NC Film Office Director Aaron Syrett and award-winning filmmaker Brett Ingram spoke to over
80 attendees at the first annual MCA-I Central Carolina Chapter’s Media Pro Camp at the SAS
Institute in Cary. The ProCamp culminates with a “What’s Hot, What’s Not: Eye on the Industry
Overview”.

Over 25 students, faculty, and staff of Living Arts College were there in anticipation about the
upcoming filming of Iron Man 3. Marvel Studios chose to film the third installment of their hit
franchise in North Carolina as a result of the state’s film tax incentive, strong crew base and
infrastructure, and the facilities at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington. The motion picture
will be made over a 10-month period and is expected to have an estimated economic impact
of more than $80 million and create 550 crew jobs and more than 1,000 talent opportunities,
making the feature the largest to date to shoot in North Carolina.

Film professor Michael Pearce was impressed with the student turnout at the event. “It was a
wonderful event for students to interact with industry professionals and hear the inside scoop on
future North Carolina productions,” stated Pearce.

Film student Seth Felder was impressed that the students were able to contribute ideas to
industry professionals. “It was a great opportunity to make connections,” said Felder.

Aaron Syrett and Brett Ingram provided a behind-the-scenes story on the commercial and
independent film production in North Carolina, including Iron Man 3, as well as recent projects
aired by Sundance and PBS.

Photography: Jason Rizzo

Students, faculty, and staff of Living Arts College had the chance to network with members of
the Triangle’s top advertising, marketing, and communications organizations all at one time in
one place.

The 2nd Annual Merry Mingle was jointly hosted by the Triangle chapters of American
Advertising Federation (AAF), American Marketing Association (AMA), Triangle Interactive
Marketing Association (TIMA), and the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) at the Spy
nightclub downtown Raleigh. All proceeds were donated to the Triangle Stokes Group, which
has been pedaling joy to the Triangle since 2006 by giving away bikes to kids in need. The
Triangle organizations wanted to help them reach this year’s goal of 500 bicycles, all brand new
and guaranteed to bring smiles to faces throughout the area.

Interactive Media Arts student Alison Hamilton was extremely excited about attending the
event. “The Merry Mingle was beneficial, yet fun. I was fortunate to speak with industry
professionals about future internship opportunities,” stated Hamilton.

Interactive Media Arts professor Scot Dunlap attended the holiday event. “This year’s Merry
Mingle was invigorating – it was an amazing evening for the Triangle’s sharpest designers and
creative professionals to come together to celebrate the holidays, network, and energize each
other on the outlook for 2012,” stated Dunlap.

Together AAF, AMA, TIMA and AIGA were able to raise over $3000 for The Triangle Spokes
Group. Forty-three bikes and helmets will be donated to deserving RDU kids this holiday.

Three-time Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker Vince DiPersio presented to Living
Arts College students and visitors in November. DiPersio previewed two of his most recent
documentaries and left the discussion open for questions and answers.

DiPersio gave his brief background story of how he got into the film industry, but most
importantly his passion for telling people’s stories.

DiPersio was approached by The Discovery Channel to film a documentary from the eyes of the
Secret Service men assigned to the Kennedy family during John F. Kennedy’s presidential term.
After the assassination of Kennedy, the tragedy was never discussed among the agents except
for inquiries or technical discussions.

In June 2010, DiPersio convened with the seven Secret Service agents as they reunited in
Dallas for the emotional filming of the special documentary based on the book, The Kennedy
Detail. “It was an unforgettable experience that brought back fond memories of the brotherhood
of the close-knit group which also forced them to relive the most tragic day of their lives,” stated
DiPersio. Believing in conspiracies, DiPersio knew the most important aspect of this film was
letting those men tell their stories without letting his emotions get in the way.

DiPersio discussed the making of his current project being aired on G4, the 10-episode
documentary series Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan, which follows the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance
Disposal (EOD) Unit as they patrol the war-torn battlegrounds of Afghanistan using state-of-the
art robotics and technology to search for and disarm explosives.

