West Los Angeles College
Tenure Track Portfolio
Assistant Professor, 2023
Self-Evaluation:
Over this past year, I have brought exciting new energy and a fresh, kind, collaborative spirit to West Los Angeles College. I have grown quite a bit as I have navigated the challenges that have continued to plague our department since Laura Peterson's passing. I am hoping that I have helped in as many ways as possible, primarily by finding and attending training as to how to handle a toxic work environment.
I have learned the importance of being even more organized than I already was to prioritize the needs of the department and West Los Angeles College. I have become even more of an expert with respect to writing certificate programs in Animation, Gaming, VFX, and Virtual Production, and I have made connections with the top leaders in these fields to forge ahead with our certificates. I am excited to see the fruits of this labor in the form of students well-prepared to work in these fields and who will have successful, fulfilling, careers that benefit our world.
My colleagues are awesome! Everyone has made me feel welcome, has been there to give advice and has made me feel heard. I am so grateful to work with them. We are building a great team. I am so grateful to be a member of the Student Success Committee, and have already realized the dream of a computer lab in the Library, equipped with Avid Media Composer and the Adobe Creative Cloud. I chose this committee because I wanted to add positivity and empowerment to our community. It feels great to make such positive change in such a short period of time. This committee is amazing and as you will see below, we are making many other positive changes, as well.
I have divided this Self-Evaluation into seven sections. Please click on a section heading to jump to that section. To return to this list, click on the section heading within the section you are reading:
I am most proud of developing and teaching Virtual Production for Film, and the SIGGRAPH 2023 Field Trip, which my students greatly appreciated, and in which I established a relationship with Phil Galler, one of the most important people in the development of Virtual Production for Film. Please read more about these two accomplishments below:
-
Developing and Teaching Film Production 201:
In Spring 2023, I developed and taught the first and only Virtual Production for Film class offered in the entire Los Angeles Community College District, FLM PRD 201. I spent the Fall and Winter 2022 semesters researching computer requirements and downloading appropriate software into the Macs in ATA 218 in order to teach FLM PRD 201. I discovered along the way, that Macs require an application called Xcode, just to run Epic Unreal Engine 5.1 software, and I spent hours on each computer ensuring that I could make each computer work. Some computers were too old to run Unreal Engine 5.1, as they could not be upgraded to Ventura OS, which is necessary to run Xcode. This work was beyond assistance from the IT department. In addition to setting up the computer lab appropriately, I learned that PCs are more appropriate to run Unreal Engine 5.1. I also spent hours creating lesson plans and getting up to speed to teach Unreal Engine 5.1. The result was a robust class with inspired, successful students.
During FLM PRD 201, and thanks to help from Charlie McIntyre, I brought Eric Rigney from Mo-Sys, recommended by IATSE Local 695, to demonstrate to our students and faculty, how Unreal Engine 5.1 interfaces with cameras in a Virtual Production Volume. Mr. Rigney's presentation went so well that we are on-boarding him as an adjunct to teach FLM PRD 203 - Camera for Virtual Production. Please see a video below of Mr. Rigney's Demonstration and additional videos below of student work from Film Production 201. Also, please go to Graded Assignments for more examples of student work. Please be sure to turn on the sound, and note that a play button appears in the center of each video, allowing you to start and stop playback.
Eric Rigney, Mo-Sys: Camera for Virtual Production Presentation
Jenna Drake, Student - Metahuman Assignment
Bobby Dacones, Student - Virtual Landscape Assignment
Reilly Barratt, Student - Virtual Landscape Assignment (No Sound)
-
SIGGRAPH 2023 Field Trip, August 7, 2023:
I spent months procuring a summer field trip to the 2023 SIGGRAPH Conference. I continually negotiated with the SIGGRAPH Education Chair, Glenn Goldman, to grant our students $8,300.00 worth of registration fees, more than any other school. Our field trip included a high level of admission valued at $325.00 each, for 20 students to meet and attend seminars hosted by top level people in the Virtual Production and entertainment world, admission to the SIGGRAPH Job Fair, and many other opportunities. Mr. Goldman also gave us registrations for 40 additional students, valued at $45.00 each, which allowed admission to the Job Fair, Exhibition Hall, and other exciting opportunities. At this conference, one of our students met and networked with the inventor of Adobe Photoshop, Thomas Knoll.
