What makes this program special?
The motion picture and television industries have changed more in the last 10 years than they have in the previous 50. With broadband, powerful consumer computers and sophisticated software available and affordable to all, the digital revolution had democratized and decentralized the field. How do you survive in this brave new world? WCU’s new program in motion picture and television production will prepare you to succeed by teaching the history, craft and art of television, as well as the most up-to-date technologies, presented by faculty with the highest level of industry experience. In a changing world, our focus is on the one skill that doesn’t change: How to tell a story on the screen – at your cineplex, on your television, computer or screens to come – in an entertaining and original way. 

Are there any additional admission requirements?  
A grade-point average of 2.5 is required and must be maintained to be enrolled in the program.

What scholarship monies are available?
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission. Additional scholarships are available based on FAFSA information.

What will I be able to do with this degree when I graduate?
There are hundreds of channels on your television and they all need programming. Corporate videos are a $4 billion-a-year business. Lawyers now present evidence on video. People are creating content for the Internet, cell phones and any other media with a screen. Our students at Western will have the skills to move on to Hollywood, New York or Silicon Valley and succeed at the highest levels. But many will seek their careers locally or regionally, where they will work for existing businesses or create their own while building their local economy. Our program addresses the needs of both groups and takes a generalist approach. 

What are the professors like?
All faculty members have extensive real-world professional experience. Program director Jack Sholder has directed movies and television programs for most of the major Hollywood studios and networks, and before that earned an Emmy for editing. Terry Curtis Fox (screenwriting) has worked on features and major TV series such as “Hill Street Blues” and “The Marshall,” and has served on the board of the Writers Guild of America. Before that he was a film critic in New York and Chicago. Arledge Armenaki (cinematography) has shot features in Hollywood and North Carolina, as well as documentaries and award-winning shorts. He also started the cinematography program at the N.C. School of the Arts 10 years ago. Bruce Frazier is a two-time Emmy Award-winning composer and music engineer who has extensive credits in the motion picture, television and concert production industries. Elizabeth Heffelfinger specializes in documentary and nonfiction films and their role in America after World War II.

What are the students in the program doing?
Since WCU’s program is brand new, there are no working graduates of the program. However, all current students are required to serve an industry internship in a production job. A number of students formed teams and entered the 48 Hour Film Project, a national contest where they were prizewinners in several categories.

Will I be able to participate in internships, clubs and other extracurricular opportunities?
A Film Club has been organized on campus to both make and screen films. The motion picture and television production program also is seeking to establish a relationship with a university abroad.

Contact

Jack Sholder
E-mail: jsholder@email.wcu.edu
phone: 828-227-2324
Visit the Motion Picture and Television Production Program Website