Mundelein High School junior, Allan Rodriguez, has landed a summer scholarship to study film at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. The scholarship amounts to about $12 thousand that covers tuition, meals, housing, insurance, weekend events, etc.
The program is a four-week college course during the summer where students from all over the world go to study film and by the end of the course, they come out with a short film, music video, and a specific project of their own which they then use as their application film when they apply to NYU Tisch School of the Arts for their freshman year. At his young age, Rodriguez already has a lengthy resume.
“While I’ve been fascinated with making videos since I was young, I started fully pursuing my passion when I was in sixth grade,” Rodriguez said. “Since then I’ve filmed many short/Micro films, have become the president of the MHS Film Club and started a production company in which I create ads, promos, commercials, event videos and even music videos for local bands,” he explained.
According to Kent Meister, Rodriguez’s Advanced Media instructor, he’ll have a great learning experience at NYU.
“During the year Allan is able to work on film for 50 minutes at a time in my class and usually is the person leading the pack because of his passion and skills. I am excited for him to be in a program where this is what he gets to do during the whole day surrounded by so many others who share the same level of passion for film and editing.”
In addition to creating a number of films and music videos Rodriguez also created Clover Visuals, a freelance filmmaking production company run by a friend and himself. They produce live event video, wedding/party videos and other projects for clients throughout the Chicagoland/northern Illinois area.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity because I’ve never been a believer in film school because of how expensive it is. But I know how essential it is because of the opportunities presented and connections you make with the people you meet. I’m excited for everyone I’ll meet and work with and obviously how I get to go to New York.”
Meister concluded, “I am truly happy to see him have this opportunity which will go well beyond what he can learn in my class or from youtube. I can’t wait to check in with him after this program to hear about what he has learned and how it has taken his passion/skills to the next level.”