Nelson Chipman
Professor
Contact Information
- Office: 203 University Center
- Phone: 412-392-4306
- Email: nchipman@pointpark.edu
Education
- Ed.D., Northeastern University
- M.F.A., Dramatic Writing, New York University
- B.S., Commerce, University of Virginia
Courses Taught
- Introduction to Screenwriting
- History of International Cinema
- Production I, III, IV
- The Narrative Structure of Cinema
- Survey of Media Writing
- Intermediate Screenwriting
- Story Analysis
- Advanced Screenwriting
- Writing for Video Games
- Dramatic Storytelling
- Genre, Form and Style
- Engaging the Audience
- Exploring Creativity
Background
Nelson Chipman is a screenwriter, filmmaker and playwright who teaches creative writing and film production. He has served as the chair of the cinema arts department, program director of the M.F.A. in writing for the screen and stage, and interim dean for the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Chipman holds a B.S. in commerce from the University of Virginia, an M.F.A. in dramatic writing from New York University and a Doctorate of Education from Northeastern University.
He began his career writing and producing television commercials and writing advertising copy. From there, he began writing feature scripts and has developed work for and optioned work to directors and production companies in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.
He has won numerous writing awards and has been a finalist twice for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. His short films have screened at festivals across the country. He has also served as producer on the Director's Guild award-winning series, The Chair, and on two feature films, Not Cool and Hollidaysburg.
Prior to joining Point Park, he taught at schools throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
Professional Affiliations
- University Film and Video Association
- Society for Cinema and Media Studies
- Southeastern Theatre Conference
- International Game Developers Association
Research Interests
- Future of visual storytelling
- Feature film screenwriting
- Narrative adaptation
- New media writing
- Merging of the printed and visual story
- Video production
Selected Presentations
- "The Void of the Authentic: Students' Community Experiences and their Role in Retention," Distance Teaching & Learning Conference, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2021.
- "Instructional Design in a COVID-19 Movement: What Worked on Campus? What Opportunities Remain?," AICUP Presidents' Conference, 2021.
- "Effective Discussion Boards," presenter, Point Park University's Professional Development Series, 2021.
- "Production Companies, Entertainment and Transmedia Studios in Academic Programs: Models, Experiences, Outcomes," Broadcast Education Association, 2014.
- "The Future Screenwriter: A Brave New World," University Film & Video Association Annual Conference, 2012.
- "The Future of Visual Storytelling," Finkelhor Lecture Series, Point Park University, 2011.
- "Collaborative: Love It or Leave It," American Association of Writers and Writing Programs, 2011.