By Kate Flexter, ’10, A&E Section Editor

Alumnus Jory Pomeranz, ’06, is currently double-majoring in Radio/Television/Film and Spanish at Northwestern University.  He just finished an internship with RipTide Music in Los Angeles.  Below, Pomeranz shares his secrets to success at the high school and college levels.

Kate: How did the arts at CCDS prepare you for the arts in college?

Jory: I wasn’t too involved in the arts in high school. I acted once or twice, and I also went on the FOCUS photography trip. However, I enjoyed all of the English classes at CCDS, so I guess something can be said for that preparing my interest. It wasn’t until I felt the pressure of having to study for a career that I became involved in film. I played chess, which is very componential and mechanically similar to cinema, in high school. Perhaps that was influential too.

Kate: What are the arts like at Northwestern?

Jory: Northwestern divides its communications school into several art majors: Theatre, Radio/Television/Film, Stage Design, Lighting Design, etc. I can’t speak to all of them, but I know they are all very equipped for students to explore and receive professional guidance in class. The most important aspect to any film program is without a doubt the equipment offered.

Kate: Is it difficult to get involved in the arts at college? And how do you go about doing it?  Would you say that it is more personal initiative or otherwise?

Jory: It’s a mix of personal initiative and collaborative resources. There are different student production groups that are active on campus. Students can apply for grant money from them or participate on their seasonal sets. In film, nothing happens without teamwork: directors of photography, key grips, costume designers, producers. That’s one outlet for students to establish connections and essentially mimic the industry as undergraduates.

There are other ways as well. When I was studying abroad at a film school in Buenos Aires, I decided to make a short film, which required me to assemble a team. It took a lot of planning and friendship to make all of that happen in a second language.  Directing was a challenge as well. But everything worked out in the end. Although using the resources at Northwestern would have been easier, I made friends and enjoyed the adventure.

Kate: What are your future plans post-college?

Jory: We’ll say they’re in pre-production. I made a few opportunities in Los Angeles this past summer, so I might move out there at the end of the academic year.

Kate: What did you do this summer? Was it a good experience? What did you learn?

Jory: I worked for a music licensing firm called RipTide Music. It helped me learn about general employment, the film industry, how it intersects with music business, and whatever you learn from meeting new people anywhere.

Kate: What draws you to film?

Jory: Imagination.

Kate: What’s your favorite movie?

Jory: I don’t like this question, so I’ll tell you what movie I’m renting next: The Lives of Others. It’s been recommended quite frequently; I’ve just been too busy to watch it.

Kate: Is there anything else that you want to add?

Jory: Thank you to so many CCDS teachers. They are very dedicated.