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One-on-one with media arts specialist James Hunyadi
The following is an interview with media arts specialist James Hunyadi, who is focused on rejuvenating Luna’s film program in a way that prepares students for jobs in New Mexico’s film industry
Can you please tell us of your background in media arts?
I’m a retired journalist. The last 25 years were spent at Dow Jones LMG, where I helped launch print and digital initiatives. After retirement I went to Highlands for my master’s in media arts. I’ve worked on videos for Los Alamos, the Wheelwright Museum, Hotel Castaneda and others.
What jobs are available for Luna students upon graduation?
The primary entry-level job is the production assistant. From there, a wide range of union and non-union jobs are possible – grips, gaffers, sound utility, set design and construction as well as hair, wardrobe, and more.
Most recently, Luna offered an associate degree in media arts and film technology. Does Luna plan to offer a certificate program to complement it?
I am concentrating on building a one-year certificate program in film technology.
Will there be concentrations in media arts and if so what would they be?
We anticipate different concentrations, but those may be developed in later phases.
Upon graduation, will Luna students be able to transfer to a four-year university with assurance they will have a solid background to succeed in a four-year university?
Absolutely.
Tell us about some of the classes that will be taught in media arts?
The curriculum is still being developed, but students will take courses in videography, film set etiquette and safety, grip and rigging, lighting and electric, fundamentals of editing.
What is the estimated cost that it will take to revitalize the media arts program?
We’ll have a better handle on budget once we firm up the curriculum and inventory equipment.
How many instructors will the media arts program have and what will their expertise be in?
Again, we need to lock in curriculum before we have a determination on staffing. We anticipate having instructors with academic credentials and those with film industry experience.
What type of equipment will the media arts program need to be successful in the industry? And does Luna already have some of this equipment?
We will be looking at equipment this week, if the weather behaves, but expect we will need additional grip gear such as more C-stands, speed rails, Cardellini clamps, dollies and the like as well as lighting and camera gear.
What are your thoughts on the Media Arts Building and Media Arts Auditorium?
In addition to being a great venue, the auditorium also presents good work and teaching opportunities.
What are some of the selling points of the media arts program?
We are in New Mexico, which has a thriving film industry, and that means jobs and potential for Luna graduates.
What is the potential of the media arts program?
New Mexico has a 10-year, billion-dollar commitment from Netflix and additional commitments from NBC Universal and others. With that sort of industry investment, there’s great potential for Luna’s media arts program.
What is the potential target date for the new media arts program to begin?
Fall 2021.