By Adam Moore’s first Fall semester at Long Beach State as the Chair of the Film and Electronic Arts Department brought many welcoming messages for film students of all calibers.
“It was the students that just bowled me over. The work ethic is amazing, everyone here is really hungry for knowledge. They want to learn, they want to hear what you have to say. That’s a real blessing that any professor will tell you. You don’t get those students anywhere you teach.”
The student turnout for the Student Film Mixer in early September proved to show the sheer excitement for a fresh start of the semester for film students. The film program at CSULB creates a variety of disciplines for film students to explore prior to deciding on a field of focus.
“The greatest thing about film school is…discovering yourself. What do you want to do, and so when you have the option to, taking as many different courses in different disciplines as you possibly can,” Moore said
Adam Moore taught as adjunct faculty since 2012 before transferring towards a full-time position in 2016 as a professor in screenwriting. Moore became interim Department Chair for the Department of Film and Electronic Arts shortly before officially accepting the position. Photo credit: Renzo Pocasangre
The question of higher education for film students reflects the adaptive nature of the film industry. Students can make the decision of focusing in an AVID certification as a post-production film technician, or take a creative approach with screenwriting and directing. Moore described the significance of having open dialogue between colleagues and professors to provide the necessary confidence needed to set higher standards.
Some problems that film students have when in a film program like that of CSULB is the viability of finding an available job after school. Moore delved into this by sharing his personal insight into the industry.
“I think for your average film student, you don’t necessarily need to go to [graduate] school. You come to a program like ours, you learn all the fundamentals. Whether you study editing and you get an AVID certification, you can go get a job right after school. Other positions too, you know how to be on a set. You get a job as a P.A. working your way up the departments” Moore said.
One of the many film clubs for film and electronic arts majors is none other than the Film Club. Women in Film is another popular club that allows and welcomes all individuals interested, focused on representation in film. Photo credit: Renzo Pocasangre
Film students at CSULB enjoy making connections between one another, whether it be a student focused on the documentary track, or women screenwriters and cinematographers. Students understand the importance of building connections that Moore described, and are up to the challenge of unifying through various clubs and discussions.
Film student Julia Nava, affiliate of the Women in Film club, is one of the many film students ready for student networking this semester;
“Film is all about networking and making connections, so for me this club is really about community and building that sense of community, especially being a woman in film,” Nava said.
Film and Electronic Arts students crowded the entrance of the University Theatre where tables were set for various film clubs while others chose to spark a conversation with film professors, including Adam Moore. Photo credit: Renzo Pocasangre
Moore described the coming changes to the Film and Electronic Arts Department that are currently in the works.
“By fall of ’24, we’re going to have a brand new renovated building with more space, another computer lab in the building, a great foley space for audio, and a new curriculum. It’s a really really exciting time to be in this department.” Moore said.
Students have a lot to look forward to this fall semester in the Film and Electronic Arts Department. Student club organizations and resources are located on the university website for the Department of Film & Electronic Arts.
