Faculty Profile
Corey Norman, infectious enthusiasm
Besides teaching video production classes, Corey Norman hires current and former students to work on the films he makes for his production company, Bonfire Films.
Corey, who earned a video tech degree from SMCC in 2001, is chairman of the Communications & New Media program. He’s well-known for his love of horror films, his enthusiasm and Maine Mayhem, the annual film festival he created to allow his senior students to show their films in public theaters in Portland and elsewhere in Maine.
He’s also produced about 20 movies through Bonfire Films, which he started in 2009 to serve as a bridge for graduating students between college and their professional careers. His films (“Hanover House,” “Natal” and “Tickle” among them) have won widespread acclaim and awards.
About a dozen alumni and six current students worked on his latest film, based on Stephen King’s short story “Suffer the Little Children.” The premiere showing will be Sept. 12 at the Horror Hound Film Festival in Indianapolis.
He pushes students hard and has high standards — which helps lead to student success, he says.
“If you’re going to teach something, you have to love it. My students know I love filmmaking, and that love is infectious.”
Student Profile
Ryan Donkin, college=bright future
Ryan is keeping his options open for after graduation next spring. But one thing he knows for sure: A college education is key to a successful future.
Ryan came to SMCC out of high school last fall as part of the Path to Graduation student success program. He says he’s come a long way in the past year, and he served as a student leader to incoming MySuccess students during their recent three-week summer program.
A Liberal Studies major, Ryan last year was a member of the Gaming Club, played with the soccer team unofficially during practices, and sang with the choir during SMCC’s May graduation ceremony. He plays the guitar and drums for a band called It Doesn’t Matter, and holds down two jobs.
“College is a catalyst for a good future. If want a successful job, education is one of the most important things I can have.”