Orionna Brumfield
MC301 Contributor/Staff
“Are you ready to change the world?” This is the question American actor, comedian, and film maker Tim Reid asked mass communications students during his appearance in the e-Center at Jackson State University on April 9.
This is Reid’s second visit to Jackson State and he stated that he was so impressed with the resources available at JSU he came back to offer mass communications students an opportunity to take his two week production master class with a chance to go to London in June.
“I bring professionals in from Hollywood, BBC, and various skill sets to work with film makers… We work on the reality of show business for about a week, very intense. For the second week, we do a project of some kind that will be written, directed, produced by the students involved in the program… We’re going to pick two to go with me to London in June. We’re going to be working with filmmakers from all over to see how your skill-sets mesh” said Reid.
An in-house news studio, TigerTV, editing lab, state of the art equipment and its own iCloud are a few of the reasons Reid returned to JSU to offer mass communications majors interested in filmmaking this opportunity.
Reid stated that he has been to many schools, but not many have JSU’s resources.
“I think that the energy here is good. You have the tools, and don’t let anyone tell you different. For the new program, they (mass communications department) have already talked about getting more equipment,” said Reid.
Along with this opportunity, Reid presented a presentation on propaganda and knowledge about it has affected black culture. Believing that negative propaganda against African-Americans is a recurring cycle, Reid uses his presentation to enlighten students all over the country.
Reid encouraged students to learn their history, read, and understand the role of mass communications.
His presentation was enlightening to many students, including Mark Braboy, a senior English major and associate editor of The Blue & White Flash.
“Tim Reid’s lecture was very informative and thorough. He told us about how inaccurate negative images of African-Americans in the media have been used against us since reconstruction and continue today,” said Braboy, a Chicago, Ill. native.
Elayne Haynes-Anthony, the incoming director of mass communications, stated that she was excited about this new opportunity for mass communications majors.
“This is a great opportunity for students and we’re thrilled to have him on campus. He has so much of a passion about filming and since I have been appointed director, I have talked to a lot of students who share that same passion. This is going to give students the opportunity to grow, to learn more about their craft and travel to see what the world of film making is all about,” said Anthony.
Anthony added that the students interested in obtaining a spot in the program only have two weeks to submit their work. From there, they will be evaluated by the board along with Reid.
“The master class regarding the program will be taught in May, and that’s after graduation and students need to understand. He’s going to teach a two week course…He wants to see how many students he’s going to have in the master class and how many students are on board and excited,” said Anthony.
Reid challenged all the mass communications students to take advantage of this opportunity as well as others presented at Jackson State.
“There’s not an excuse for not having a good professional resume to show, no matter what your skill set may be,” said Reid.
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