Three disciplines merge to form school

What began as an idea among faculty with the University of North Georgia (UNG) came to fruition and is now the School of Communication, Film & Theatre within the College of Arts & Letters. It is housed in the Film & Digital Media building, the Performing Arts building, and part of Nesbitt on UNG's Gainesville Campus. Additionally, it has offices and a classroom on the Dahlonega campus.

"The school grew out of a recognition of all the ways that we were already working together across programs and all the potential there would be if we were housed in one unit," Dr. Jeff Marker, director of the School of Communication, Film & Theatre, said. "There have been a number of projects that necessitated shared resources and collaboration between the film and theatre programs. It has been very beneficial for students, and it produced some really high quality work. We hope to build on that."

Marker said that over the past few years more and more actors from the theatre department and the Gainesville Theatre Alliance have been appearing in student film productions, raising the quality of the work. The educational experience is also elevated because directors and everyone on set are working with talented, well-coached actors.

The school grew out of a recognition of all the ways that we were already working together across programs and all the potential there would be if we were housed in one unit.

Dr. Jeff Marker

UNG director of the School of Communication, Film & Theatre

Numbers show the film program has skyrocketed, which Marker attributes to growth with the film industry in the State of Georgia and the quality of the school’s program.  There are currently 317 students in the film pathway, Marker said. Film & digital media majors have increased from five in 2015 to 32 within four years.

"Our program has steadily improved in terms of faculty and what we offer. And then, of course, there is the new Film and Digital Media building," Marker said. "These are facilities that rival any in the Southeast. There's always been demand for a program to learn how to produce film and television. But 10 years ago you had to leave Georgia if you wanted to sustain a career. Now, you don't and that really makes a difference."

Being able to stay in Georgia increases the attractiveness of a career path.

"Film and television production is so diverse. People often think of it as writing, directing, acting, and editing. But the fact is, so many of the skills that students in the theatre program learn are directly transferable to a film set. Lighting, rigging and the design and technical work all happen on a film set, too. It's very comparable to what is learned in the theatre program," Marker said.

Films need to be promoted and skills learned in the communication program are very valuable in the film and television industries.

Film and theatre aside, the communication bachelor's degree program includes concentrations in multimedia journalism, public relations, and organizational leadership.

The UNG debate team and the Vanguard student media, along with a number of other clubs and organizations, including the Screenwriters Guild Student Film Association, will be housed within the school. 

"We house all of these student organizations that complement the programs and create additional opportunities for students," Marker said. "We know we will enrich the entire Gainesville Campus by forming the school."