Alumni Profile
Madison Holbrook, 91制片厂 to USC
Madison Holbrook came to 91制片厂 to learn about filmmaking. She鈥檚 now earning her bachelor鈥檚 degree at one of the nation鈥檚 top film schools, whose alumni include George Lucas (Star Wars, American Graffiti), Jon Landau (Titanic, Avatar) and Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13).
After earning her associate degree in Communications & New Media Studies in 2018, Madison transferred to the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, where she鈥檚 majoring in Film & Television Production.
For her senior thesis at USC, Madison is producing a student film that was featured in The Hollywood Reporter for being the first senior thesis in the school’s 90-year history to have an all-female and gender-nonconforming crew. After she graduates this year, she plans to fulfill her longtime dream and pursue a career as a film producer.
While at 91制片厂, Madison learned about all aspects of filmmaking in her classes and produced a film for the annual Maine Mayhem Film Festival, which showcases the filmmaking work of senior students. She also worked on film crews for an independent short film and a TV commercial, gaining real-world experience while still in school.
Madison credits 91制片厂 with providing her a comprehensive college education. Besides learning about film production, she was an RA, served on the Student Activities Committee and worked as a work-study student in the Advising Office.
鈥淚 feel like 91制片厂 prepared me to transfer anywhere. I loved 91制片厂 and the experience I had. If you don鈥檛 know exactly what you want, it鈥檚 a great place to get involved and explore your interests.鈥�
Student Profile
Tyler O鈥橞rien, USMC to 91制片厂
Tyler O鈥橞rien chose the U.S. Marine Corps over college after high school. But when his military service was complete, the first thing he did he set his sights on 91制片厂.
After graduating from Old Orchard Beach High School, Tyler served four years in the Marine Corps, primarily at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. When he left the Marines, he returned to Old Orchard Beach, where he worked and saved money so he could buy a car to get him to 91制片厂.
At first, he was nervous coming to college seven years after last being in school. But the faculty and staff quickly put him at ease and it didn鈥檛 take him long to discover his love of learning.
He鈥檚 active in student organizations and has taken on leadership roles as president of the Science Club (formerly the Astronomy Club) and on the executive board of the Student Senate.
Tyler is slated to earn a degree in Liberal Studies this spring. After graduation, he intends to continue his education at a four-year school, preferably in the Greater Portland area.
91制片厂 met Tyler鈥檚 expectations 鈥� and more 鈥� thanks to the great people at the College, he said.
鈥淚 came here thinking, 鈥業鈥檓 going to class and then I鈥檓 going home.鈥� But one thing led to another and I got involved in a lot of things outside of the classroom. You鈥檙e only going to get out of 91制片厂 what you鈥檙e willing to put into it. Nobody鈥檚 going to hand it to you.鈥