Spring Break
Blockbusters, wannabes, film education
Scott Dennis
Issue date: 10/6/08 Section: Forum
With the success of the few film classes at OSU, it would only be reasonable to add a few more to the curriculum. Students have shown an immense interest in cinema, so why not? And while we're at it, let's add an animation class or two. Animated features don't get much attention in OSU's film studies classes, despite their importance in the history of cinema. More than that, there are doubtless many students interested in the art of animation itself, many of whom would like to learn more about the making of an animated film.
Quite a few students in the Intro to Film Studies classes are interested in entering the film industry, which - considering the state of the economy - isn't a bad idea. A recent SNL Kagan study found that Hollywood is pretty resilient in rough times. Consider, for example, that Hollywood's "Golden Age" took place during the Great Depression.
Oregon State needn't attempt to emulate famed art school CalArts, whose list of alumi reads like a register of Academy Awards nominees (i.e. Brad Bird, John Lasseter, Tim Burton, etc). It would be prudent, however, to strengthen and expand OSU's film curriculum. With a better program, the university could produce filmmakers capable of making films like "Wall-E" or "The Dark Knight." Heck, they might even be able to make the "Superman" reboot sound less cringe-inducing. Maybe.
Quite a few students in the Intro to Film Studies classes are interested in entering the film industry, which - considering the state of the economy - isn't a bad idea. A recent SNL Kagan study found that Hollywood is pretty resilient in rough times. Consider, for example, that Hollywood's "Golden Age" took place during the Great Depression.
Oregon State needn't attempt to emulate famed art school CalArts, whose list of alumi reads like a register of Academy Awards nominees (i.e. Brad Bird, John Lasseter, Tim Burton, etc). It would be prudent, however, to strengthen and expand OSU's film curriculum. With a better program, the university could produce filmmakers capable of making films like "Wall-E" or "The Dark Knight." Heck, they might even be able to make the "Superman" reboot sound less cringe-inducing. Maybe.
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