Film Dept. Confusion Explained, New Horizons Await

After misconceptions from students of low enrollment and disorganization within Loyola’s Film and Digital Media program last semester, the School of Communications (SOC) is entering a chapter of stabilization through reformed scheduling, launch of the Media Fellow’s Program and the design of Studio B.

Last fall, several upper-level classes were canceled or consolidated, The Phoenix previously reported. The changes ensured film classes had enough students to provide them the full experience of learning production. Faculty and students said the program is now stabilizing, growing and expanding its professional reach amidst concerns of low enrollment, which Dean of the SOC Virginia McDermott explained was actually the result of scheduling conflicts.

To avoid future confusion, the SOC plans on rolling out a three year suggested course sequence so students can plan electives, production and study abroad opportunities.

Part of this adjustment in the film program includes reorganizing courses. Enrollment numbers are holding strong based on their faculty meeting at the beginning of the semester, according to Assistant Professor of Film and Digital Media and Director of Media and Technology Vincent Singleton. 

“Yes, we did have to cut a couple of classes last semester, however, this semester the result has been that there are more students per class,” Singleton said. “Those students come in with a lot of energy, and we’re trying to give them the space to work.”

Perceived changes in course enrollment last year were actually reflections of course scaffolding — where first-year courses build up to senior capstones. Associate Professor of Film and Digital Media Miguel Silveira said the observed drop in numbers was a result of the pandemic, from which the school is now seeing a steady recovery.

Silveira said part of the build up from students’ first year to fourth year courses will ensure they evenly learn different elements of film. By their final year, students will have logically progressed through learning the skills of writing, shooting, editing and producing professional-quality work.

A key feature of this shift is ensuring more collaboration between students in the SOC, such as with the creation of Studio B, a new student-centered production space located in the former dean’s office. There, students will be able to create integrated forms of media. The idea for the studio came to McDermott on her first day at Loyola July 2024 when she said she realized a need for a dedicated student space.

McDermott credited Singleton as the instrumental force in the creation of Studio B and said she plans on it being operational by one person through remote control activation. She said she hopes full equipment installation will be completed after fall break.

Alongside the implementation of Studio B, the new Media Fellows Program — geared towards first-year students from a variety of majors — forms a cohort which participates in classes together throughout their four years in the SOC, according to Media Producer Paul Quinn IV. 

The studio was first introduced during an admitted students day in February, where prospective students sat in on film classes and toured production spaces, according to Quinn. He said there was enough interest for the program to waitlist applicants.

“A lot of students are in the position where they’re leaving home for the first time, they’re on their own,” said Quinn. “I think having those communities are really huge and important, and they’ve already had that community before even stepping a foot onto campus.”

The sentiment was shared by Silveira, who said the events hosted by the Media Fellows Program reflect the program’s initiative to strengthen students’ preparation for professional development. 

Third-year film major Ty Smith said the program has offered a positive and community-driven experience, but is also concerned with the size of the program. With film often seen as a “risky” major, he said he hopes Loyola can find ways to encourage more students to join.

Singleton said the film program has evolved in attention towards industry the last three years as the university has invested in industry-level equipment and new curriculum. Part of this new curriculum includes cinematography courses Singleton developed in partnership with Resolution Digital Studios to support industry aspirations. In the courses, students work with production technology such as LED walls.

Two projects included in the curriculum are the collaboration project and the illumination screening, which helps students better specifically visualize their intent on screen, according to Singleton.

Along with restructuring the courses, Film and Digital Media Program Director Ayesha Abouelazm said the program is focusing on properly mentoring students, so they can get the best results and feel like their voices are being nurtured.

“I care so much about the students and want them to have the best experience, especially with the amount of tuition they pay,” Abouelazm said. “My hope is through trial and error, we become stronger. Like on a film set, you always learn something new.”