A short film from two College of Communication and the Arts' faculty members has received critical acclaim after its success at various film screenings nationwide. 

William Pace, faculty associate of Digital Media Production, directed the film "Cammy" which is about a woman who fervently believes there's something medically wrong with her, but can't convince anyone to believe her. The film was partly inspired by Pace's desire to explore a situation that had arisen years ago when his now-recovered wife dealt with cancer. "Those initial days before we had a concrete diagnosis were fraught with disbelief and worry," he said. "'Cammy' allowed me to funnel those feelings into a character and story that explores that grey area that occurs when you fear you have some awful disease but don't yet know if you actually do."

Pace cited that additional inspiration for "Cammy" came when he turned to his colleague and theater instructor Gretchen Hall, "who is an accomplished actor," and similarly wanted to make "something that has meaning, value and impact."

"Cammy" was accepted and screened in several film festivals across the country and stars Hall as the titular Cammy. Hall's performance has also earned her an award for Best Actress in a Short Film from Studio City International. 

Aside from the success of "Cammy," Pace has also written independent feature films, along with several episodes of syndicated TV series. He notes that the crew of "Cammy" was comprised of Seton Hall film students in the digital cinema concentration, who did an excellent job during the filmmaking process. 

"'Cammy' was a class project for Digital Cinema’s Fall Film, which I created to demonstrate to my advanced filmmaking students how to efficiently tackle required logistical issues while also allowing creativity to flourish within their boundaries," said Pace, adding, "The film simply wouldn't exist without the filmmaking courses I teach."

Hall applauded Pace's "magical" writing and recalled her experience filming and teaching on this project. "I knew that learning through experience would be the most beneficial to the students. I made sure to work with them as peers, rather than as their teacher."

Both faculty members explain the interesting conditions of filming "Cammy" as they balanced teaching students and creating a film at the same time. Pace joked that "those who can't do, teach, but he can do both" in regard to teaching and filmmaking. 

Hall similarly expressed how being on set was an interesting experience because she had to act while being conscious of her role as a teacher and educator. "We took time in class after the shoot to unpack the experience and teachable moments, but it was important that they be treated like professional actors on set," she reflected.

Screenings of "Cammy" occurred at Big Apple Summer Shorts Series, Eau Claire Film Festival, Orlando Film Festival, Studio City Film Festival. For more information, visit the short film's Facebook page. 

About the College of Communication and the Arts

Seton Hall University's College of Communication and the Arts offers diverse, flexible undergraduate programs anchored in the humanities, featuring cutting-edge technology and innovative curricula, and provides opportunities for meaningful collaboration across disciplines. Students can explore emerging technologies as well as learn from industry professionals about the latest trends in the ongoing digital revolution that is affecting communication and arts' industries. For more information about the College's undergraduate programs, please contact Amanda Carcione.

The College also offers graduate-level programs in Museum Professions and Communication, including the opportunity to pursue a unique area of study, including options in Public Relations, Digital Communication/Communication Technologies, and Communication in Organizations. In addition, four dual-degree options, including three accelerated master's/B.A. programs and a dual M.A. degree with the School of Diplomacy and International Relations are offered. For more information about Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts, please contact Ryan Hudes, Ph.D.

Categories: Arts and Culture