I am happy to say that I met and established a connection with Phil Galler, the CEO of Lux Machina, one of the most important companies in the Virtual Production world. Mr. Galler agreed to help West Los Angeles College build an appropriate Virtual Production curriculum, in process. Please see email below:
Certificate Program Development and Release Time:
I am happy to report that after months of research before and during my release time, the following four certificate programs, including additional and revised classes, are on their way to being approved:
-
Virtual Production
-
Animation
-
Gaming
-
VFX
Before and during my release time, I did the following:
-
I researched these industries, securing data and viewing programs and courses being offered at other institutions.
-
I researched hardware, such as PCs and LED walls, and determined what kind of space and hardware would be required.
-
I researched and / or taught the best software for each pathway, such as Epic Games Unreal Engine 5.1, including Metahuman, Quixel Photogrammetry library, Foundry Nuke, and Unity. An excellent part of this research was my ability to develop, study, and successfully teach FLM PRD 201, the first and only Virtual Production for Film class taught in the LACCD. Please see above for those specifics.
-
I read The Virtual Production Field Guide, Volumes 1 and 2, 250 pages of valuable information essential to working in this emerging field.
-
I met with industry professionals working in these fields, garnered their advice, and even secured their commitment to helping build our program and teach these courses:
-
I brought in Eric Rigney, from Mo-Sys, and highly recommended by Local 695, to teach Camera for Virtual Production.
-
I am working with Phil Galler, founder, and CEO of Lux Machina, one of the most important companies in this field, to help us develop our program.
-
I am working with Ken Nakada, Head of Virtual Production Operations at Amazon Studios to secure their Virtual Production Volume as our training facility. Please see our LinkedIn Correspondence below:
-
With help from Jason Librande and Elise Forier Edie, the following timeline is in place:
-
November 1, 2023: Found Program Endorsement Briefs on Animation and Gaming from Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research. Jason Librande will request reports on VFX and Virtual Production from Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research.
-
November 5, 2023: Complete 4 NOIs for each of the above pathways and submit to Jason Librande.
-
November 15, 2023: Attend Curriculum Committee Meeting via Zoom to discuss the above pathways and their justification according to Centers of Excellence for Labor Market Research.
-
November 15, 2023 - January 31, 2024: Meet with Jason Librande and Elise Forier Edie to continue writing four certificate programs above, new courses, and revised courses required by each certificate program. Obtain approval and launch each certificate program.
Professional Development and Flex Time:
As a new Assistant Professor, I have attended many Professional Development events. please see below and click here to see a downloadable pdf of my Vision Resource Center Transcript Report of Completed Events:
-
June 22, 2023: Attended AME Institute Burbank Community College Day hosted at IATSE Local 80 and Woodbury University, interfacing with Allison Frenzel, Adriana de la Cruz, Adam Fowler, and many other colleagues. Attended seminars on Virtual Production, Gaming, E-Sports, Animation, and how these fields impact the California economy. Networked with Locals 700 - Editors, 705 - Costumers, 892 -Costume Designers, 800 - Art Directors Guild, and others, at the below-the-line Crafts Fair. See Allison Frenzel speaking about Registered Youth Apprenticeships below:
Below are some highlights of the above report:
-
October 6, 2023: Attended Toxic Behavior HR Webinar, Stop Letting that Difficult Person Ruin your Day: Effectively Handle Toxic People for Better Productivity and Less Drama, presented by Beverly Beuermann-King. Purchased tickets for 4 colleagues. Learned to stop dwelling in "What is wrong," and how to move into problem solving.
-
August 24, 2023: Attended West Los Angeles College Flex Day and learned about Yes, And way of thinking.
-
August 6 - 9, 2023: Attended SIGGRAPH Conference, as explained above, instrumental to garnering important connections, such as with Phil Galler, and learning the latest trends in film production, including the role of AI, Metahuman, Performance Capture, Epic Games Unreal Engine, and WētāFX.
-
June 14, 2023: Attended LACCD | ODEI | EEO Training For Hiring Committee Members.
-
June 14, 2023: Attended LACCD | ODEI | EEO Representative Training.
-
May 3, 2023: Attended Dismantling a Toxic Work Environment Webinar presented by University of Phoenix Inclusive Leadership Summit, with students in FLM PRD 201, and engaged in lively discussion.
