Kate Torres
Students at Cabrillo.
Cabrillo is adding a new film major to it’s roster, and it’s finally available for students to apply to and graduate with once all credits are met.
Creating a new academic major appears simple, but it involves significant evidence that students will not only enroll but also fully invest in and complete their studies. Creating such evidence is a challenging issue that requires time, effort, and patience. Gabriel Medina, who teaches AP-14A: Intro to Video Art, is the driving force behind establishing the new film major. Within eight years, Professor Medina has worked nonstop to prepare the groundwork for this major. This achievement is also a testament to his dedication but most importantly to the great desire of students who have waited for so long for the opportunity to learn film at Cabrillo. Because of Professor Medina’s effort, those dreams are now becoming realities, offering students a comprehensive program that addresses both their artistic and business needs.
Julian Guerrero, a student in the video class, dreams of creating films that truly connect with people on a deeper level. With a clear passion for honest storytelling, he shared, “I want to accomplish telling stories true to the story, not for fan service or ways to surprise shock audiences, I want to bring back real, and raw stories.”
Medina is working on making more classes ranging from the basics to intermediate, and he plans for most of the VAPA departments to help the new film major, “We are also collaborating across departments: Music for scoring and sound, English for screenwriting, Digital Media for graphics, motion graphics, and visual effects, heater for acting and production design.”.
Ally Wong is excited to learn from a professor with a strong academic background in film, as she hopes this experience will help guide her toward her goal of becoming a film director.
AP-14A: Intro to Video Art will teach students Directing, Producing, Editing, Screenwriting, Sound design, mixing Music composition for film, and Visual effects and graphics
“Since this major is built for students to transfer to other film programs, the goal is to expose them to industry practices and techniques so that when they transfer they are not behind but slightly ahead of other students. Many freshmen entering film programs already have some exposure to the basics, so our approach is to teach those fundamentals alongside professional-level practices.” Medina says.