Westchester Community College, State University of New York

Welcome to the WCC Film Program. 

There’s never been a better time to prepare for a career in film. New York State tax incentives for the film and television industry have led to a boom in New York film and television productions in recent years, and demand for video on social media platforms has been growing exponentially. 

The Associate of Science Degree in Digital Filmmaking prepares students to take advantage of the opportunities available in this rapidly-changing, multi-disciplinary field by providing them with foundational knowledge and skills in four key areas: film studies, cinematic storytelling, digital video production, and postproduction. 

The A.S. Degree is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the film and television industry or to transfer to a four-year B.A. or B.F.A. program in film production or cinema studies.  

Students enrolled in the program acquire a solid basis in cinema history and theory, film aesthetics, screenwriting, camera operation, lighting, digital editing, and acting. In addition to these core courses, students may choose from a wide range of electives, including courses in television production, visual effects, animation, and sound design. Production and postproduction courses are taught by practicing film professionals on advanced equipment. An optional internship offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the industry.

The program offers courses at the main campus in Valhalla and at several extension locations. Film production students have access to camera, lighting and audio equipment to work on their projects, and can take advantage of open lab hours to edit in our post-production facilities. The department sponsors an active Film Club, which is open to students of all majors. In addition, the Film Program holds its annual WCC Film Festival every April. You can visit the WCCFF website here. Click on the festival links to view trailers and full reels from previous years.

Contact Information

Phone: 914-606-6286
Office location: AAB - Room 202/203
Email: craig.padawer@sunywcc.edu
Title(s): Curriculum Chair, Film
Department/Division: School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Degree Information:

• MA, Brown University
• BA, Brandeis University

Courses Taught:

• FILM 100
• FILM 101
• FILM 102
• FILM 103
• FILM 109
• FILM 125
• FILM 130

Honors and Awards:

• SUNY Chancellor’s Award, Teaching.

Publications and Presentations: Selected:

• Close-Up: A Critical Introduction to Film, Dubuque: Kendall Hunt, 2012.
• “The Meat Garden.” The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories. Ann & Jeff Vendermeer, Eds. New York: Tor, 2012. 867-875.
• “Hostile Takeover.” After Yesterday’s Crash: The Avant-Pop Anthology. Larry McCaffery, Ed. New York: Penguin, 1995. 192-199

Financial Aid

Nearly 33% of Westchester Community College students receive some form of financial aid. Financial Aid is available to students who qualify. In addition, the Westchester Community College Foundation offers $1.6 million in scholarships annually.

Sports

The Westchester Community College Athletic Department sponsors thirteen different intercollegiate athletic teams in various sports. The roster of sports offered includes Men’s Baseball, Women's Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball. Visit the Vikings Athletics website for schedules, reports, and more.

Locations

We’re accessible: Public transit-friendly main campus and extension locations. Online classes for wherever you are. Valhalla (main campus); extension sites in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, Shrub Oak, Mahopac, Ossining, Port Chester and Peekskill (Center for the Digital Arts) and White Plains (Center for the Arts).