Movie Industry Pros Make Special Appearances to Inspire Students
Glendale Community College's Film and Media Production (FMP) Program students were recently treated to two separate visits by influential movie industry experts. The first event at GCC’s FMP Studio showcased a presentation by GCC alumnus and prolific production designer and artist John Eaves. A few days later, a panel starring Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) icon Bear Fiorda, internationally renowned media strategist Lady Summer Helene, the Baroness Morris of Ayrshire and Glenlyon, and celebrated makeup artist and Arizona Film Commission member Victoria Sandoval premiered at the FMP Studio.
John Eaves, in town to record an interview and participate in a discussion for a video celebrating GCC's 60th Anniversary, visited a video production class to discuss his vast experience and insights about the movie industry. Eaves also shared designs of starships and space vehicles he created for multiple Star Trek films and shows like Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: Discovery, and Star Trek: Picard. His work as an art director, storyboard artist, model maker, and concept artist for Hollywood movies spans more than 30 years. During that time, he designed props, vehicles, sets, and gadgets for such major film productions as Cowboys and Aliens; Oz the Great and Powerful; Captain America: The Winter Soldier; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; Iron Man 3; and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Eaves was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Art Director’s Guild in 2021.
Hollywood leaders Bear Fiorda, Lady Summer Helene, and Victoria Sandoval visited the FMP Studio to participate in a film panel presented by GCC’s Cinema Society. The speakers mentored the film club students by sharing valuable insights and career advice. Their guidance included strategic ways the aspiring filmmakers can leverage social media to promote themselves and their work and also build their professional network. Bear Fiorda, philanthropist and influencer, and Lady Summer Helene, television executive producer and talent manager, extended additional opportunities where students can gain industry experience through internships with them on their philanthropic and/or creative projects. “We’re not just here to talk; we’re here to make an impact,” said Lady Summer Helene, the Baroness. “Arizona is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, and we want these students to be a part of it. That means offering them internships, giving them access to real-world production sets, and guiding them as they transition from students to professionals.” Plans are underway for the impressive trio to return to GCC to meet with FMP students in another mentorship event next Spring semester.
GCC Film and Media Production Program students develop the creative and technical skills needed to work in the competitive film and video industry using the latest technologies to create real-world projects designed to develop their skills and professional work ethic. Comprehensive training in the craft, process, and theory behind visual storytelling is provided and includes coursework that covers all phases of the production process. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Film and Media Production is offered, as well as a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Documentary Film Production.
Glendale Community College provides 41 associate degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, the college is part of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District, has two campuses, enrolls approximately 26,000 students annually, and employs approximately 1,000 resident faculty, staff, and administrators with an operational budget of $83 million.
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GCC Media contacts:
Jeannie Berg at (623) 845-3761Jeannie.berg@gccaz.edu
John Heckenlaible, (623) 845-3809john.heckenlaible@gccaz.edu<