DR. MICHELLE CARTIER

Professor

An alumni of Humboldt State University, having received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Film, Dr. Michelle Cartier is an educator, media poet, and community activist whose philosophical research continues to examine ‘love’ as an ethics and responsibilities of a media culture.  She holds a PhD in Media and Communication from the European Graduate School where she worked closely with French Philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy, through an extensive study of his writings on Being Singular Plural, and under the mentorship of French filmmaker Claire Denis for her revered filmic style of non-verbal language in cinema.

As a filmmaker and media poet, her work consistently pushes the boundaries of the frame and is often best translated through interactive media performances.  Characteristically including short original films, socio-political remixes of pop-culture, and live DJ-ing, Dr. M. Cartier’s theoretical focus un-works as a relentless invitation for her audience to coauthor an experience of authentic communication.  Michelle was recognized in 2006 at the Humboldt International Student Run Film Festival for her short experimental work Redemption: An Ode to Stanley Tookie Williams, receiving Honorable Mention in Documentary, and has, ever since, continued to strengthen the plurality of her personal and political stance as an artist.  The technical style of her filmmaking is usually dense with an eccentric mix of 16mm Optical Printing, super-8 found footage, and multi-media digital remixes.

Dr. M. Cartier has extensive experience in organizing, teaching and curating critical thinking through active media events for people of all ages and a diversity of backgrounds.  Her recent publications, events, and films include: The Media Poet, a philosophical text on the contemporary responsibilities and ethics of a media culture, published in 2012 by Apropos Press; PUNISHMENT On Trial: Step 34, Reclaiming Human Rights, a multi-media event and speaker panel curated to bring awareness and raise discussion about the complexities associated to the death penalty; and Identity and Orifices Part II, a collection of short experimental films on the incision of love and forgiveness, for the Open Heart Show hosted by the Ink People.  She has recently returned to working on the development of her 2006 launched media poet collective, Los Media Poets, which aims to serve as a creative mentorship project for youth and community members towards the promise of social justice with change through the development of new learning and literacy techniques as the very happening of a media culture.

HOWARD RITTER, DGA

Former Associate Director/Professor

I obtained a BFA from Ohio University in 1968, and a Directing MFA from Ohio University in 1970.  I attended Parsons College through 1972, and since then have worked in the Southern California television industry. In 1976, I became a member of the Director’s Guild of America, and since that time, my assignments have included single & television, children’s specials, situation comedies and new media for the internet.  I most enjoy the HD multi-camera quad split coverage production process which accompanies scripted story driven media.  Network television awards include a 2001 Directors Guild Award for General Hospital, Associate Director and Primetime Emmy contributions to Night Court in 1989, Associate Director, and NBC Donohue & Kids in 1981, Stage Manager.

In 1980, I was the Associate Director for Alan Landsburg Productions on That’s Incredible, the second reality program on network television for ABC.  During that time, I concentrated on live/tape multi-camera production and post-production CMX electronic editing and Sweetening.  Post editing inspired me, and I chose to strengthen my skills as a post-production Associate Director whenever possible for the next thirteen years.

In 1982, I began working in situation comedies such as Soap, Night Court and Oh, Baby.  I so enjoyed the sitcom scripted experience that I continued to direct and associate direct in network television in that genre.  Whenever possible, I continue to work in daytime drama as an Associate Director to further enhance my booth and stage communication skills.

In 1984, I helped launch the NBC one-hour Daytime Drama entitled Santa Barbara using my production background in studio and my postproduction skills in the edit.   I observed the rehearsal process of directors working with the acting ensemble and learned much regarding the moment to moment layering as part of an actor’s work in developing a character for performance.

Since 1992 I have worked as a guest artist within the California State University system and CSU Summer Arts, and other Southern California Universities as a way of giving back to others as my mentors have done to me in theatre and network television.  Currently, my present teaching assignment is at Humboldt State University in the Theatre, Film & Dance Dept.

For the last six years I’ve worked with Disney on multi-camera sitcoms series for The Disney Channel and the XD Channel.

I have lived in Pasadena, CA for twenty-three years with my wife, Karen, and we are proud of our two daughters, Blaire Anna Lacey, an MA graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Skylar Amelia LaRue, a recent graduate of Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Karen and I currently live in Eureka, CA with our young, but stubborn Scottish Terrier, Maggie McPhee. As a family, we enjoy our time together at home, traveling, and camping adventures throughout California.

GEORGE NELSON III

Local Filmmaker

Hoopa Tribal member George Nelson III first realized he had an interest in filmmaking after editing his first documentary, a film about the 1955 and 1965 Humboldt County floods, during his sophomore year at Hoopa Valley High School.  He used a consumer grade VHS camcorder, VCR deck, and found footage that his grandfather shot on Super 8mm. George is now an award-winning filmmaker, a Humboldt State University Alumni and the owner of War Pony Films.

While serving in the United States Air Force as an Avionics Technician, George traveled through Germany, Western Asia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. Having grown up as a member of a federally recognized tribe in a small community, the experience of meeting tribal members from other nations made a profound impression on him.

George is the winner of a cinematography award from the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts for his work on the HSU Theatre Arts Production of “City of Angels.” He also received a Telly Award for Director of Photography for his work on a local commercial.

After graduating from Humboldt, George worked for the Hoopa Tribal Education department teaching Photography and Filmmaking classes to high school youth. He led a project for the 2nd annual White House Film Festival working with K-12 youth to produce a film in just over 5 days. The film placed among the top 10 percent of entries winning an Honorable Mention at the 2015 White House Film Festival.
George is currently working on a series of educational films documenting the Hoopa culture, language and tribal customs for future generations.