OUTCOMES MATTER – CCSU FILM STUDENTS AND ALUMNI PRODUCE FOR THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT

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Prior to the pandemic, several members of CCSU’s production faculty ran a pilot program in studio production.  Collaborating with Josh Therriault, an ESPN production artist and former CCSU Film graduate,  we developed a comprehensive studio curriculum, collaborated with industry artists and developed the most advanced productions and curriculum ever seen within CCSU’s studo.   

The new curriculum not only engaged CCSU film alumni, (as studio-mentors), but the changes also created a well-trained production team, which has been achieving unprecedented success ever since. 

From producing national segments for ESPN to developing award-winning films at festivals, the team also collaborated with grammy award winning artist, Pharoahe Monch to create his latest music video.  That production even inspired a Rolling Stone feature.   
 
While such accomplishments might seem unlikely at a state university, ensuring high standards, qualified instructors and student/alumni success, is the job.
 
In this latest milestone, CCSU’s pilot program alumni and students recently filmed, th1rt3en, which aired on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
 
Unfortunately, uplifting standards at a state university can be a dangerous path….and filled with backlash.
 
Even as the student achievements continue, the pilot program was illogically discontinued.   These administrative actions cut off CCSU’s engaged alumni-mentors, as our industry-collaborators were thanklessly let go.  Welcome to innovation within production at CCSU.  
 
Even more absurd, the university intends to spend additional state funds on an external evaluator for future production recommendations.  Perhaps successful production curriculums are not a good fit at CCSU.  On this end, producing such outcomes and student-skills,  is our job… and we have a long history of success…
 
In the meantime,  thank you to Josh Therriault, Rashad Frett, Arianna Thibodeau, Ricky Hamilton, Matt Kevorkian, Courtney Rush and David Rawolle – 
your work and national accomplishments are as inspirational and hopeful as it gets!
 
Posted by Jeff Teitler – Professor – CCSU FILM