Each day, you will rotate between the following activities below so that you can experience various kinds of creative media production.
Digital Media: Photography & Music Production
Learn to use DSLR Camera to take more creative photos.
Use the Freestyle Recording Studio to record and produce music - be ready to record your favorite song, either sing and/or play an instrument with a backing track like these: Ex1 | Ex2 | Ex3
Since 2006, Freestyle Academy
Instructor of Digital Media
Leo Florendo is also the Program Coordinator & Systems Admin at Freestyle Academy. Prior to Freestyle Academy, Leo worked at Los Altos High School from 1997-2006 teaching Physics, AP Physics, Algebra II and Pre-Engineering. In addition to these classes, Leo was the Robotics Team Faculty Advisor, Marching Band Head Visual Instructor/Drill Designer, Site Technology Coordinator, Webmaster and team teacher in the Pre-Engineering program. While not teaching at Los Altos, Leo served as the Program Manager in the Collaborative of Higher Education Summer Internship Program at NASA Ames Research Center. Leo is a UCSC Banana Slug alum with a BA in Physics and Math and also an SJSU alum with a MA in Instructional Technology. Leo is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer where he served for 4 years in the Kingdom of Tonga from 1989-1992 as a Science, Math, English and Music Teacher. He taught English Conversation in Kure, Japan from 1993-1996. He and his Japanese wife are enjoying life with their 1 daughter, who is a Freestyle Alumna Class of 2024. Read more.
In 2018, Leo was named a recipient of Santa Clara County’s annual Texas Instruments Innovations in STEM Teaching Award. - Los Altos Town Crier Article.
Matt Taylor is a local product of Los Altos and a graduate of Mountain View High School. He received a Bachelors degree in Film and an Associates degree in Film/Television with an emphasis in Animation. He has worked in a variety of roles in the film and video industry including writer, director, editor, camera operator, and actor. His recent experience includes working in local sports broadcasts for the San Jose Giants, San Francisco Giants, and San Jose State University. Prior to teaching, he successfully owned and operated his own video production company catering mainly to private event and corporate work. He is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Freestyle Academy where he has the opportunity to share his passion for film, technology, and storytelling. When he isn't teaching or watching movies he enjoys playing baseball, ice hockey, and hitting the gym.
Using DSLR Cameras, create a Stop Motion animation with paper cutouts - examples
Since 2019, Freestyle Academy
Instructor of Animation
Tommy Cho is a passionate 3D Animator / Modeler / Texture Artist / Creative Director. MFA, BFA in Computer Arts/Animation from School of Visual Arts, NY with 15+ years of professional experience in animation, game industry and higher education of animation and game art processes. Excels at motivating and inspiring teams and students to deliver superb creative work under the tight deadline schedule since 2005. 3D Artist with a proven ability to develop high quality 3D arts as well as having a solid education and experience. He worked as an animator and 3D artist at many studios like Curious Pictures, Studio Xoop for many animation/game projects for famous clients, such as Nickelodeon, MTV, Mattel, AT&T and more. Former animation and game arts faculty and program director at Art Institute of California (San Diego/Orange County), Cypress College, Irvine Valley College, Art Center, Orange County School of the Arts and more.
AWARDS
The Dusty’s Film Festival sponsored by Warner Bros., Kodak Assoc., and School of Visual Arts
“The Rebirth” for the Best Computer Animation (New York, NY 1998)
Students’ Choice Award of Excellence in Teaching - The Art Institute of California. 2010. JUNE
Students’ Choice Award of Excellence in Teaching - The Art Institute of California. 2012. JUNE
