Our Founder - Christopher Watkins

Originally from southern California, Chris moved to Maine over twelve years ago and was immediately enchanted by the Maine way of life. What he found was not only a great place to raise his son but a vibrant community bustling with creative energy.
Like many aspiring writers, Chris caught the screenwriting bug about eight years ago. The only local opportunity to learn the craft was through a course at the University of Southern Maine. Taking the year-long course Chris realized that not everyone can afford the time or money to take a university level course for 2 1/2 hours a week for seven months!
     Chris quickly formed Silver Screen Dreams and hired USM Screenwriting Instructor Dan Chaimowitz to teach 2-day screenwriting workshops that would give aspiring writers an opportunity to learn the basics of the craft in a manageable amount of time.
     Dan's experience as a working screenwriter soon opened up the exciting world of  film production and a temporary hiatus from the educational world would follow but would always remain close to Chris' heart.
     His commitment to doing his part in creating a sustainable film industry within the state of Maine is what has brought him back to his educational roots. By offering a summer camp program devoted to film production, The New England Film Academy will be planting seeds that may someday prove to be beneficial to our state by bringing future productions to Maine. You never know if the next Steven Spielberg is out there just waiting for someone to show him or her the possibilities. 
    Thus the journey begins with the possibilities endless and a world of opportunity open to
all of you.