Corisa Waldrop already is getting an opportunity to work behind the scenes, thanks to the Georgia Film Institute.
Waldrop, one of the first students in the new program by Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, has worked on class projects as a screenwriter and creating videos for a local high school. She has also earned a certificate to be a technical production assistant. Waldrop is now working toward an associate's degree in hopes of joining Georgia's booming film industry and being a screenwriter or photography director.
The curriculum offered by GFI, which seeks to give students the skills necessary to fill the employment gap in the state’s entertainment industry, was written in conjunction with production studios and individuals working in the industry, said Scott Votaw, executive director of GFI. Courses in areas such as hair and makeup, on-set production, scenic technician and more aim to prepare students to find entry-level jobs.
Students can earn technical certificates through GFI, and advanced degrees will be possible within the year, according to the school. GFI plans to partner with industry professionals to train students and provide professional learning opportunities.
Waldrop shared what she’s learning about the entertainment field and her goals.
Why the film industry: I started working at the movie theater in my hometown when I was 16, and I've always been really fascinated with film and having a visual medium that's so representative of our culture and our time. My bachelor's [from Faulkner University] is actually in creative writing, and so I started with that — with a storytelling background — and I've just always wanted to be able to translate that to film.
Opportunities for females in the film industry: I definitely think that it's something that is opening up a lot, especially in the last 10 years. Women are getting so much recognition in the industry. Directors, or writers, or even actresses are more respected than they have been previously. And it's really encouraging to see that too, because I know that even in my classes, there's only four or five women including myself.
How the Georgia Film Institute is helping her move forward in her career: I'm hoping that through the experiences we've had [at GFI] and the events or different projects that we as students are doing on our own, I'll be able to get my name out there and get some of my feature work out there, to get together a portfolio and just start making my own projects. I will definitely want to start working on sets and just start at the bottom and see what connections I can make and go from there.
Her advice for others: Don't wait. Don't put it off, because you're afraid or you don't have enough information. You just have to be courageous enough to pursue your dream.
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