Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy (formerly known as Flashpoint The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences) is a private college located in Chicago, Illinois, offering 2-year programs in digital arts and entertainment technologies. Programs include Film & Broadcast, Recording Arts, Animation & Visual Effects, and Game & Interactive Media. Flashpoint Academy was founded by Ric Landry in 2007. Howard A. Tullman is the President and CEO. Flashpoint's inaugural class graduated on May 29, 2009, at the Chase Auditorium in downtown Chicago. A total of 91 students in four disciplines crossed the stage. John Tarnoff of Newspeak Media LLC gave the keynote address. Flashpoint offers two-year programs in the following areas: As of 2010, Flashpoint grants Associate of Applied Science degrees. National accreditation is currently pending. Flashpoint's programs start bi-yearly, in September and January. Throughout the course of a program, the average Flashpoint student spends half of their time at the main facility at 28 N. Clark, Chicago, and the other half of their time at a production complex (completed 2009) in the historic Merchandise Mart. Tuition cost is $25,000 per year.