Home » Blog » Documentary Course Puts Students’ Lives Through a Lens

Documentary Course Puts Students’ Lives Through a Lens

Filmmaker and Journalist Helps Future Filmmakers Hone Their Skills

Fall 2018 introduced a rebuilt course to Shenandoah University.

Assistant Professor of Media & Communication Glenn Osten Anderson M.F.A., M.St., restarted Film 371: Documentary Filmmaking. As a professional documentarian and journalist, he said he is excited to help students’ craft their filmmaking skills.

glenn osten andersonWe had ‘Santa Girl’ last year, which was this amazing introduction to narrative production.” Referring to the feature film Shenandoah co-produced with Capital Arts Entertainment. “There are differences in how you approach a documentary versus approaching a narrative film. I’m taking some of our student filmmakers and journalists, our most passionate and advanced-level students, and giving them the opportunity to hone their skills in the realm of nonfiction production.”

Glenn Osten Anderson M.F.A., M.St. | Assistant Professor of Media & Communication

Anderson, who created the award-winning “To Remember” short documentary for BBC World News, is currently directing a documentary with the support of his students. Tentatively titled “The Public House.” The film focuses on the story of a New York City neighborhood rallying to save a local Irish pub from closing.

They’re going to be helping me to script and edit. Because this school is passionate about it, we are going to be putting these students to work on a real film.”

Glenn Osten Anderson M.F.A., M.St. | Assistant Professor of Media & Communication

Media & Communication major Orlando Levins ‘19 is one of the students in Anderson’s class this semester. This is his fourth class with Anderson.

OrlandoGlenn’s great. He’s where a lot of my passion comes from. It really helps me as one of his students, as well as one of his mentees, to be able to work with him.”

Orlando Levins ‘19 | Media & Communication major

Director of Marketing Services & Senior Editor Cathy Loranger ’15 D. Prof., is also auditing this class to better her communications skills.

CathyI’m a storyteller. I spend most of my time on the editorial side, and I really wanted to get the chance to learn more about documentary filmmaking. For me, it is more for the technical experience than the storytelling experience. I want to apply this learning to my own projects. At Shenandoah University, my work is all about purposeful storytelling. It’s either storytelling about our students, our programs or our reputation. I think an understanding of documentary storytelling adds another layer to the storytelling that I do.”

Cathy Loranger ’15 D. Prof. | Director of Marketing Services & Senior Editor

glenn osten andersonI can’t wait to see what they come back with. There are so many great stories about people that go untold. There was such a pulse on campus with the filming of ‘Santa Girl.’ I want to see people get just as excited about nonfiction content. It’s something I truly love, and if I can just give a little piece of what I love about nonfiction content to my students, I’ll be a very happy guy.”

Glenn Osten Anderson M.F.A., M.St. | Assistant Professor of Media & Communication

Written by Rachel D. Sherman ’18

Categories: , , , , , ,

Recent News

Headshots of Dr. Yunita Anwar (left) and Dr. John Winn (right), both of the Shenandoah University School of Business

WalletHub Taps Two SU Professors for Insight and Advice

Drs. Winn and Anwar Talk Insurance and Improving Credit

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives