Join Jordan as he reconnects with his former film professor, Jacob A. Dodd — an independent filmmaker and author whose work is a celebration of analog film, specializing in memoir documentary and fiction filmmaking on celluloid.
In this episode, they dive into Jake’s film projects, his unique approach to teaching, and his ongoing process of balancing personal creative work with his role in the classroom. They discuss the difficulties of managing large, unfinished projects and navigating the discomfort that comes with creative blockages. Jake shares his insights into crafting a career that aligns with his values and passions, and his dedication to fostering a love for film in his students. He also highlights his commitment to community-based projects in the Oswego area, including a special class project for his “Children’s Literature and Film” course at Fort Ontario.
What we get into
- Why analog film still matters
- Balancing personal creative work with teaching
- Living with large, unfinished projects
- Navigating creative blocks and the discomfort they bring
- Building a career that aligns with your values
- Fostering a love of film in students
- Community filmmaking in Oswego, and the Fort Ontario class project
About Jake
Jake is an Associate Professor of Cinema and Screen Studies at Oswego State University of New York. He holds an MFA in Photography and Film from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts from Ithaca College.
He is the author of 16mm and 8mm Filmmaking: An Essential Guide to Shooting on Celluloid, and is committed to preserving the art and technique of traditional film formats. His short films have screened at national and international festivals, including the Lahore International Children’s Film Festival, Thomas Edison Film Festival, Virginia Film Festival, Athens International Film + Video Festival, Big Muddy Film Festival, and the James River Film Festival.