Page 10 - MidWeek West - Dec 7, 2022

10 DECEMBER 7, 2022
Creative Media Production Center Elevates Students’ Experience At UHWO
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dent-run companies; and col- laborative gathering spaces.” The ACM Student Pro-
“It’s through practice that their creative process evolves, resulting in new ideas and innovation.”
duction Center is a true game changer for UHWO students hoping to land a career in film, television, streaming, design, social media, visu- al effects, animation, video games or any other creative media-related industry.
director at UHWO, believes hands-on experience is cru- cial for students in the ACM program.
organizations.
“The center is state of the
And, the West O‘ahu cam- pus students are not the only ones who can use the build- ing; other UH system stu- dents and faculty will benefit from the ACM Student Pro- duction Center, too.
“It’s important to give cre- ative students the ability to practice,” explains Hanaoka. “Practice provides them the opportunity to get better and learn more about themselves as artists alongside their ac- ademic studies. It’s through practice that their creative process evolves, resulting in new ideas and innovation.”
art and industry ready, so in addition to serving student productions, we hope to see professional productions uti- lizing the facility and mento- ring our students,” states Lee.
“The center was designed and funded as the hub for ACM programs throughout the UH system,” notes Lee. “ACM supports 16 programs on all 10 campuses, and we look forward to more integra- tion of students and faculty from various campuses with- in the center.”
Those who have already put in their fair share of prac- tice will also likely step into the ACM Student Produc- tion Center, as Lee foresees the building will be used by industry professionals and
Much like Hollywood, it seems the ACM Student Pro- duction Center will welcome many talented people with big ideas through its doors. And it’s all made possible largely due to Lee’s dedica- tion to seeing his dream come to life.
At the grand opening for University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu Academy for Creative Media Student Production Center, a celebrity panel discussion took place featuring Mark Dacascos, Hawai‘i-born actor, director and TV personality; Bird Runningwater, Cheyenne and Mescalero Apache Tribes, who guided the Sundance Institute’s investment in Native American and Indigenous filmmakers; Amy Hill, Japanese-American actress; Malaysian comedian and actor Ronny Chieng; and Filipina-American actress and singer Kimee Balmilero. Pictured are (from left) Hill, Dacascos, Balmilero and Chieng. PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I WEST O‘AHU
Taking a cue from Lee, the to make their dreams come For more information, visit university’s ACM students true and prove that happy end- westoahu.hawaii.edu or call willhopefullyalsoworkhard ingsarenotjustinthemovies. 808-689-2800.
(Above) University of Hawai‘i System president David Lassner (left) and Academy for Creative Media System founder and director Chris Lee pose for a photo at the ACM Student Production Center grand opening. (Left) Gov. David Ige speaks to the crowd. PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I WEST O‘AHU
Sharla Hanaoka, ACM
Lee led the lengthy process for the creation of the center from start to finish, which in- volved conceiving, funding, designingandconstruction.