Dodge College brings wider industry perspective in new Master Class series

Amidst the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America strikes, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Master Class series will host a wide array of the industry’s finest throughout the semester, from Oscar-winning directors to cinematographers to production designers. Photo by EMI THOMAS, Staff Photographer

From lines down the street at eight in the morning for Austin Butler to a Duffer Brothers homecoming, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Master Class series has brought students the rare opportunity to learn directly from creatives in the industry and breathe the same air as the celebrity of their dreams.

“As basic as it sounds, it is a surreal experience,” sophomore psychology major Dorothy Baker told The Panther. “Seeing that these actresses and these directors and these celebrities are real people, they have real voices and they have the ability to make eye contact with you — that’s crazy to me.”

On Aug. 31, Dodge College announced this semester's lineup of star-studded guests which includes Oscar-nominated (and even winning) directors, producers, composers and production designers. 

In the past, guests have largely been the top A-List actors whose films have recently been released. This semester, things are a little different. Due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes, certain guests are unable to promote any current projects until the studios and guilds come to a deal. 

However, the promising new slate of guests will offer a wider perspective on film development and production. ​​Baker told The Panther that she’s particularly excited about the opportunity to see Natasha Lyonne — who will be visiting as a Distinguished Artist to teach a class over the course of two days. 

“I liked “Orange Is the New Black,” which was a show that I watched during quarantine,” Baker said. “It’s cool to see someone that you watch on screen come in real life and speak to you.”

One of the major critiques from past attendees is the lack of diversity in the guests welcomed. While the pool of guests is relatively limited this year due to the strike, that doesn’t kill the hope students like senior creative producing major Chris Bohme have for seeing more diverse guests in the future. 

“Whether that be bringing someone who is BIPOC or from the disabled community, anyone that increases the awareness and diversity surrounding film is great because those Master Classes can really shine a light on that,” Bohme said. “I think it's the perfect opportunity to put those sorts of folks in the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Bohme believes this year's lineup has improved tremendously on that front. He is over the moon about the chance to hear the advice of director Chloé Zhao, whose 2021 film “Nomadland” took home the Academy Award for Best Picture. 

“I love her work. ‘Nomadland’ was fantastic,” Bohme said. “I love that she tries to find slice-of-life stories and then works with people who are typically non-classically trained actors. I think what she’s doing is killer.”

At the beginning of Galloway’s efforts to pioneer these industry professional Master Classes at Dodge, it was difficult to get those superstar names you see on the list today. Even then, there is a certain level of quality that Galloway strives for.

“One thing I learned going into this is that it's going to be hard to get the superstar names, but never accept less than a certain level of quality,” Galloway said. “Because next, people are gonna be saying ‘Who did you get? Who’s done this?’ I would like to get more women, more young people and I would absolutely love to get more people of color. It’s very complicated to put together a lineup. We put out a lot of hooks.”

While Galloway is aware he is not in the zeitgeist of college students' current favorite celebrities, he is always looking for hit recommendations from students. However, he doesn’t want them to get caught up in the star power since the Master Classes are here for students to learn. 

This year, Galloway is particularly excited for cinematographer Lawrence Sher, who filmed “Joker,” and Rick Carter, who did the production design for “Jurassic Park” and “Avatar.” He hopes students look at these Master Classes not as an opportunity to witness a celebrity but to immerse in the wisdom of some of the industry’s most acclaimed talent. 

“I think it's exciting because every student wants to make it,” said Galloway. “These people have truly made it, and they haven't made it 200 years ago. They have made it in this environment. They can convey two things. Number one: This is the path you need to follow. Number two: This is what’s going on today.”

Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Master Classes are available to all Chapman students and alumni. Seats are available either on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery system depending on the Master Class. Dates, times, upcoming guests and additional information can be found in the lobby of Marion Knott Studios or on the Dodge College Instagram account.