In 2009, Florida Film Academy was born in Orlando, Florida. The company was formed with an important goal in mind: to create a youth program that integrates STEM learning into creative classes about moviemaking, stop motion, YouTube, animation, coding and photography. By Kelsi Trinidad
In 2009, Florida Film Academy was born in Orlando, Florida. The company was formed with an important goal in mind: to create a youth program that integrates STEM learning into creative classes about moviemaking, stop motion, YouTube, animation, coding and photography.
“We are a STEM-based curriculum, but we do it through creativity, and I think it opens the door to science, technology, engineering, and math to a lot more kids,” said Florida Film Academy Co-founder and Six Pixels CEO Kay Hill. “Perhaps, kids who may not be strongly academic suddenly realize, ‘I can do this,’ and we love that.”
Shortly after opening, Florida Film Academy’s unique program gained popularity in the local community and began to expand to other locations in Florida. Soon, the founders were considering ways to get their innovative program to more communities across the country. In 2018, Six Pixels became the franchising branch of the program.
“We wanted to make sure that the program could be available to as many kids as possible,” explained Hill. “The other side of it is creating something that gives people an opportunity to create their own business and to design it in a way that works for them.”
In the coming year, Six Pixels is hoping to expand its national locations, with a focus on increasing Florida territories while prioritizing student education and satisfaction. Hill is excited to welcome prospective franchisees who are passionate about education and the company’s unique philosophy.
While a background in education or the film industry is helpful, they are not required. Six Pixels provides training that equips franchisees to implement their curriculum successfully and grow their business. “It’s about people skills and a passion for community and education,” said Hill.
At the heart of Six Pixels’ mission remains its students. “I watch them learning, how much fun they’re having and their successes,” said Hill. “You see that, for the kids, it’s really working, and they finally realize that STEM is for them too.”
Kelsi Trinidad