COMM/THEA 495: Storytelling and Film: Senior Experience
Department of Communication & Theatre Arts
Old Dominion University
About
This unique learning experience unfolds in three layers of learning: collaborating with Next Generation Storytellers in the making of an original film, documenting that journey through a Making Of mini documentary, and curating reflections in a communal course ePortfolio.
Together, these elements create a learning community where students experiment, take creative risks, and discover their voices as storytellers. The result is a collective portrait of artistry, collaboration, and career preparation.


This learning experience is guided by a team of dedicated faculty and industry professionals who believe that students learn best when they create, collaborate, and take bold creative risks.
Department of Communication & Theatre arts film faculty Carolina Conte brings her expertise in teaching and mentoring emerging filmmakers, while Jacob Young, Trent Garrett, and Richard Dane Scott of Next Generation Storytellers share their professional insight and hands-on guidance from years in the industry.
Along with the students, these instructors created a learning environment where students are not only supported but also challenged to discover their voices as storytellers.
We invite you to meet the storytellers behind this course, and learn more about the students whose creativity and budding expertise make this project come alive.
Next Generation Storytellers
Disrupting Hollywood Through Academics
At Next Generation Storytellers, we amplify the voices of young creators by providing access to transformative storytelling opportunities. Through immersive programs and guidance from industry professionals, we empower students from underrepresented communities to explore their unique perspectives, develop their creative potential, and share their stories with the world.
Leveraging the power of experiential learning, we fuel dreams, equip students with hands-on industry experience, and provide a launchpad for the storytellers of tomorrow.
Real Life Experience
By providing access to real-life job experience and expert mentorship, we illuminate paths to Hollywood that have historically been dim. We envision a future where the stories of these students are not just heard, but celebrated, and their creative journey in the classroom is only the beginning.
The Hidden Power of Arts in Education
Imagine a world where every student has the opportunity to share their story and creative vision with the world, regardless of their background. Immersing students in the arts fosters self-expression, confidence, and a sense of purpose. When young people discover their passions, they are inspired to pursue them, sparking enthusiasm that enriches their education and fuels their potential. This isn't just an ideal — it's a reality supported by research and proven to make a lasting impact.
Academics and Film Making
The NGS platform offers students the capability to write, direct, act, and produce, all guided by industry experts, building not just their skills but also their confidence and resilience. Our hands-on approach disrupts conventional paths to filmmaking, creating new routes paved with equal opportunity, practical experience, and groundbreaking innovation.
Meet the Course Leaders

Jacob Young
Founder- Next Generation Storytellers
Emmy® award Winning actor and seven (7)-time Emmy® nominee
Our Class Mentors from ODU &
Next Generation Storytellers

Haley Daniels-Dyson
ODU
Screenwriting

Diane Fine
ODU
Screenwriting

Katie Lange
ODU
Cinematography & Production Support

Deborah Wallace
ODU
Directing

Matt Washburn
Next Generation Storytellers
Gaffer
Thank You to Our Campus & Professional Partners
Our class community is grateful for the support of the following Campus offices and Professional Partners who share our commitment to high impact practices that allow for experiential learning.
Old Dominion University- Office of the Provost
(website)
College of Arts & Letters- Dean's Office
(website)
Monarch Humanities Internship Academy
(website)
Department of Communication & Theatre Arts
(website)
ODU ePortfolio Studio
(website)
Borjo Coffeehouse
(website)
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