mac and Mac|Life, and about VoIP and telecommunications for Voxilla. Follow Lonnie on Twitter @LonnieLazar, join the Cult of Mac on Facebook, and find Lonnie's photos on Flickr.

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  • Jim Sill

    Thanks for highlighting the work of high school students. It is great to see these kids competing at such an amazing film festival.

    It is important to note that there are actually many high schools around the country that are Apple Authorized Training Centers for Education.

  • http://www.cyclelogicpress.com Partners in Grime

    Amazing program. Kudus to Apple for being such great partners.

  • http://www.mmt-mbit.org Tom

    Like Jim, I must thank you and Apple for highlighting the work of high school students.

    I must also note, like Jim, that there are other high schools that are Apple Authorized Training Centers.. I actually attend one of them. Check us out at http://www.mmt-mbit.org

    Anyway Im glad to see people respecting the work of high school students

  • http://bisdtv.com karen seimears

    The comment is correct that there are many Apple Training Centers for Education… we were grandfather’ed in as a full Apple Training Center and really are the only one in the nation. I didn’t want you to think I was making stuff up! Thanks for your support.

  • thekitchensink

    Like Jim, I would like to thank you for recognizing the work and competency of high school students. I also have to add that it is true there are other high schools in the nation that are Apple Authorized Training Centers for Education. I personally attend one outside Philadelphia. You can check us out at http://www.mmt-mbit.org.

    All that aside, Im glad to see Cult of Mac, as well as SXSW recognize and appreciate the work High School students are able to accomplish.

  • thekitchensink

    Woops, Sorry Karen, I didn’t see your post when I wrote mine