21 September 2024 · Karmela Hadjioannou
When Louis Libitz, teacher of Digital Filmmaking, began his career at Middlesex County Magnet School 10 years ago, he could not have imagined the amount of creativity and ambition that would make its way through his classroom. Students in the Digital Film Program at East Brunswick Magnet School have participated in more than 100 film festivals and their short films have been chosen as featured selections more than 300 times.
Students looking to secure a seat in the Digital Filmmaking career program are required to submit an application and sample of their work to the School of the Arts at East Brunswick Magnet School. Many times television and film is an intriguing hobby but after learning from Mr. Libitz students quickly realized that a career path in Digital Filmmaking is absolutely attainable. Each student is exposed to all areas of film. From pre-production to editing. Theory and practical application of filmmaking is taught on industry-standard equipment with the ability to showcase their work in a brand new, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, as well as film festivals throughout the area. This program is well-known throughout the community due to the enthusiasm of its students and reverence for their teacher.
There is no lack of experience from Mr. Libitz, who came into teaching after working for the Black Maria Film Festival–now called the Thomas Edison Film Festival–and being an adjunct instructor at New Jersey City University in Jersey City. His initial goal was to build an undergraduate level film program within a high school classroom, exposing students to all genres of film in addition to technique. This was the foundation of the program, but the ultimate goal was to send out his students’ talented work to film festivals.
Last year, the Digital Film program celebrated its 10th anniversary and sponsored its 10th Reel Film Festival, held at the Cranford Theater. The entire film festival can be viewed on YouTube and includes cameo messages from Jorge E. Diaz, Superintendent of the Middlesex County Magnet Schools; Lee Neamand, Director of Career and Technical Education; Michael Cappiello, East Brunswick Magnet School Principal; Mick Foley, professional WWE champion and author; producer Michael Uslan of Batman, Dark Knight, Joker, and The Batman movie franchise; and actor Sam Witwer from Star Wars.
“It’s amazing what our students are doing. I'm looking forward to the next 10 years–we’ve built something special here. I’m really grateful for the opportunity”, Louis Libitz teacher of Digital Filmmaking told us.
His students agree that the program is special.
“It exceeded my expectations,” said Lucas Rodriguez, a recent graduate from The School of the Arts East Brunswick Magnet School. Lucas plans to continue his studies at Rider University in hopes of becoming a cinematographer.
Marlee Marte, an incoming senior of the Digital Filmmaking program, said she had started her own YouTube channel while still in middle school and “it did pretty well.” A middle school counselor urged her to audition for the Digital Film Program. She noted that students in the program have access to “high-end equipment.”
“It’s really been great,” she said. “We’re always on set and on the go. It feels like we’re already working the job.”
Euridice Sagastume, a recent graduate from Perth Amboy who had a photo selected for a prestigious publication from among hundreds of entries, plans to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison in hopes of pursuing a career in cinematography and post-production filmmaking.
“Mr. Libitz pushed me to learn things,” she said. “It introduced me to everything and I realized I really like filmmaking.”
Mr. Libitz said that New Jersey is quickly becoming a center for filmmaking, with Netflix planning a studio in Monmouth County among other developments.
“There are going to be lots of jobs for our students,” he said.
The School of the Arts at East Brunswick Magnet School offers various career pathways including Music Performance and Technology, Arts Technology, Dance, Theater Arts, Graphic Design, and Multimedia Art and Design. Be sure to look out for their next student film, it’s sure to be captivating.
Recently, five students from Mr. Libitz’s program had short films that were named official selections at the prestigious All American High School Film Festival 2024 in New York City. This festival received over 2,500 submissions from 50 states and 40+ countries. Congratulations to ME vs ME by Lucas Rodriguez (Alum '24), SUBJECTIVE WORLDS by Euridice Sagastume (Alum '24), FRESH KILLS (Drama) by Caleb Sambucci, LAFAYETTE & NOBLE by Josias Ortiz, and A TALE OF TWO IDIOTS by Louis Turco. Screening took place in October at AMC Theaters in Times Square. To view all Official Selections, please visit https://www.hsfilmfest.com/2024-official-selections.
