Rising sophomore has life-changing experience making films in Italy

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M ass communication major Avery Jones jumped hurdles and tons of paperwork to make her study abroad dreams come true.

She just returned from a month-long trip to Florence, Italy, where she was immersed in learning filmmaking techniques and directing films with the New York Film Academy.

"I really wanted to go on this trip to learn and get some hands-on set experience, because that's how I learn best," Jones said. "The class got the opportunity to work with camera equipment in ways I wouldn't have been able to otherwise."

"I'm so incredibly grateful for this experience," she added. "It's one I'll never forget."

Sophomore Avery Jones, third from left in back, with participants of the New York Film Academy in Florence, Italy. Since her high school days in Brookhaven, Georgia, it's been Jones's goal to become a filmmaker. She especially wants to work in the movie industry, directing horror films.

Her father searched online and found the NYFA Italy program. Within the first few weeks of freshman classes at Georgia College & State University, Jones visited the International Education Center asking what she needed to do to get there.

As a rising sophomore, she was still a few credits shy.

But that didn't stop her.

She wrote an essay and did extra paperwork to prove she was ready.

"With the help of Dr. Callaghan and Ariana Youmans," Jones said, "I was able to make my dream into a reality. I applied through the International Studies Abroad program for the New York Film Academy in Florence. In the end, I think I was allowed to go because of my ambition-honestly, me pestering the office with a ton of questions."

The Florence film program started about 20 years ago. Courses are taught in English with professors from the U.S. and around the world. Jones's classmates were from Brazil, Italy, Nigeria and Russia. She roomed with students taking classes abroad at Florence University of the Arts. They were from Colorado, Kansas and Kentucky.

Jones was in Italy four weeks, from May 11 to June 8. During that time, she created five short, silent films. The final product was a 3 ½ -minute music video with excerpts from her other films.

Jones, left, directs the camera operator against the backdrop of Florence.

Through this process, Jones learned about cinematography, directing, acting, editing and production. She grew in confidence and feels ready to begin Georgia College's film academy certificate program.

"I learned everything from shot sizes, screenwriting, setting up a camera, lighting a scene and everything in between," she said. "I learned I'm pretty steady when it comes to camera work, and I can pick up on languages pretty fast."

Jones enjoyed the Italian food. Her favorite culinary moment was taking a cooking class with her roommates. They made their own pizza and gelato.

She chalked up her only challenge, getting stranded without a taxi, as a "minor inconvenience."

"We were able to stay calm and find a solution to the problem at hand," Jones said. "I'm not going to lie-sometimes it was hard being in a country all by myself. There were times when I missed home. But I reminded myself to keep busy and enjoy every single moment, because I knew it would fly by."

Jones operates the camera during filming in Florence. During her one day off, Jones visited a local beach town in Viareggio, Italy. After the program, she was joined by her grandparents. They toured Rome together.

Back home, Jones knows she made the right choice coming to Georgia College with "all its amazing programs." Mentors at the International Education Center helped her every step of the way, answered her questions and addressed her concerns.

"I am so grateful for everything they've done for me," Jones said. "I couldn't have asked for better mentors to lead me through this journey."

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