David Burkman

The School of Arts and Sciences has expanded its film studies program, adding filmmaker David Burkman as director of film production in the fall of 2011.

With experience working on hundreds of movie sets—from big-budget studios to no-budget films with friends—Burkman is teaching two introductory sections of film production. He hopes to expand the curriculum with a screenwriting course and a track of more advanced production classes.

“Film is not only the marriage of all art forms but it also integrates art with technology,” Burkman said. “It affords students the opportunity to learn so many real world skills that can be applied to myriad professions. It’s also a great forum in which students can learn about collaboration, leadership, and communication.”

Burkman bought his first camera when he was 13 and cast his family in movies such as Kung Fu Mom and My Dad’s a Robot. But he never considered filmmaking as a profession until seeing a friend’s films while in college. He realized that anyone—not just Hollywood studios—could make movies.

Burkman has shot films on everything from VHS tapes to 35mm film. His current project is a feature film called HAZE about pledging a fraternity, based loosely on ancient Greek myth and his own experiences.

At Richmond, Burkman plans to give his students the opportunity to make as many films as possible in a safe, encouraging environment where they are allowed the room to find their voices.

“The best way to learn how to make films is to make films,” he said.

One of his proudest projects was his MFA thesis film, Breaking Up with Maggie Moore, a semi-autobiographical and “deeply personal” work. Burkman licensed the 2000 film to the Independent Film Channel, where it aired for three years.

The film aired so often that he began receiving emails from strangers who said the film affected them.

“One of the most rewarding things about having made this film was seeing how it could affect total strangers,” he said. “More than any other reason, I think that’s really why I love film and love making films.”

Originally printed in the fall 2011 issue of Artes Liberales.