When we worked at Universal, the people there treated us like professionals, so you had to step up your level of professionalism. Van Wagenen says he was drawn to UCF because of its emphasis on independent filmmaking. The hard reality is that you have to understand both to have a chance at surviving in the film industry. Like the Blair Witch creators, Van Wagenen sees great benefits to joining a film department based in Orlando. Orlando has a strong film community.
Many producers live here.
Films are being made all the time at Disney and Universal. There's a great mix here. I'm coming to UCF at the best possible moment. Greg Hale, speaking on behalf of the young filmmakers, praised the support of the University is showing for the film program. The addition of Van Wegenen, and the high profile success of th e Blair Witch Project, he said, means it is a perfect time for the film program to work toward national stature.