Life in Film School

Many student artists exist on our campus whether as a career purpose or as a favorite past time of theirs. This week's topic begins with our up and coming filmmakers from the Film & Electronic Arts Department on upper campus.

As a film major, the possibilities are endless in what you want to focus in whether it's screenwriting, being a cinematographer, theorist, a director, etc. In an environment that's both friendly and full of professional help, our campus film department has made a positive impact on many diverse fresh-faced filmmakers.

"What I like about the film department is the people that truly make an environment of curiosity and thirst for everything film," says Adrian Frias, a fifth year in the Narrative Production: Cinematography track. "I believe that this is key in the growth of any filmmaker; to be immersed with passionate like-minded people."

"There are many classes that offer good hands-on experience with all kinds of film equipment," says Laura Barton, an England exchange student. "I suppose I am doing more production classes though, since I don't get the opportunities to do those sorts of classes where I'm from."

"The film department enables me to learn beyond what the average person knows about film," says Kevin Tran, a graduating senior in the Theory & Practice of Cinema option. " He confirms that some of the professors are informative as well as charismatic, and have shaped his view on film. "These particular classes make me a better writer and it allows me to better think outside of the box. It allows me to expand my creativity."

Patrick Ho, a junior in the Narrative Production: Cinematography track, expresses his gratitude and excitement as a film student. "I chose the cinematography track and it most definitely helped me, " he says. "I have a good understanding of lighting and framing, and it's showing more and more in my work, so that's exciting!"

With the increasing standards set out in the professional world (like our fellow alumni Spielberg did), the biggest challenge for us, young cinematic storytellers, is to continue be creative in our content and be creative in our ways to expose it for the rest of the world to see.