President's Blog:
I would appreciate your comments and feedback. Please email me at presidentsblog@douglas-school.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Week of May 12, 2008
We have both some very exciting news to tell you and some sad news to tell you, as well. On the sad end, Dick Smith has opted not to renew his contract with us for various reasons, mainly health related. His last visit will be in September 2008. Current 3rd semester students will still meet with Mr. Smith and receive his book for the upcoming summer semester. For all other semesters, Mr. Smith's course will no longer be offered in the program, he will not be visiting campus, and his book will not be included in the portfolio review course. If you still want to purchase the book, you may do so at Mr. Smith's Web site: (www.dicksmithmake-up.com). There will be no discounted price.
Although we will miss him, we will soon be entering a new and exciting phase. Beginning with the October 2008 semester, you will have the opportunity to interact with leading special effects guru, Greg Nicotero, of KNB EFX Group, in California. Mr. Nicotero is living and breathing the industry right now, and will be visiting our campus every semester (schedule permitting) to meet with you, critique your work, offer his advice, and discuss current trends in the industry.
If Mr. Nicotero is not available, another member of KNB or an industry professional on his level will fill in for him. This unique networking opportunity will help you develop stronger portfolios and better prepare you for the competitive world of special make-up effects.
Mr. Nicotero began his career under the tutelage of director George Romero and our own Tom Savini in Pittsburgh and quickly relocated to Hollywood. His skills as a prosthetics coordinator helped him adapt easily to the needs of the film industry. KNB EFX Group was formed in 1988 with Howard Berger, and over the last nearly two decades, has become one of the most prolific make-up effects studios in Hollywood.
This is just another example of how DEC is committed to enhancing your level of education through building relationships with various industry professionals.
Week of April 21, 2008
Last week, students had the unique opportunity to attend a seminar with Andrew Stevens, an accomplished screenwriter, director, as well as prolific producer and successful actor for more than 20 years.
Stevens is the President and CEO of Andrew Stevens Entertainment and Stevens Entertainment Group and has produced and/or financed over 175 films through his various production and distribution companies. Stevens has functioned in almost every capacity in the entertainment business, from creative development of motion picture stories and screenplays, to foreign sales, distribution, post production, deliveries and collections.
Students from all areas of study attended the event, with the main draw from the Savini digital film production program, as well as the Savini special make-up effects program. Tom Savini was also on hand to talk to students and attend the seminar.
Stevens showed students a compilation reel of some of his work, including movies like "The Big Kahuna" starring Kevin Spacey, "3,000 Miles to Graceland" starring Kurt Russell and Kevin Costner, "The Pledge" starring Jack Nicholson, and "The Whole Nine Yards" starring Bruce Willis. He also gave them the insider's view of the industry touching on his own personal experiences, and held a question and answer session, as well.
"I had no preconceived notions of what to expect from Douglas," said Stevens. "What I saw blew me away. The facilities are beautiful, the programs uniquely sensational, and the students' enthusiasm and level of work is exceptional."
Stevens is just one of many industry professionals that we hope to bring to campus in the coming year!
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Week of April 7, 2008
If you're looking for something fun to do this month, stop down to the PITTSBURGH COMICON, where DEC special make-up effects students and various instructors will be doing make-up demos at the DEC booth. Instructors Shawn Ronzio and Eric Molinaris have already signed on to help with the event.
Dorian Cleavenger, illustration instructor, will have his own booth at the show, and so will Tom Savini, so be sure to stop by and say hello to them, too.
The Pittsburgh Comicon has become one of the premier privately run Comic industry events on the East Coast.
The show is held every year at the Monroeville ExpoMart connected to the Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh. At the Pittsburgh Comicon you'll find movies, posters, toys, statues, games, anime, manga, sci-fi and fantasy, and comics.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, April 25th 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, April 26th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday, April 27th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ticket Prices: (order online or buy at the door)
One Day Pass: $18.00 (per person)
Two Day Pass: $35.00 (per person)
Three Day Pass: $45.00 (per person)
Under 8 years of age: FREE with paid adult admission
Visit www.pittsburghcomicon.com for details on special guests, events, tickets and more.
Week of March 24, 2008
Welcome spring! Although it doesn't seem like it yet, but as they say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Spring is also a time for rejuvenation and a new look, so be sure to stop by the Cosmetology Academy. With monthly specials, you're sure to find a deal on salon products, facials, haircuts, tanning and much more, plus you are supporting fellow Douglas students.
Cosmetology students do the work and charges are based on the reasonable cost of material only. You can pick up a student menu at the Academy or give them a call in the clinic at 724-684-8270 x106. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome. The current clinic hours are as follows:
Closed Monday, Saturday, and Sunday.
T, W, F: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
TH: 8:30 am - 9:30 pm
Earlier this month, 14 cosmetology students and three instructors got the unique opportunity to attend OMC HairWorld Championships of Beauty in Chicago, often referred to as "The Olympics of Hair." Since the field of cosmetology is ever changing, it's important for our students to attend events like these and gain the most knowledge they can about the industry. Learning the latest techniques and trends will help give them the cutting edge upon graduation.
