Clayton State University continues to make a mark in Georgia’s film industry as it seeks to offer greater educational opportunities for individuals who want to break into the $7 billion market.
The University’s Center for Continuing and Professional Education has hired Glynn Beard as director of the Film and Digital Media Center. He will lead efforts to revamp the Center’s film and digital media programming to be relevant for industry demands.
“There’s a window of opportunity in content creation,” he said. “I want to see the next generation of films shot in Georgia, written in Georgia, with Georgia writers and producers.”
Beard, an award-winning independent filmmaker for the last 20 years, is no stranger to the film industry. The Vancouver, Canada native had been a staple at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival since its inception in 1984, where he initially submitted three shorts to film event in the late 80s.
Beard debuted his first feature film, Murdered, in 1993 at the film festival, followed by a second feature, The Crier, in 1994.
Beard brings extensive film education to his new role. He began teaching film at Brooks Institute of Photography in 1992, eventually he became the Chair of the Motion Picture major.
In 2000, he was promoted to Program Director in 2000 to oversee the development of a new film Bachelor’s degree program.
Beard has also taught production courses at the University of California Santa Barbara conducted community outreach workshops and served as a visiting guest artist at several film festivals in both Canada and the United States.
Beard looks to bring his experience in both “above the line” and “below the line”— as a director, writer, producer, camera operator, gaffer, director of photography—to expand the offerings at Clayton State’s Film and Digital Media Center and make the University a destination for up-and-coming filmmakers and individuals who want to play a role in film and emerging media.
The Film and Digital Media Center is hosting an open house for students interested in the new Film and Digital Media Certificate on July 15 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lucy Huie Hall, 9013 Tara Blvd. Jonesboro, GA 30236. Register here.
