Orange, CA (October 6, 2008) – Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts welcomes Jeffrey McCracken, Barbara Doyle, and Andrew Lane, who have joined the faculty beginning with the 2008-09 school year.

“Each year, our roster of faculty continues to be enhanced with the top leaders in the world of film and television,” says Dean Bob Bassett. “We are excited to welcome these talented individuals as part of our outstanding faculty.”

"It’s such an honor to be joining the faculty of Dodge College and its passionate commitment to nurturing the next generation of talented artists,” says new Assistant Professor, Jeffrey McCracken. “Aside from the incredible facility, this really is a phenomenal community of faculty, staff, and students in a thriving atmosphere of artistic exchange that challenges and supports everyone in their creative process. I’m thrilled to be here and contributing to not only the mission of the school, but also my own ongoing development as a filmmaker."

Jeffrey McCracken – Associate Professor, Acting/Directing
After two years as an adjunct professor at Dodge College, Jeffrey McCracken joins the faculty as an Assistant Professor in Acting and Directing. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, McCracken is an experienced actor, writer, producer and director. He developed and co-produced the Robert Redford-directed film Quiz Show, which was nominated for an Academy Award and won numerous awards including the New York Film Critics Award for Best Motion Picture. He was executive producer of the independent motion picture One Cup of Coffee, which won the Audience Award for Best Picture at the Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by Miramax Pictures under the title Pastime. As president of Michael Jacobs Productions at Walt Disney Studios, McCracken was responsible for the development and production of numerous television series including The Torkelsons, Where I Live, Maybe This Time, and Misery Loves Company.

McCracken has directed for both the theatre and television, having helmed over 70 episodes of well known favorites such as NYPD Blue, Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, Boy Meets World, Dinosaurs, Still Standing, Suite Life, Smart Guy and You Wish among others. On stage, he directed productions including Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love, Shakespeare’s Richard III and Julius Caesar, and Christopher Bomba’s Conscience. As an actor, McCracken studied with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City and then appeared in numerous productions on Broadway and off-Broadway. Working at the acclaimed Circle Repertory Company in New York City, he originated roles in new works by Lanford Wilson, Beth Henley, John Bishop, Horton Foote, Bill Elverman, Shelby Buford, Roy London, and A.R. Gurney.

Barbara Doyle – Assistant Professor, Producing
Having held faculty positions at the American Film Institute and the Brooks Institute of Photography, Barbara Doyle joins the Dodge College faculty as an Assistant Professor in Producing. Doyle has supervised the production of over 25 feature films, training and promotional videos and has done work for HBO, The Disney Channel, Hearst Entertainment, Alcon Entertainment, Morgan Creek Productions, Warner Brothers and ESPN among others. In addition to teaching, she also serves as a production consultant. Doyle holds a Bachelor of Arts from Framingham State College and a Masters from Harvard University.

Andrew Lane – Assistant Professor, Producing/Directing
Andrew Lane brings 25 years of experience as a writer and producer to his position as Assistant Professor in Producing and Directing. Writer and director of the iconic 1983 film Valley Girl, Lane’s credits include A Fate Totally Worse Than Death, Servants of Twilight, Femme Fatale, Lonely Hearts and Peacemaker. Additionally, he has produced and directed many commercials and informational videos and was the winner of two ADDYS from the Advertising Council for his anti-marijuana and anti-binge drinking public service announcements. Lane has also taught at the University of Southern California, North Carolina School of Arts, and the University of Richmond and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Writers Guild of American West.

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ABOUT DODGE COLLEGE OF FILM AND MEDIA ARTS
Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, home to 1,100 students, is comprised of the Sodaro-Pankey Undergraduate School of Media Arts, offering undergraduate degrees in film production, screenwriting, public relations and advertising, film studies, digital arts, and television and broadcast journalism; the Conservatory of Motion Pictures, offering graduate degrees in film production, film and television producing, screenwriting, production design and film studies. Marion Knott Studios, the $42-million, 76,000-square-foot home of the Dodge College, opened in fall 2006.

Press Contact: Misty Espinoza
Rogers & Cowan
310-854-8145
mespinoza@rogersandcowan.com