11 Burning Questions with Dean Duncan

1. What do you do as interim dean of the School of Film and Television?
This academic year, my job is to guide the school’s transition to the next dean.  I’m responsible for managing academics and the administration of the School of Film and Television. Oh, yeah, I also go to a lot of meetings.

2. How is the University’s search for a new dean going?
I assume it’s going well, but I’m not privileged to that information.  Joseph Hellige, Vice President of Research, is the chair of the search committee.

3. Since you are a member of the Writer’s Guild, did you strike?
As a member of the Guild, when it goes on strike, I’m on strike.  

4. What was your reaction to Teri Schwartz leaving and you being appointed dean?
I was very happy for Teri Schwartz’s appointment as the dean at UCLA’s film school because it’s a great career move for her and an opportunity to return to her alma mater.

5. Do you think the film school will struggle after losing Dean Schwartz?
We will continue to be a premiere film school in the world.  While Teri Schwartz’s leadership will be missed, she left the school in great shape.

6. What are some changes the film school is making this year?
The most significant is the school becoming a more active part of the wider University community.  Also, we’ve renamed the Office of External Affairs to the Office of Industry Relations and appointed Susan Glatzer as the new director of Industry Relations.  The name change better represents how the office works for our students.  

7. California is home to many great film schools. What makes LMU different?
We live and breathe the Jesuit mission of “social justice,” which is reflected in our students’ creative work.  While other film schools are focusing more on how great technology is, we use the same state-of-the-art technology to tell great stories.  

8. If you were trapped in a theater, what three movies would you like to have?
“Casablanca” because it’s the best damn film ever made; “A Fish Called Wanda” because I got a cramp in my side from laughing so hard; and “The Matrix” because it has some of the most entertaining action sequences ever seen in a film.

9. Do you have any advice for students considering a career in the film industry?
No matter what job you’re training for, learn how to write and pitch your ideas.

10. What was your role in the school before being appointed interim dean?
I taught screenwriting and served as the screenwriting department chair.

11. When the University finds a permanent dean, will you return to that role?
Yes.