WEST VALLEY CITY — One of Utah's newest charter schools has brought lights, cameras and stars to the classroom, and students are clamoring to get in.
Charter schools by definition are unique. But East Hollywood High in West Valley is the only public charter school of its kind in the country and has been getting national interest since its opening this fall.
It's centered on film, video production, commercial production, screen writing, editing, sound and acting — all peppered into the state core curriculum.
And when students graduate, they not only leave with a resume and a pile of work samples. They could potentially also walk away with an associate's degree in film.
"The film production discipline is a great marriage combo with an academic school, giving an opportunity to integrate learning," said Eric Lindsay, the school's cofounder. "They can take concepts learned in class and solidify that knowledge creatively."
Teachers take objectives taught in core classes and directly apply them to film. Math relates to budgeting and business, English to screenwriting, history to research and documentaries, computers to editing.
"Many struggle because they can't cement knowledge learned in school — there is no hook to hang it on," said Lindsay. "Film gives them a way to cement that knowledge and apply it in an everyday way."
But the curriculum is just part of what makes the school so remarkable in teaching film production. Located in the old Channel 2 News building, 2185 S. 3600 West, it has two live sound stages, editing rooms and more than $200,000 in film equipment so students can work on real productions as well as make films of their own.
Bob Condor, East Hollywood's film director and cofounder, said currently the school works as the production arm for U92's "Top 10 Video Countdown" on Z24 Television as well as producing "Media Lounge," a review show for Turner Broadcasting where students discuss what's new in DVDs, music and entertainment as well as host interviews with various people in entertainment.
Lindsay said film instructors at the school have been in the business for years and bring their experience and expertise directly to the students.
Condor has been in the industry for almost 30 years and worked in almost all facets of film — from movies to commercial production to documentaries.
"People have no idea how large the film market is here in Utah — there has been at least one TV series here constantly for over 15 years," said Condor. "I see this school as a real opportunity to bolster up that aspect of the economy.
"Suddenly you have 150 kids a year graduating from here who understand film, who have made their own films . . . many will stay here and work in the industry," he said.
Lindsay said the school targets students who are at-risk — not with behavior problems but those who are struggling with grades in a traditional school.
East Hollywood has small class sizes, 10 to 15 students, which affords the teachers time to work with students individually.
"We wanted to reach out to those kids who learn differently or enjoy a hands-on, visual or kinesthetic approach to learning," said Lindsay. "Some do better in small environments than big-box school — here they get to realize their creative sides."
Aside from production disciplines, the school offers arts classes like guitar, voice, acting, choral and dance.
Also Condor said starting next year the school will be working with Salt Lake Community College in concurrent enrollment courses. So students potentially could leave East Hollywood with not only marketable skills and a working resume but an associate's degree in applied technology with an emphasis in film.
The big challenge is accommodating the number of students who are banging on the door.
This year the school has 150 students. Next year it will have more than 400.
Condor said they will be tripling the number of teachers and are currently in Phase 2 of the school's construction project that will add more classrooms, 10 more editing rooms, a film library and an arts center.
The school, which offers grades nine through 12, has had inquiries from families all over the country. This year students come from as far as Kaysville and Pleasant Grove, and the waiting list for next year is rapidly growing.
Those accepted will be chosen in a random lottery process required of all charter schools in Utah.
It's a fun environment, said Condor. The students look at being there as a privilege and act accordingly.
They have had visits and interviews with movie stars like Mariel Hemingway and Jonathan Lipnicki; Carmen Rasmussen of "American Idol"; Mitch Davis, director of "Other Side of Heaven"; and Academy Award winner Gerald Molen, who produced "Schindler's List."
Condor said the school's film industry vets-turned-teachers enjoy working with students.
"It's fun to be around the kids," said Condor. "I mean, 90 percent of the people on the film sets never grow up anyway, we're all kids at heart so it doesn't change that much."
For more information on the school, visit www.easthollywood.org.
E-mail: terickson@desnews.com