Cameron Eidlitz
Program: Film Studies
Year of Study: Five
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Extra-Curricular Involvement:
Executive, UWO Choir, Executive, Western’s Undergraduate Film Society, Member, UWO Investment Club
Why did you choose Arts and Humanities at Western?
In first year, I was enrolled in Bio-medical Sciences; however, after gaining experience in a lab setting between first and second year, I decided that this was not the career for me. I then pursued Actuarial Sciences, but I found that my favorite courses were the Film Studies electives that I took. As my courses grew more research intensive, I found that allowing my interests to guide my education was the best principle. This led me to pursuing a degree in Film Studies.
What is one highlight of your Arts and Humanities experience so far?
I absolutely loved the Television Course I took in second year. For my final paper, I deconstructed a long take from the first season of True Detective, eventually revising 30 pages the night before the paper was due in my friend’s apartment while we did an all-night marathon of the 9-hour series. It was possibly the most caffeine I ever consumed in one evening, and definitely one of the most memorable nights of my university career.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on applying to Masters Programs in Film Theory across the country to continue my education, eventually hoping to earn my PhD and become a Professor of Film Theory. Eventually/alternatively, I would love the opportunity to act as a showrunner (head writer and executive producer) for my own television show, although this is more of the “dream job” than anything based in reality.
What advice would you give to incoming Arts and Humanities students?
Read lots. There is a misconception that Film Studies is only about watching movies, when in reality reading and research takes up about 90% of my time.
What is the best thing about your program?
I watch movies in school. I produce my friends’ movies in school. I write scripts and get to direct them as part of classes. I write research articles about how movies show us the world. There’s so much freedom in Film Studies, and so much to learn!
