Faculty Feature: Andrew Halasz, Cinema Arts
Professor Andrew Halasz received an M.F.A. in film and digital technology from Chatham University and a B.A. in communications from William Paterson University.
"The best thing we can do for students in the cinema arts program is to help them produce work — make films, create animations and write screenplays. All that we teach, the training we give, the projects we assign, have the end goal of engaging students in the experiential process of making work. This is what best prepares students to succeed in the industry after leaving Point Park."
What is your vision for the cinema arts department?
The best thing we can do for students in the cinema arts program is to help them produce work — make films, create animations and write screenplays. All that we teach, the training we give, the projects we assign, have the end goal of engaging students in the experiential process of making work. This is what best prepares students to succeed in the industry after leaving Point Park.
What makes Point Park’s B.F.A. and B.A. cinema programs distinctive?
Central to the philosophy of the cinema arts department are two things — storytelling and collaboration. As a faculty, we identified these as two enormously beneficial attributes a student can take with them as they pursue a career in the film/media industry. The curriculum challenges students in these aspects, allowing them to hone their skills as effective storytellers and collaborators.
Tell us about the hands-on experiences and facilities available to Point Park students.
This is what cinema arts is all about — the hands-on experience and creating work in facilities that you would find in the professional world. As a faculty we curated equipment and spaces in the University that allow students to create work with some of the same resources that they will encounter as professionals. All that we teach integrates the equipment, software and facilities to ensure the most effective, experiential learning experience.
Photo by Nathaniel Holzer, screenwriting major