-
April 26, 2023: Attended Strong Workforce | Los Angeles Regional Project Industry Engagement: Amazon Studios seminar with Nick Pepper and tour of Virtual Production Volume at Stage 15, with Ken Nakada, Head of Virtual Production Operations at Amazon Studios. Working with Ken Nakada to bring students to Amazon Studios to train in Virtual Production volume. See LinkedIn, above.
-
February 26, 2023: Attended Fliqs Media + Famecast Women in Film Festival in Santa Monica, CA, hosted by student Gabi Mayorga.
Committees and Campus Involvement:
As of September 13, 2023, I am an official member of the Student Success Committee and have already made profound positive changes for student success. I am also happy to report that I have been as involved as possible with West Los Angeles College. Below are some highlights:
-
October, 2023: Through Student Success Committee, helped with plan to open a cafe and reopen the cafeteria at West Los Angeles College.
-
October, 2023: Currently researching acquiring furniture for student lounge facilities in ATA building.
-
September - October, 2023: Worked with Susan Trujillo, Laura Guichard, and Ebrahim Malekahmadi to expand the West Los Angeles Library's Computer Lab to accommodate students who need Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, and Avid Media Composer. This lab is successfully up and running.
-
September 13, 2023: Officially voted in as a Student Success Committee member.
-
June 6, 2023: Attended West Los Angeles College Commencement Ceremony.
-
June 6, 2023: Attended Hollywood CPR Reception at Watson Courtyard.
-
June 2, 2023: Attended first Student Success Committee meeting.
-
May 1, 2023: Attended Tim Welch monthly IDEA FIG meeting to support students, colleagues, and communities.
-
April 25, 2023: Attended Professional Development Committee Meeting hosted by Leslie Tejada.
-
March 29, 2023: Met with Pat Zuk to learn more about Committee involvement and Academic Senate, and met with Vered Mirmovitch to discuss Student Success Committee.
-
Attending WestConnect meetings to learn how to best serve the Campus community, and because as a late hire, I missed a few meetings.
-
Have met with my mentor, Tim Welch. Tim has been a kind and wise person. I am grateful to have him as a mentor.
-
Have attended Film Production events at Father's Office.
I am dedicated to assisting the growth of Film/TV Production Crafts in a powerful, proactive manner. As such, I have done and will continue to do the following:
-
As detailed above, writing additional courses, updating courses, and writing Certificate Programs for the following Film/TV Production Craft pathways, with help from Jason Librande, Elise Forier Edie, and Phil Galler from Lux Machina. Will also obtain approval for these pathways:
-
Animation
-
Gaming
-
VFX
-
Virtual Production
-
-
As explained above, in the process of forming partnership with Amazon Studios' Head of Virtual Production, Ken Nakada, to train our students at Amazon Studios.
-
Assisted with writing and updating Technology and Program Expansion sections of 2023 Program Review.
-
Continually recommending new PC lab with 30 computers to be used for Animation, Gaming, VFX, and Virtual Production pathways, through purchase requests and Program Review.
-
Migrated my FLM PRD 129 Canvas course to Fall 2023 semester to assist students from 126 course, Laura Guichard and Rina Klanfer, per students' requests.
-
As explained above, utilized the classes that I wrote with Laura Guichard to teach Film/TV Production Crafts:
-
Film Production 201, Introduction to Immersive Media:
Beginning Unreal Engine & Unity, successfully taught this class, assigning students to develop virtual worlds and to film with a virtual camera in those worlds. Created all content for this class, including syllabus, entirely new lesson plans, and Canvas Shell. -
Installed Unreal Engine and X-Code into all computers in ATA 218.
-
Film Production 203, 3D Camera Technology for Virtual Production:
Further developing this class to be taught by Eric Rigney. Successfully brought him to teach as a professional expert, Spring 2023. Helped to facilitate his being hired as an adjunct to teach FLM PRD 203.
-
-
Hiring committee member for new Full-Time faculty member, developing writing sample question and ensuring that accompanying video was accessible to candidates. Meticulously read candidates' applications and made recommendations.
-
Compiled and organized 2023 Film Production Purchasing Requests Excel Spreadsheet and emailed to Tiffany Miller.
-
Updated Hollywood CPR Website.
-
Updated information for instructional videos that I made for Directed Study students to learn how to build Canvas ePortfolios.
-
Purchased refrigerator for ATA 217.
