Sam Avery is an accomplished Associate Professor at The State University of New York College at Cortland, where he leverages his extensive background in filmmaking to inspire and educate the next generation of media creators. With an MFA in Media Arts Production, Sam specializes in...
Sam Avery is an accomplished Associate Professor at The State University of New York College at Cortland, where he leverages his extensive background in filmmaking to inspire and educate the next generation of media creators. With an MFA in Media Arts Production, Sam specializes in digital video production, nonfiction filmmaking, and post-production theory, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and industry experience to his classroom. His teaching portfolio includes a diverse array of courses such as Advanced Filmmaking (COM 446), Advanced Documentary (COM 445), and Multimedia Production (COM 349), where he emphasizes hands-on learning and critical analysis of visual storytelling.
At SUNY Cortland, Sam is deeply involved in key projects that bridge academic theory and real-world application. His courses are designed not only to enhance technical skills in video production and editing—utilizing tools like Final Cut Pro—but also to cultivate a nuanced understanding of narrative structure through classes like Story & Character Deconstruction (COM 329) and Script Development & Screenwriting (COM 322). His commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking is evident in his approach to teaching Mass Media & Society (COM 301) and Field Video Production (COM 243), where students engage with contemporary media issues and practical production challenges.
Sam’s expertise in documentaries and studio television production (COM 342) allows him to guide students through the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives, whether in a documentary format or scripted content. His passion for film and media, combined with his dedication to student success, positions him as a vital contributor to the academic community at SUNY Cortland, where he continues to shape the future of digital storytelling.