DiPersio explained that if it wasn’t for all the different types of media artists he had assisting him
on these projects whether it was sound, graphics or animation, the documentaries would never
have been so successful.

credit: starnewsonline.com

The 17th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival kicks off at Thalian Hall, one of three venues in town
screening movies, Thursday Nov. 10, 2011.

Eric Hunsley passed up a weekend in Ireland with his partner to drive people around during the
Cucalorus Film Festival.

The Wake Forest resident is not only volunteering, but he’s also footing the bill for three nights
in a hotel here.

“I really wanted to do it that much,” said 45-year-old Hunsley, a film student at Living Arts
College in Raleigh. “I would have more fun here than in Dublin.”

Cucalorus operates on a “fraction of the budget of most film festivals,” said director Dan
Brawley, so volunteers such as Hunsley are an integral part of its success.

When he first signed up, Hunsley hoped for an assignment in the filmmakers’ lounge. He didn’t
think shuttling people around would offer the same chances for networking, but barely two
hours into the first of his three shifts he’d changed his mind, enthusiastically relaying parts of a
conversation he had with a filmmaker he drove to her hotel earlier.

“This is as good a filmmakers’ lounge as any when you’ve got a filmmaker sitting next to you,”
Hunsley said. “To immerse yourself in that for four days is such a great opportunity.

“It’s exciting. It really is,” he added. “I just can’t help but wonder if Wilmington is aware of what it
has here.”

On Thursday, its opening day, the 17th annual Cucalorus Film Festival was gearing up to host
thousands of visitors to the Port City. The noncompetitive showcase of independent films has an
estimated economic impact of more than $5.5 million on the local economy during its four-day
span, according to festival organizers.

At the inaugural Cucalorus, founded in 1994 by a filmmaking collective called TwinkleDoon,
crowds wrapped around the block to see 16 local films screening at a restaurant by the Cape
Fear River.

These days the festival offers more than 100 films on four stages in downtown Wilmington.

Without an awards component, filmmakers are able to concentrate on having a more intimate
experience with their audiences instead of worrying about passing out fliers and campaigning
for votes, Brawley said.

It wouldn’t be a true Thanksgiving at Living Arts College if anyone was left out. In consideration
of the international students and other students unable to visit their families for the holiday
festivities, Living Arts College staff members and student ambassadors served up the Second
Annual Thanksgiving feast for all the creative and medical students.

The holiday menu included turkey, dressing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole,
corn, green beans, salad, broccoli casserole, and an array of pies, cookies, and cakes.

The new medical students felt so welcomed. “Even though we all come from different places
and are studying different things, we all came together to give thanks,” stated, Amber
Hemingway, second module Medical Assisting student.

First quarter creative students Sadie Catlett and Kylie Jenkin were overwhelmed with all the
kindness, they had no idea what to expect. When Sadie was asked about the feast she instantly
replied, “Quite delicious.”

Campus Director Debra Hooper was so pleased with the turnout, “It was one of the greatest
events we have ever had. The students were very appreciative and I can’t recall getting so
many thank yous.

Ms. Ruth from the front desk was smiling the rest of the day when a student came to her and
said, “Ms. Ruth, that turkey-q, that was you, it was so good you deserve a hug.” “Knowing that
the students appreciated the little things I can do makes me happy,” stated Ruth Carey. “I am
forever thankful just because, now isn’t that enough?”

Living Arts Institute’s Assistant Campus Director Wes Reese and Director of Professional
Services Heather Schicker were “locked up for good” this Tuesday … to benefit the Muscular
Dystrophy Association and Jerry’s Kids. They were whisked away to Winston Salem’s Piedmont
Club, where they were greeted by a sheriff and judge. They were dressed in prison garb for
their “mug shots” before eating a fantastic meal and mingling with other jailbirds while everyone
made their phone calls home for bail money.

