Award-winning screenwriter Nick Schenk will be attending the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Professionals with Purpose event on Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
As the first ‘Scholar in Residence’, Schenk plans to talk about how his educational background has led to his success as a screenwriter in Hollywood and his experiences in the film industry. Schenk attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and is known for his work on “The Mule” and “Cry Macho”. In 2009, Schenk’s script for Gran Torino won him Best Original Screenplay from the National Board of Review.
According to an email sent to KSU students on Sept. 12 by the Radow Student Minute News, Professionals with Purpose gives students the chance to hear from professionals that have studied in the humanities or social sciences departments and have built a career through their degree. These professionals serve as KSU’s ‘Scholars in Residence’ for a day.
“Drawing on their training in the humanities and social sciences and their real-world experience, these leaders offer an array of expertise through public lectures, small workshops and Q&A sessions for both students and faculty,” the Radow Student Minute News said.
For any students who are interested in the film industry, this event is a must-attend. When asked about this event, Film professor Scout Storey heavily encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“The film industry is all about experience and exposure,” Storey said. “The more exposure aspiring screenwriters can get to professionals with experience and success in the industry, the more tools and wisdom they have to work with themselves.”
According to the Radow Student Minute News, the RCHSS hopes these events will help students in the humanities and social science majors gain insight to the needed creativity, analytical thinking and social understanding skills that are necessary in this field. Professionals with Purpose is a no-cost event to make this opportunity open to all who are interested.
“I had access to events like this when I was in undergrad, but I did not take advantage of them as often as I should have,” Storey said. “There are many opportunities I regret missing out on, which could have provided a richer experience or benefited me later.”
Storey advised students to make an effort to attend despite any differences in their creative styles. He said the event offers a unique chance to receive personalized tips and anecdotes of experience that would not be available otherwise. In the film industry, he said, this is a very powerful tool to have access to.
“You never know what tidbits you might glean that can inform your own writing and your approach to the profession,” Storey said.
For more details and to RSVP, visit OwlLife.
