This document outlines Nathan Nkhoma's mastery journey timeline to obtain a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production. It details his goals, strategies, and resources for each phase of the program from 2014-2015. These include taking courses in filmmaking concepts, scriptwriting, directing, experimental filmmaking, visual storytelling, pre-production, production, post-production, film assembly, and the business of film. It also lists potential mentors in the film industry and references used to support the learning process. The overall goal is to gain confidence in filmmaking and editing skills to successfully complete the MFA.

1. MASTERY JOURNEY
TIMELINE
NATHAN NKHOMA

2. End Results
Successfully obtain a masters
degree. MFA Film Production.
Gain confidence in my own
filmmaking and editing skills

3. Mastery: Personal
Development and Leadership,
July 2014
Goals:
Understand the concept of
Mastery
Gain insight from the paths of
masters
Strategy:
Reading Robert Greene’s
Mastery.
Do all assignments.
Outline Mastery plan

4. Filmmaking Concepts
and Practices, August
2014
Goals:
Learn concepts that govern
Filmmaking
Learn the Hollywood standard of
filmmaking
Strategy:
Get to know my instructor
Take a lot of Notes and ask questions
Read article: Organizational
Storytelling: Metaphors for Relational
Power and Identity Struggles (Smith)

5. Script Production and
Analysis, September
2014
Goal
Learn to write and analyze scripts
Become a better storyteller
Strategy
Read Organizational Storytelling:
Metaphors for Relational Power
and Identity Struggles.
watch scripting tutorials on
lynda.com
http://www.lynda.com/iMovie-
tutorials/Writing-
script/53851/60353-4.html

6. Directing Talent,
October 2014
Goal
Gain an understanding of what it takes
to be a good director
Strategy
get to know my instructor
observe and absorb information from
the course.
watch tutorial.
http://www.lynda.com/Final-Cut-Pro-
tutorials/Directing-
shoot/103707/158371-4.html

7. Experimental
Filmmaking, November
2014
Goal
Gain knowledge of experimental films
and their practices.
Strategy
Take notes and ask questions
Watch tutorial on experimental films.
http://www.lynda.com/Video-
Filmmaking-tutorials/Creative-Spark-
Michael-Langan-Experimental-
Filmmaker/140917-2.html

8. Visual Storytelling and
techniques, December 2014
Goal
Learn how filmmakers evoke
emotions out of people with their
films.
Strategy
get to know my instructor
take notes and ask questions
read course text

9. Pre Production (Film
Prod. Thesis), January
2015
Goal
Learn more about the pre
production phase.
Strategy
Use skills that I already possess
watch lynda.com tutorial on pre-
production.
http://www.lynda.com/Excel-
tutorials/Estimating-pre-
production/96667/101282-4.html

10. Production (These II)
,February 2015
Goal
Learn the production phase
Strategy
Learn new camera skills
watch tutorial:
http://www.lynda.com/Video-
Filmmaking-tutorials/Camera-
Movement-Video-
Production/167570-2.html

11. Entertainment and
Communication LAW, March
2015
Goal
Gain knowledge of Entertainment
and communication laws.
Strategy
get to know my instructor
read course text.
read article by Timmer on
entertainment laws. ‘An Intergrated
approach to teach production and
entertainment Law’

12. Post-Production
Thesis III) ,April 2015
Goal
Learn the hollywood standard of
filmmaking
Strategy
Join a good team to work with
take notes and ask questions.
watch tutorial on post production:
http://www.lynda.com/Photography-
Cameras-Gear-tutorials/Post-production-
sharing/129008/144427-4.html

13. Film Assembly
(Thesis IV) ,May
2015
Goal
Learn how to assemble a full
feature film
Strategy
Use my editing skills
learn other video editing software.

14. Business of Film,
June 2015
Goal
Learn the business of film
Strategy
watch video on women in the film
business from lynda.com
http://www.lynda.com/lynda-com-
Presents-
tutorials/2010sbiffwomenspanelcreati
vewomeninthebusiness/79037-
2.html?srchtrk=index:1%0Alinktypeid
:2%0Aq:business%2Bof%2Bfilm%0A
page:1%0As:relevance%0Asa:true%
0Aproducttypeid:2

15. Clubs and Organizations to Join.
The Film Scene
Grammy U
Emerging Technology Group
Ableton Live Collective

16. Mentor Qualities
Professional
Honest
Reliable
Humble
Knowledgable
Creative
Curious

17. Possible Mentors
Josh Senior – Media Producer
Web: senior-post.com
Email: josh.senior@gmail.com
Twitter: @JoshSenior
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.senior
Michael Cina – Creative Director
Web:
Email: michaelcina@gmail.com
Twitter: @MichaelCina
Facebook: facebook.com/MichaelCina
Fabio Sasso – Media Creator
Web: Abduzeedo.com
Email: FabioS@abduzeedo.com
Twitter: @FabioSasso
Facebook: facebook.com/fabiosasso
Mark Siet – Media Producer
Web: nocturnalsoundlabs.com
Email: jmarcutiomovement@gmail.com
Twitter: @Marcutio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcutio
Ricardo Gimenes– Digital Media Producer
Web: ricardogimenes.com
Email: ricardogimenes@gmail.com
Twitter: @behindcadi
Facebook: facebook.com/ricardogimenes
Chris Georgenes– Media Creator
Web: keyframer.com
Email:chris@keyframer.com
Twitter: @FabioSasso
Facebook: facebook.com/fabiosasso

18. References:
Bell, M. (2013). Visual storytelling. Television, 50(10), 16-
17.
lynda.com
Smith, F. L., & Keyton, J. (2001). Organizational
Storytelling: Metaphors for Relational Power and Identity
Struggles. Management Communication Quarterly, 15(2),
149.
Timmer, J. (2006). Course File: An Integrated Approach
to Teaching Production and Entertainment Law. Journal
Of Film & Video, 58(4), 29-42.