MSU’s new film studies major prepares students for state's film industry
EAST LANSING, Mich. " Programs that offer film students a blend of theory and production technique, such as Michigan State University’s new film studies major, could help budding filmmakers take advantage of Michigan’s burgeoning film industry, says Emmy Award-winning documentarian Ken Burns.
(Media-Newswire.com) - EAST LANSING, Mich. — Programs that offer film students a blend of theory and production technique, such as Michigan State University’s new film studies major, could help budding filmmakers take advantage of Michigan’s burgeoning film industry, says Emmy Award-winning documentarian Ken Burns.
This fall, MSU’s College of Arts and Letters introduced the major – available through the Department of English – in addition to a film studies minor that replaces the former film studies specialization. Currently, 43 students are enrolled in the film studies program.
Burns’ latest film, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” debuted in September on Public Broadcasting Service. He will kick off the college’s Signature Lecture Series on Dec. 2 with a public lecture at Wharton Center for Performing Arts. While on campus, Burns will meet with students at the MSU Union to discuss documentary filmmaking.
“In tough economic times, it is even more critical to have a rigorous film studies program to prepare the legions of young people who will have to be conversant in the language of our new visual culture,” Burns said, “and be able to reflect the values and ethics so these new forms of communication do not control us, but rather continue to reflect our highest ideals.”
MSU also started two new specializations this fall: documentary expression and fiction film production.
“Our new programs were created largely in response to recent state of Michigan film initiatives and the significant student demand,” said Jennifer Fay, director of film studies at MSU. “They combine film studies ( history, theory, criticism ) and production technique, including screenwriting, directing, editing and sound design. This combination of film studies and production sets MSU’s programs apart from other universities’ offerings.”
In April 2008, Michigan enacted a law to provide tax credits for film production companies that shoot their movies in Michigan. So timing couldn’t be better for one of the industry’s most respected documentarians, Fay said.
MSU’s Center for Economic Analysis released a report in March indicating that in 2008, Michigan saw the completion of 32 film productions, generating more than $65 million in spending and creating more than 2,700 jobs.
Other recent MSU film initiatives include:
In June, 60 Michigan residents became the first graduates of the film-training program between MSU, Lansing Community College and Capital Area Michigan Works!
In February, Andrea Meditch, a noted film executive producer whose credits include the Oscar-nominated films “Man on Wire” and “Encounters at the End of the World,” joined MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences as director of the Film and Media Arts Initiative.
In spring 2009, documentary filmmaker Swarnavel Pillai was jointly hired by the departments of English and Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media ( in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences ) for the specialization in documentary expression. Pillai’s award-winning documentaries include “Thangam,” “The Indian National Army,” “Villu ( The Bow )” and “Quagmire.” Tickets for Burns’ lecture may be purchased through the Wharton Center box office. MSU faculty and students can obtain up to two free tickets for the event at the box office with MSU ID. For more information on Burns’ lecture, go here.
More information on MSU’s Film Studies program is available at this Web site.
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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.
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This story was released on 2009-11-11. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date. See our disclaimer for additional information.