Innovations in Saddleback’s Film Department
The importance and impact of Saddleback’s Film Production Department was stressed to students by Charlie Myers in his film production class on April 17.
Myers immediately began class by engaging students with humor. He continued to interact with students and kept their attention throughout the entire class.
“My absolute favorite part about my job is knowing every single one of my students in and outside of the classroom,” Myers said.
Myers reminded students to be careful with the equipment because it was brand new. The students are able to work with advanced, red digital cinema equipment this year because $115,000 was given to the department in the fall, Myers said.
“Red digital cinema is the new wave of film production, and we are the pipeline of it,” Myers said.
Clint Davidson, 19, a film major said, “We have the ability to make any type of film we want because of the equipment provided to us.”
Every single student in the class was excited to participate in groups to finish filming their final projects. The room was filled with props and cameras at the end of class.
Myers said the best thing about being a film major is that you are guaranteed a job directly out of college. He told students that the key is discovering a niche, whether it is animation, documentaries, designing, short feature films, producing, or directing.
Myers said the main difference between Film I and Film II is finding your identity within the field.
“Making a movie is the single most comprehensive challenge in art because it’s a character test,” Myers said.
Film II has been the most advanced film class at Saddleback in the communication arts department. This fall the department is hopeful to invite a Film III class, offered to students who have completed Film I and Film II as the prerequisites.
Myers believes in challenging his students every day. He integrated film terminology throughout his lecture in an amusing way to keep his students interested. He reminded his students that there were no rules for their final projects because he was their audience.
Stephen Cano, 20, a film major, smiled as he said, “I just love the freedom and amusement of this class.”
Myers said that the biggest hurtle the department is going to face in the fall is that the classroom will be moved because the library will be under construction. Myers does not think that this will affect the enrollment of his classes.
Currently, Saddleback’s film department is the core of communication arts, as shown on Saddleback TV (Channel 39).
“Overall, it is mission critical that we get support from the college and the district to keep our outstanding rank,” said Myers.
Myers’ film students displayed fascination in all aspects of the class. Their concentration was centered on the freedom involved in creating their own films. Myers generated laughter and enthusiasm in his students by reciting the quote of the department.
“As Saddleback Film, we are taught that death from overwork on production is the greatest glory we can achieve in our lives,” Myers said.