HairWorld drew more than 1,000 competitors and teams representing 50 plus countries to the thrilling three-day competition, which included contests in hair, nails and makeup.
CLICK HERE to see the pictures and check out the student testimonials below:
"I'm glad I went to Chicago. I had a good time at the show. I learned many things, such as new techniques for cutting curly hair. I saw some great shows and had lots of fun." --Kara Shetterly
"It was exciting to see the platform artists from Sexy hair perform on stage. They had been in The Cosmetology Academy only a couple of weeks ago. I feel like I know some of the stars of our industry." --Amber Ramirez
"Hair World and the Mid-west beauty show was great. I am so glad I was able to attend."--Bryan Rossini
"I have always wanted to be a cosmetologist but after attending the Mid-west beauty show I know now I want to work on platform and be an educator." --Megan Sopko
Week of March 10, 2008
Last week we had the pleasure of having a very talented sculptor hold a three-day seminar here at Douglas. Jordu Schell, owner of Schell Sculpture Studio in California, spent three eight-hour days with students from our special make-up effects and film programs.
Schell Sculpture Studio is a full-service sculpture and design facility specializing in props, creature and character design, prototypes for toys and model kits, as well as general special effects work.
Mr. Schell has been a designer of film and television characters for over 15 years, and has worked on numerous projects including: Men in Black, Planet of the Apes (2001), Batman Returns, Edward Scissorhands, The X-Files Movie, Predator II, Galaxy Quest, Evolution, My Favorite Martian, Alien: Resurrection, Babylon 5-the series, The Guyver, Bedazzled, and many more.
Our students had the unique opportunity to listen to Mr. Schell talk about his experiences in the business, and watch him do a speed sculpting demo, as well as a maquete demo. Mr. Schell also did a question and answer session with students. He is just the first of many guest speakers we are looking to have at Douglas.
Thank you to Mr. Schell and we hope to see you again soon.
Some student comments:
"Great information about the working industry today."
"It was good to see someone from LA and how he goes about things, his techniques."
"Very talented individual."
"What he said helped encourage me and make me even more certain that I made the right decision to make this my career."
CLICK HERE to see the pictures.
Week of February 25, 2008
This week was definitely an exciting one! Not only did we have graduation on Friday, with 31 students graduating from the business, medical, arts and cosmetology programs, but we also had Oscar Night on Sunday.
Oscar night is a big party in Pittsburgh, where we are all made to feel like celebrities, even if we can't walk the real red carpet. I had the pleasure of attending with six Douglas staff members and nine of our outstanding students.
Special effects instructor Eric Molinaris was there with Savini students: Cris Alexander, Steve Imhoff, Travis and Micki Martin, and Kelly Shay. Cris did an amazing lizard man make-up on Steve, and he returned the favor with a Hell Raiser make-up on Cris.
Travis Martin, with the assistance of Kelly Shay, created a terrifying demon make-up on his wife, and fellow student, Micki Martin.
Our cosmetology students also got in on the action accompanied by their instructors, Carrie Holman, Gary Nestor and Stefani Bittner. Student Megan Sopko did a striking "Liza Minelli" make-up on Sara Beckman and Madison Yakanich did a fabulous "Carmen Miranda" make-up on Meghan Pogyor.
Director of Marketing, Kevin Fear, and film instructor Rob Lucas also attended the event.
Thank you to everyone who made this night a success by representing Douglas in such a positive light. The quality of our student's work was phenomenal. Can't wait for next year!
Please read below for a complete list of Friday's graduates:
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Business Administration
Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Elizabeth S. Bongiorno
Aubrey Peart
Medical Billing Clerk
Diploma
Pauline Strohl
Medical Unit Clerk
Certificate of Completion
Mary Ann Adams
Bethany A. Bove
Theresa Dorman
Maryann Gallick
Jennifer Truswell
Medical Unit Clerk
Diploma
Kandis Carpenter
Gladys Mazak
Pauline Strohl
Medical Assistant
Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Jennifer Garrett
Ashley M. Pezzelle
Medical Business Administration
Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Nichole M. Campbell
Deborah J. Grote
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Jim Allan & Phil Wilson’Äôs Illustration and Airbrush Art
Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Kayla Ascencio
Bobbi Fine
Ryan M. Harvey
Louis J. Pronio
Graphic Design and Web
Associate in Specialized Business Degree
Mark V. Condello
Heather Feltes
Jacob Hudak
Michael Lukeski
Jaimie Lee Provident
Esthetician
Certificate of Completion
Bernadette Banyas
Kelsey Galbraith
Shelley Hower
Karen Theakston
Cosmetology Teacher
Diploma
Lindsay Mitchell
General Cosmetology
Diploma
Alexandria Allen
Trisha Kratochvil
Heather Massey
Master Cosmetology\
Associate in Specialized Business
Kelsey Galbraith
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Week of February 11, 2007
It's the start of a new semester here at Douglas and I want to welcome all new students and wish them much success as they begin their journey.
