1) Why did you choose SCA? What are you studying?
SCA is the only school I applied to because I believe it is the best for our discipline. My area of concentration here is producing, writing, and directing. SCA’s teaching philosophy doesn’t limit us to what we want to pursue; it challenges us to explore all areas of filmmaking and builds a strong base in our understanding of the craft. I think having this base is paramount in leaving here with a skill SCA stresses- collaboration. The well rounded approach to teaching may not be what everyone needs, but is a very good fit for me. 

2) What has been your biggest challenge so far in your time here?
My biggest challenge at SCA was easily my first semester. You fall into a student body that is incredibly talented and at times that can seem overwhelming. So many diverse skill sets surround you and it can be easy to question where your strengths are; if you stay committed to the curriculum you’ll quickly find them. I was lucky to form strong friendships and band together with people who simply want to tell amazing stories. 

3) Is there a project you are working (or have completed) that you're especially proud of?
I’m especially proud of all my 508 projects. In this intensive and bootcamp resembling course, our cohort is divided into teams of three and tasked with screening three complete films at the end of the semester. The curriculum is very aggressive, but I was fortunate to work with two extraordinary collaborators, and together we made each other better filmmakers. Each film we made was better as we carried forward what we learned on the last. The project I wrote and directed Fresh Out of Plan B, is something I can be proud of for realizing what I consider to be a unique vision. Better yet, I would do the film entirely differently now, which is testament to the learning value here at SCA. 

4) Any advice for prospective students who would like to study in your division?
Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. The kind of people that bring positive energy into the room, but also the honesty required for your personal growth. Focus on the progress you made from yesterday, rather than questions asking who the best editor or writer in the room is. This will help you navigate through what can mistakenly feel like a competitive run, and you’ll quickly find yourself in league with good people who want to grow and tell stories together. 

5) Is there anything outside of your coursework –– an internship/project that you've been involved with? How did your work at SCA prepare you for it?
Recently I pursued and acquired an internship based in Beijing. The questions I encountered in China were met with answers I learned the previous semester here at SCA- specifically the intermediate screenwriting course under the guidance of Vincent Robert. 

Timothy Pennix is a second year MFA candidate in Production from Georgetown, KY.