The University of Louisiana at Monroe received the state’s Entertainment Development Fund of $750 thousand grant over three years to create opportunities for students looking for a career in the film industry. Associate Professor of Communication, Dr. Chris Mapp…
“We felt that there was a void in this region and we are doing our best to try to contribute to the entertainment industry and to develop the workforce and the student pipeline that the industry needs to fill that void.”
The grant allows ULM to do several things by crating a film and media arts concentration, establishing an in-hour motion picture studio on the Clark M. Williams Innovation Campus and host filmmaking summer camps for high school students across the region.
Mapp says this grant will not just be beneficial for students.
“Also for local producers and film companies and television. Anyone who wants to use this facility will be able to do this while students gain valuable access.”
ULM will acquire state-of-the-art equipment that gives students hands-on experience from ADR editing suites, studio sound stages and professional office spaces. All to support workforce training and help attract film projects. Mapp says when it comes to the potential of the new program, the skies the limit.
“This is an exciting time for the industry. A lot of changes going on but a lot of opportunities as well. I’ve been telling folks that we are not just going to try to create movies, were going to create opportunities. This is going to give students the tools they need.”
Mapp says this is a rare opportunity to not just make movies but to make a difference.
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