The Kirkpatrick Foundation recently awarded Oklahoma City Community College a $50,000 grant to support the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for its world-renowned digital cinema program, named one of the best film programs in the United States and Canada by MovieMaker Magazine.

“We are appreciative of the Kirkpatrick Foundation’s support of the arts at OCCC through the years. Executive Director Louisa McCune and the Board of Directors have provided valuable assistance to our program and ensured we have the latest technology to provide our students with the highest quality of education,” said Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, OCCC President. “This grant will allow our students to learn on the most up-to-date cameras available, setting them up for a seamless transition into a career in film and television.”

The gift will help purchase several Panasonic EVA Super 35mm Cinema Cameras which is an industry-preferred camera for students to learn, along with lenses, monitors and other necessary accessories.

“We are excited to receive this generous gift. Our digital cinema program, started by our very own artist-in-residence Academy Award-winning producer Gray Frederickson has grown tremendously to meet the growing film industry in our state,” said Greg Mellott, OCCC Professor and Coordinator of Digital Cinema Production.

OCCC’s Digital Cinema Program has ushered hundreds of students into the workforce since its inception. The program, which currently enrolls just under 200, lasts two years, providing students with internship and post-graduation employment opportunities with industry leaders such as Prairie Surf Media and other projects produced locally, regionally and across the United States.