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It’s that time of year again at Columbia College Chicago. Halloween candy gives way to Christmas ornaments, the days turn dark way too early and prospective students
find themselves on campus.
We just had the graduate open house. I think the Cinema Art + Science part of the day went well. We took a tour of the Media Production Center (MPC) and Joe Steiff gave a thorough curriculum presentation. Between you and me this is one of my favorite events on campus. I find it a time to shed my academic cynicism and remind myself of why I came to Columbia College Chicago.

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To quote an out dated motto, I came to “create change” and develop my filmic voice. I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating. I say this because when I think about the Open House I recognize those prospective students looking to do something bigger than themselves. They want to be part of an artistic community.

It’s a privilege to share my experiences with people who may pursue a graduate degree at Columbia College Chicago. I think it’s important to come in with an open mind because you have to be flexible enough to face unforeseen challenges.

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On that note I’ve been facing some challenges of my own.  As midterms approach, deadlines for projects are not far behind. A huge challenge is working with other people when your grade is dependent on a project and theirs is not. So I’ve been trying to figure out how you keep people motivated on set.

The number one answer is food. Feed your crew. Number two is enthusiasm. No one will want to help a project when the director doesn’t want to succeed. No matter what you expect, or how much you plan, you will have challenges. What defines you is how you react to them.