Zach's video entry for the 2019-2020 Slumber Search Disrupt $1,000 Scholarship focuses on disrupting the horror film industry to put more creative rights in the hands of directors and filmmakers. By shining a light on how studios oftentimes negatively affect filmmmakers' creative process in their pursuit of profits, Zach's idea of creating a disruptive creative safehaven in a hypothetical organization called 'City Mist Productions' provides a refreshing alternative to corporate studio powerhouses. In his vision, one could imagine how it could become a major force to rejuvenate an industry that has decayed over the years. Not only does Zach have the passion to tackle this topic, he plans to major in Film and Moving Image with a minor in graphic design to put his passion into practice.
Zach also has an impressive background -- he is starting his college career at Stevenson University and boasts over a 4.0 weighted GPA. With Zach's passion for film and the arts, he has a unique ability to affect positive change in the world of filmmaking and entertainment.
In his video, Zach did an excellent job demonstrating the current problem with horror and thriller filmmaking and the power that large studios wield to protect profits. He came up with an elegant solution in a hypothetical organization called 'City Mist Productions,' which would protect creative rights. Also, Zach does an excellent job weaving in his own voice and passion in the video.
In addition to excelling in school and his passion for shooting film, Zach is highly active in his local community. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America at age 15, and also has been a major part in theatre productions -- as an actor, director, and backstage technician, which has given him invaluable experience for his journey ahead.
At Stevenson, I hope that I will be able to familiarize myself with advanced filmmaking technology and techniques ranging from cinematography to scriptwriting to editing. As a full time film student, I will also be able to dedicate more of my time to working on my own projects and pursuing careers in my intended field. Ideally, I hope to form connections within the film industry during my time at college through internships and work opportunities that will help me to get my foot in the door after graduation. Most of all, I am really looking forward to working with people who share my passion for cinema and storytelling. With any luck, I may be able to make City Mist Productions a reality one day.
We wish Zach all the best of luck in his future endeavors. Congratulations, Zach!