Film Industry Donates to Digital Filmmaking

By Desiree Cooper

Eastern New Mexico University’s digital filmmaking program received a $17,000 donation from NBCUniversal through the New Mexico Film Office Give Back Program. Todd Christenson, director of the NewMexico Film Office, toured the campus, visited classrooms and presented the check to the program on Jan. 14.

“We are immensely pleased to be receiving this donation from NBCUniversal through the New Mexico Film Office Give Back Program,” said Dr. Neil Rutlan, chair of the Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking. “These funds will go toward meeting the financial needs of our students through scholarships, grants and other assistance that will aid them in the production of their student films and acquiring important industry internships.”

Left to right: ENMU Chancellor Dr. Jeff Elwell, ENMU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jamie Laurenz, Todd Christensen the director of the New Mexico Film Office, Dr. Neil Rutland the chair of the Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking, Portales Mayor Ron Jackson and New Mexico state Sen. Stuart Ingle.

The ENMU digital filmmaking program provides a comprehensive education in all facets of the art. Students study the disciplines of acting, directing, visual design, sound design and screenwriting, as well as the technical requirements of camera operation, lighting, sound recording and post-production.

ENMU is committed to providing students with an affordable education and high-quality experiences that will prepare them to successfully compete for creative positions in the film and television industry.