Blue Ridge Film Students Release Documentary on Hurricane Helene

Featured photo: A still from the opening scenes of the Blue Ridge film student documentary about Hurricane Helene.

Marketing & Communications Dept.

Earlier this year in July, Blue Ridge Community College film students completed and released a powerful documentary about the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the resilience of the people of Western North Carolina. Produced through the College’s Film and Video program, the 30-minute film captures the stories of more than 20 individuals, including the Mayor of Hendersonville, the county manager, first responders, nonprofit leaders, and church members. Together, their voices paint a vivid picture of how the community came together to support one another during one of the region’s most difficult times.

The film was created as a public service project by Blue Ridge Community College Film and Video faculty and students, where they combined their classroom training in scriptwriting, camera work, lighting, sound, editing, and production planning to tell this story of resilience.

Studio 131 also helped produce the documentary. Studio 131 is a production group comprised of current students, graduates, and professional mentors. The group aims to produce meaningful films/videos in the service of the community. For current students it is an exceptional opportunity to learn not only from teachers and other students but to be mentored by those from the industry or recently retired.

Hands-On Training in Film and Video
Blue Ridge’s Film and Video program offers students a full spectrum of courses designed to prepare them for real-world film production. In Production Techniques I and II, students work in small crews to develop scripts, direct actors, record sound, and edit short films. In Camera and Lighting I and II, they build technical expertise through regular exercises and on-location projects, while Editing courses teach the art of storytelling with digital tools, motion graphics, and green-screen compositing.

Students also gain experience in Grip and Electrical courses, learning the essentials of lighting, rigging, equipment safety, and special effects. The Multimedia Production class gives them the opportunity to run a mini-studio, creating podcasts, video content, and live-streams. By the time they reach Production Management, students are ready to take on larger projects like the Hurricane Helene documentary—projects that connect their craft to the wider community.

With each course building on the last, Blue Ridge Community College’s Film and Video program equips students with the creative and technical skills to bring stories to life, both in the studio and beyond, and pursue rewarding careers in broadcast, communications, advertising, and more.
Learn more about the Film and Video program at www.blueridge.edu/film.