-
As an Avid Learning Partner, networked with AVID Product Evangelist, Michael Krulik, and participated in a photo shoot that resulted in West Los Angeles College students and faculty being represented on the AVID website. Please click to see our photos on the Site.
-
Revised the syllabi for Film Production 126 and 400 before last year's tenure review and have since revised the Syllabi for Film Production 100, 101, 120, 125, 128, 129, 185A, 200, 202, 285A, 291A, and 385A.
-
Revamped the Canvas shells for Film Production 126 and 400 before last year's tenure review, and have since revamped / am in the process of revamping the Canvas shells for Film Production 100, 101, 120, 125, 129, 185A, 200, 202, 285A, 291A, and 385A. Spent hours recreating Avid Media Composer Certification Exam questions into the Canvas Quiz format, adding appropriate rubrics, and adding photos and fun options to the Canvas Shells per my Advanced Introduction to Online Teaching and Learning training.
-
In the process of providing Elise Forier Edie with helpful adjunct candidates to add to our part-time faculty so that we can continue to expand.
Teaching Philosophy, Style, and Integrity:
I believe that motion pictures are not only valuable forms of entertainment, but that they are world-changing, powerful forms of communication that shape societies. As a teacher of such a form of communication, not only do I feel that it is my duty to instill a sense of responsibility in the filmmaking process, but to help students understand the important role that media plays in their lives.
I am passionate about Film and Television storytelling in general, and I feel that such an approach inspires my students. I therefore make each subject as interesting and relatable as possible, while also addressing the many different learning styles of students. I embrace project-based, experiential learning because such an approach values the process as much as, if not more than the end result and allows for creative expression as well as the ability to make critical connections. I encourage lively class discussions, collaboration, and a strong respect for diversity of student populations, learning styles, and educational needs. I also encourage extra credit assignments that allow students to explore the world around them. For example, every semester, I encourage my students to go to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or to go on a Zoetrope finding scavenger hunt in Culver City and write a report about these experiences. My students love these assignments. Such an approach to teaching allows students to feel safe and free to enjoy the learning process, and as a result, my students excel beyond their expectations.
As an educator, I practice the following:
-
Teach my Film Production students with humor, compassion, clarity, and kindness, assisting them to be completely ready to ace the Avid Media Composer Certification Exam.
-
Ensure that all students are being treated with dignity and fairness, whether learning in an online environment with a Learning Management System such as Canvas, on Zoom, or in a hybrid environment.
-
Answer student Canvas emails in a timely manner.
-
Meet students via Zoom in a timely manner when they need help.
-
Grade student assignments in a timely manner.
When I first came to West Los Angeles College in 2019, I was amazed by Laura Peterson’s philosophy and have adapted it as my own. Please see Laura's bullet pointed list below.
Professional Behavior and Attitude:
Our work ethic as a directed study candidate creates lasting impressions in the field about yourself and our program. Therefore, as you begin to build your contacts and participate on productions you must:
-
Be professional and respectful, behaving properly at all times.
-
Always show up BEFORE YOUR CALL TIME.
-
Show up with and maintain a good attitude.
-
ALWAYS PUT SAFETY FIRST! Dress appropriately for the job, show up with required tools, AND Make the most of your experience.
-
Under promise and over deliver.
-
Be reliable.
-
Provide excellent value as you work.
-
Demonstrate appropriate set etiquette.
-
Accept your place on the crew.
-
Respect all levels of talent and crew and be an excellent team member, collaborating well.
-
LISTEN and FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS from all KEYS and CREW. WORK TOGETHER.
-
Be positive and confident.
-
Be passionate and committed to your job.
-
Take initiative to help out.
-
Strive to meet or exceed expectations.
-
Maintain accountability, accepting responsibility for your actions.
-
Always have integrity and be trustworthy.
-
Do EXACTLY what you are instructed to do.
-
Be grateful and show appreciation for every opportunity to work.
-
Remember, you are a WEST LA COLLEGE FILM STUDENT, YOU ARE NOT IN THE HOLLYWOOD CPR PROGRAM YET.
-
DO NOT PUT HOLLYWOOD CPR ON YOUR RESUME OR IN ANY OF YOUR COMMUNICATION for getting work. Your resume should include "Hollywood CPR Candidate," but in your communication you are not a graduate of Hollywood CPR, so you cannot include this in an email, text, or any other form of communication. This is important, as the expectations if you are a graduate are high and you are not there yet.