LAI had been fundraising for this event for several weeks, and instituted a new system for
students to buy tickets to dress out of uniform for a day. Each $1 ticket allowed the student to
dress out of uniform for an entire day, any day between purchase and the student’s graduation
day, with all funds going directly to Wes and Heather’s bail money. The School had set a goal
of $800 in order to send a child with MD to camp, and the students, faculty and staff really
showed their support to make sure they reached that goal. By the time Wes and Heather met
with their “parole counselor” at the Piedmont Club, they had raised $1035!

Special thanks go out to all the students, faculty, staff, family and friends of LAI who contributed
to this important cause. Thanks to these people, a child will have an opportunity for a camp
experience he or she would not have otherwise enjoyed. And don’t worry, the parole counselor
let Wes and Heather go … this time!

The halls of Living Arts Institute were buzzing on Wednesday evening with the excitement of
dozens of board members gathering for food, drink, and discussion about future plans at the
Winston Salem allied health school. Old friends greeted each other and new friendships and
networking connections developed over a delicious dinner and conversation.

Medical and massage professionals from the triad area are invited and volunteer to sit on
Living Arts Institute’s advisory board for semi-annual meetings, discussing industry trends and
assisting the School with anticipating the ever-changing allied health world to better train and
prepare students for their future careers. These industry experts prove to be invaluable sources
of information and inspiration on the newest technologies, books, legislation, and other crucial
aspects of healthcare education.

Living Arts Institute’s esteemed guests indulged in a delicious taco bar with all the trimmings as
they relaxed and enjoyed an evening discussing their trades. Faculty and staff contributed to
delicious meats and sides to round out an amazing spread for all to enjoy. Everyone ate their fill
and enjoyed a fantastic evening.

Living Arts College is one of many higher educational facilities to accept international students.
This fall, LAC welcomed two sibling students, Niloo and Hesam Navaei, with arms wide open.
Niloo and Hesam are both from Dubai. Like most international students, the Navaei siblings
have always dreamed of studying in the United States.

Niloo and Hesam decided to move to North Carolina to start their journey in America. Their
uncle, who lives in North Carolina, thought that this would be a perfect start for them, and said
he would help them along the way. Niloo and Hesam wanted to find a college they both could
attend and earn a specialized bachelors degree in their passions, film and animation. “Living
Arts College was the best college I found where I could take hands-on classes in film.” said
Niloo. She found other colleges with film programs, but nothing like what she found at LAC.

Niloo and Hesam plan on staying in the United States after graduation. They both agree, “There
are more opportunities in America.”

Growing up in the same community, Daniela Rendon and Ricky Patino never knew their lives
would meet and end up together in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Daniela, a native of Colombia, South America came to America at age seven with her family
to pursue a better life. Approaching high school, Daniela moved with her family to Miami. After
graduation, she enrolled in an art college in Miami where she pursued a degree in graphic
design. On the first day of classes, she met Ricky.

Ricky was born and raised in Miami in the same house for 19 years. Ready to pursue a life of
his own, he enrolled in college to study graphic design. To his surprise, he would meet the girl of
his dreams.

From day one of meeting, Daniela and Ricky have been inseparable. Dating quite some time,
they discussed the different opportunities they would have if they left Miami. They were ready to
leave the nest and discover life for themselves. Daniela’s sister, currently living in Raleigh, North
Carolina ran a taxi service and offered both of them a job if they wanted to move there. “Driving
a taxi seemed to be a whole lot better than dodging gaters in the wetlands,” stated Ricky. After
discussion with their parents and getting their blessings, Daniela and Ricky started their journey
to North Carolina. They didn’t want to quit school and after much Internet research they found
the Living Arts College.

Daniela and Ricky are now in their second quarter at Living Arts College and have adjusted
well to attending classes and working part time jobs. Both are scheduled to graduate with a
Bachelors degree in Interactive Media Arts in March 2014.