Hi Binghamton!

FPS (Film and Production Society) is being threatened to be replaced. While a new opportunity for Binghamton students is cool, it should not come at the cost of taking away the important, necessary, and historic space of FPS. 

FPS was formally known as BTV (Binghamton Television) until 2023 when we merged with the Cinema Society. Before then, BTV has been a household organization since 1982 and even before then the organization existed as Harpur Television Workshop which has been around since at least the 70s. 

The space, UB14C, located right under Shake Smart, has a lighting rig, specifically built for the use of filming and lights. The studio was created with the clear intention to house filming resources and be an environment for the producing, creating, editing, set building, and crafting of TV shows and student films. The space is therefore necessary, especially, as the only other locations that have a lighting rig are classrooms in Fine Arts, which are actively used and programed for specific productions that go on in the semester. While we were offered another room with computers, editing is only one facet of the production process. E-Sports on the other hand is much more flexible in its location requirements. 

FPS holds a sentimental value as well as being a valuable investment for Binghamton and its students. Not only does it have great memories (ex: we found a yearbook from the early 2000s the other day), but cinema allows multiple departments and types of people to get involved and have a hands-on way to learn and grow as filmmakers, directors, producers, artists, editors, writers, cinematographers, and that is not even starting with the administrative side of what it takes to run the club. FPS uniquely, is NOT limited to strictly cinema majors/minors and allows for equipment, resources and an environment based on team-building, creativity, and problem-solving as students bond over their collective love of film.

Clearly, the arts are important and students need every opportunity to cultivate their skills. FPS is student-run and furthermore gives industry specific experiences whether it be connecting with current voice actors (Kira Buckland, Rachael Chau) or art directors (Richard Lieberman - worked on Oppenheimer). 

Replacing FPS would not only be detrimental to FPS but the film community of Binghamton, which was one of the first film schools on the East Coast (founded in 1970). The development of something new is not limited by our existence, but ours is if we are replaced. Please join us in showing the importance of FPS and its right to continue as an institution, especially in our current space, so that we can continue to serve as a part of Binghamton and create great things.

Sincerely,

FPS :)