Bridging Analog Film & Digital Technology: A TIP Grant Case Study

Ten years ago, Film Studies was born of the Communication Studies and English & Creative Writing departments. It began with a small set of students, some old gear, and a dream. Since its inception, the program has grown exponentially, and with it the need for new technologies to fuel its growth.

Film studies faculty worked diligently, and were able to source many useful pieces of legacy equipment to create and edit analog films. Often, this gear was tracked down and obtained at little to no cost. However, there was a great need for digital technology to interface with the old gear. Several iMac computers and a high end film scanner were purchased with TIP funding in order to establish the digital component of production.

The CTS TIP Grant awarded to Film Studies was a “breakthrough” that gave students the ability to meet current industry demands for Post Production skills, per Joshua Adams, Assistant Professor of Film Studies. The students are able to use current technology and performance hardware to produce content efficiently. Below, Josh demonstrates film editing software on one of the new cutting edge Mac computers:

Additionally, the digital technology will be used to store, archive and restore films from the analog film era. The department currently utilizes both traditional 8 and 16mm film cameras, as well as digital DSLR camera technology. In the picture below, Jonathan Ashline, Senior Film Studies Major, is shown editing a reel on a traditional film production station:

CTS is proud to offer grants to professors and departments who are innovating with technology in their field. If you are a faculty member who is interested in future TIP grant opportunities, consider applying.