We connected with Cole Seidl, a Communication Studies, Film & New Media department alumni. He graduated in 2012 with a major in Film, on the Production track. He answered several questions letting us know about his experience at Augsburg and what he is doing now.
Tell us about yourself. Where do you currently work, live, etc.
I currently live in Rochester, New York. I moved here just recently from Bethlehem, Palestine, where I was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Al Quds Bard College. I returned to the U.S. to take a tenure track position with Monroe Community College.
What was your major and what year did you graduate?
I majored in Film, on the Production track.
What are you doing now? Describe what your job entails.
I am currently a professor of Cinema and Screen Studies. I teach film history, critical analysis, and video production courses. I also advise Senior Thesis Projects virtually at Al Quds Bard College for the students graduating from the Media Studies program there.
How are you using what you studied in the Department of Communication Studies, Film, and New Media Studies in your current job?
I teach film and media studies, so my background studying it at Augsburg was the base knowledge I used to build my understanding of the concepts and films I currently teach.
What was the most memorable part of your experience at Augsburg? In our department?
I received an URGO grant to shoot a feature film, which functioned as the crash course to managing a feature film set. The film I made during that grant became a key part of my resume for my graduate school applications. The most memorable part of the department was the relationships I built with other students. I still keep in contact and work on film projects with several of them.
What advice do you have for current students majoring in Communication Studies, Film, and/or New Media Studies?
Make as much work as possible and foster relationships with those who are making interesting work. Once you leave school, it’s difficult to find a large number of passionate, creative people. You can get a jump start right now.
Is there anything you’re currently working on (inside/outside of work) that you would like to share with us?
I’ve started pre-production for a feature film to shoot in Palestine with some of my former students.