I wanted to take a moment to make sure everyone knows what to do when we have inclement weather. We can get some nasty storms out here in southwestern Pennsylvania (as evidenced today, the 12th) and at times we do need to delay or close school. Please watch the local news channels (WPXI, WTAE and KDKA) or visit their Web sites (www.wpxi.com--www.thepittsburghchannel.com-- or www.kdka.com) to find our listing. You also can link from our home page.
In other news, another graduation is coming up on Friday the 22nd. This will be a culmination of students from the medical, business, cosmetology, graphic design and web, and illustration and airbrush programs. I am very proud to once again see a graduating class with so much potential, drive and ambition. I have confidence that each one of them will make Douglas proud.
Finally, make sure to check out the Douglas Education Center YouTube page (www.youtube.com/douglasedcenter) and check out some new videos for our programs. When all of these videos are complete, we will have an exciting and cutting edge recruiting tool to help bring even more talented students here to Douglas.
As always, thanks for reading and feel free to send me some feedback at the address listed above. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day and try to stay warm!
January 28, 2008
This week we had 47 extremely talented students graduate from the Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program. Family and friends traveled from as far as California and New York to watch their graduates enter the next chapter in their lives. We had a packed house of over 200 guests, all supporting the next generation of special make-up effects artists.
The ceremony was wonderful. We heard inspiring speeches from Technical Director, Jerry Gergely and the man himself, Tom Savini. The portfolio review of the student work was also nothing short of amazing. Students set up "mini-studios" showing off their best work from the past 16 months. There were sculptures, animatronics, masks, eyes, teeth-every facet of art that they have learned in this program. This is not only one of the largest classes to graduate, but one of the most creative and ambitious I have ever seen. In my commencement speech I relayed to them this quote:
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
--Helen Keller
I believe all of our graduates will "do the something they can do." They each are talented in their own special areas and each one has great potential for success. I look forward to hearing from them to see where they are working and what they have accomplished since leaving the Douglas Family.
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The Fall 2007 Class is as follows:
Christopher Anderson
Jessie Blanchard
Kevin Buckley
Scott Campbell
Derek Canfield
Carolos Carrion deDelva
Heather Cleary
Thomas Conrad
Michelle Crouchelli
Joshua DeMarino
Jordan Deutsch
Maximillion Devonshire
Tara Doherty
Richard Donoughe
Heather "Nikki" Elko
Jaimie Gavlik
James Geiler
Stephen Gentile Jr.
Daniel Gilch
Jennifer Grable
Sarah Greenberg
Paul Hackett
Evan Hedges
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Michael Kessler
Jennifer Larsen
Zachary Logan
Collin Major
Hayley Masters
Kurt McCall
Jason Milani
Luke Miller
Brandon Murphree
Douglas Murphy
Aaron Northrup
Angel O' Connor
Molly Olesky
Dylan Pecora
Wendy Powell
Diane Rodriguez
Britni Shaffer
Stephanie Sherry
Blair Stewart
John Terebetsky
Neal Thomason
Cyle Williamson
Madison Yackanich
James Zoellner Jr.
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January 14, 2008
Welcome to my first blog entry!
First off, I want to welcome all students back to school and I hope you had a great holiday season and a happy start to the New Year. 2008 marks the 19th year that Janet and I have owned Douglas, and it's been wonderful watching the school grow and change with each passing year. Time sure does fly...
2008 will be a very exhilarating time here at Douglas and for the city of Monessen, as well. In February, we will welcome the first class of the Tom Savini's Digital Film Production Program and if you haven't seen the film building lately, go take a look!
We have new signage, lights, pictures and awnings on the outside and the inside is coming along, too. We are building a green screen, soundstage, offices, lounges, dressing rooms and more.
This building will open many opportunities for not only our students, but also filmmakers from the area and abroad who can utilize our facilities for their movies. Our first chance to do that is already here - the Tinnell brothers will be filming in the next few months in and around Monessen and will be using our film building for some of their sets.
I think this is just the beginning of many exciting productions that will come out of our studio. We are bringing Hollywood here to Monessen and the positive impact this will have on the city is invaluable.
Our film building is just one piece of the construction and renovations going on around campus. The Savini building will also be getting a face-lift with new signage, pictures and awnings.
Inside, illustration instructor and world-renowned fantasy artist Dorian Cleavenger and Savini instructor and former Hollywood prop builder Shawn Ronzio have lent their talents to create some amazing artwork. Dorian did the airbrush work in the 8th Street Foyer and Shawn created the brick wall effect in the animatronics room. A big thank you goes out to them and make sure you let them know how great it looks!
The Van Keulen building will soon house a giant movie marquee on the outside, with a digital screen where we will display Douglas news and events. Yet another exciting project happening on campus.
I know the 4th semester students are coming to the end of their time here and will soon be graduating. I send my support to all of them who are working hard to finish strong. The Savini graduation will be held on January 29th and everyone else will graduate on February 22nd. Good luck to all the graduates as you depart from the Douglas family and begin your new life and your new careers.
Thank you for reading my first blog and check back often as I will be posting new and exciting events as they happen.
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