Multimedia Editing Innovation Zone

For Cranford High School English and Film teacher Justin Corrazza, the possibilities of learning have always gone beyond the walls of the classroom. In his ten-plus years of teaching at CHS, Mr. Corrazza endeavors to create creative learning environments that meet “student needs in the context of the demands of the twenty-first century workforce.”

With the evolving success of the CHS Film Club and the new CHS course offering of Film Design, Screenwriting, and Production, Mr. Corrazza recognized the need for an evolved space to do the difficult work of media editing. The CFEE grant allowed for the purchase of a multimedia editing innovation zone, which allows for students to simultaneously collaborate on video and editing projects, has become a crucial part of student success in film and media production, and counteracts the otherwise isolating work of editing. This hands-on, collaborative work serves as a catalyst for learning for students across the CHS school population and faculty, creating new ways for them to learn and create together.

“My goal as an English and Film teacher has always been to produce critical thinkers, lifelong readers, and creators and I think this grant gets to the heart of that.”

Student success is a testament to the success of the multimedia editing innovation zone. Over the last several years, the CHS Film Club has had several films featured in the Cranford Film Festival and the renowned Garden State Film Festival. Students have also worked independently on projects that have been accepted to major international film festivals, like the Lighthouse International Film Festival.

The future is bright for Mr. Corrazza and the CHS Film Club, as they continue to host their own Cranford High School Film Festival, and work to grow the curriculum as part of a proposed Film Career and Technical Education program, a New Jersey State endorsed program that offers dual enrollment with Kean University.