Growing film and media arts program encourages creativity
0By Makayla Colley
“Film is truth 24 times per second,” Jean-Luc Godard said. In this media-dependent culture, the Film and Media Arts (FMA) major at UPIKE gives students a head start.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2011, 2.8 million people are employed in the media industry. From 2012 to 2017, the media market shows a steady and stable growth. In 2012, $178.8 billion was spent on media, and statistics show that in 2017, $225.8 billion will be spent on the use of media and advertising.
The University of Pikeville’s FMA program began fall 2012 and is dedicated to the study of film and digital media with the use of digital technology and traditional forms of visual artistic methods of expression through images. It provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the history, language, social and cultural aspects of film, television, and digital media.
The FMA major began fall 2012.
“The initial idea for the program came from Gov. Patton. From there, we assembled a group of faculty to research and write curriculum and design the new program. We met over a period of months, work-shopping and designing, and came out with the program as it exists now. We had so much support from the faculty and staff during the creation of the program, and that support has continued,” Bruce Parsons, program director and assistant professor of film and media arts, said.
The curriculum for the program includes: FMA 130: History of Electronic Communication, FMA 235: Digital Media, FMA 245: Scriptwriting, FMA 290: Special Topics, FMA 330: Intermediate Broadcasting, FMA 335: Digital Film Production, FMA 355: Advanced Studies in Film, FMA 390: Special Topics, FMA 400: Senior Production, FMA 498: Internship in Film and Media Arts and FMA 499: Directed Study in Film and Media Arts.
The new program is growing with 11 students enrolled in fall 2013. This spring, it will produce its first graduate, Thomas Grajeda.
“The FMA program here at UPIKE has taught me the different aspects of media available in the world from radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, film, journalism, and other media outlets. The experience I received in the FMA program has given me the confidence to tackle any media outlet in the world,” Grajeda said.
The program prepares students for an advanced study in film and media arts. Students that graduate with the experience in film and media arts may choose to enter career fields such as journalism, broadcasting, video and multimedia production, audio production, public relations, web design, publishing, video game programming and advertising.
“I think the program provides a creative and technical outlet and opportunity for the students at UPIKE. Non-FMA majors are also learning skills in storytelling and visual representation that are beneficial in almost any career. As the program continues, the courses will have even more integration with the community and it will serve as an ambassador from the university to the region,” Parsons said.
The FMA program has opened the doors for many students to broaden their minds and creative perspective. The program established Bear TV, films sporting events, creates documentaries, makes short films, writes for the Bear Facts, conducts interviews, and performs many more media activities.
“The FMA program has given me the chance to show off my creative mind and has built my skill level by working with cameras either in front or behind the camera. I have taken classes like sports radio and intermediate broadcasting that has given me a strong foundation to build my confidence in talking and sharing my ideas,” Dontevius Daniel, junior FMA minor, said.
Pike TV is an integral aspect aspect to the FMA program as a local studio, a classroom, and a second home to some students. Pike TV has opened up many doors with its professional quality programming. Pike TV is able to provide informative television programs, equipment, and quality advice to the FMA students.
“The transition from communication to working with film and television was relatively easy. I had taken two internships with Pike TV while in college and also did freelance work on the side. If you’re looking for a Monday through Friday 9 to 5, this field isn’t for you. Whether it’s ball games, government meetings, or special events/occasions, you have to work when these events take place. A lot of the time that requires working evenings/nights and weekends. You have to understand and be able to effectively use the newest technology to ensure you stay on top of your field,” Ronnie Hylton, communication alumnus and Pike TV employee, said.
The FMA program at UPIKE is able to provide quality hands-on production and post-production experience.
The production equipment that is used provides the students with a quality learning experience. Students use Sony digital video camera, XDCAM EX and NXCAM cameras, tripods, wireless microphone kits, zoom, audio recorders, shotgun microphones, lighting packages, production switcher, green screen technology and live stream devices. Video and editing lab software includes access to Final Cut Pro 7, Adobe Creative Suite and various other audio/video tools and software.
“I believe the benefits of the job far outweigh the odd days and hours. In this field, you’re usually the first to know what’s going to happen and take place in our area. I’m always well informed of all news and events taking that are taking place. It’s like getting a sneak-preview of everything before the general public gets to see or hear it,” Hylton said.
The FMA program continues to grow and brings much excitement to this campus with a lot of promise in its future.
“The program will continue to develop a sense of creation on campus. Students come to my office each week with great ideas for films or projects they want to create, and this program will make it possible for students to realize those visions,” Parsons said.