Utah may not have had a great reputation for filmmakers in the last few years, but one local arts school is hoping to change that perception with a new film school for high-school and college students.

Pam Lockwood, artistic director for Emerson-Smith College, a liberal-arts school based in Utah, said a new branch will be opening Oct. 1 for aspiring filmmakers all over Utah. REEL School, located in Springville, will be a total immersion program for filmmakers, who will graduate ready to enter the film industry, she said.

"The REEL School has come about because of so many people that want to make films," she said.

Lockwood said Utah is full of students anxious to learn the art and business of making movies, but prestigious film schools can be very expensive. Typical tuition for such schools can be $40,000, not counting boarding costs in a new state. Tuition at REEL School will be $9,400 per year, though the second year of school could be free of charge if the student does well enough.

"Film is very, very expensive, so we try to help them raise the tuition if they need it," Lockwood said.

The students who have applied for the school so far have been surprisingly committed to the difficult program, she said. From the very beginning, students will be required to make their own films. At first, the films will be made with whatever resources the students have, then they will gradually work with advisors to create a more refined product.

"Basically, it's just -- bam! -- you're making a movie," she said.

Lockwood said there are no requirements for students wanting to attend the school, they just need to be serious about filmmaking. Ages 16 and up are recommended, but younger students may apply. Lockwood said the independent nature of the classes necessitates a mature and serious student body.

"We're not a baby sitter," she said. "Nobody will baby-sit a film director."

The film students will learn several aspects of movie-making, including pre-production, editing and distributing. Students will also work with accomplished advisors in the film industry, including a graduate of the Emerson-Smith College arts school, Adam Abel, who was a producer on the film "Saints and Soldiers."

Bryce Fillmore, head of distribution for the Provo-based Stone Five Studios, said he and other film industry advisors to the school will provide leadership for the students. Students will be able to work alongside advisors at the studio in different projects.

"I've got some editing that I've wanted them to help post-production," he said.

Fillmore said he hopes to be able to put the students in touch with other professionals in the industry to help them get their feet in the door. Lisa Allen, secretary for Emerson-Smith College, said students who leave REEL School will be ready to enter into the workforce.

"They would be able to get their high-school diploma as well as their B.A. in fine arts and filmmaking," she said.