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Artful Career Journeys: Keith Mehlinger on Storytelling & Creativity

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Feb 17, 2023 • 58m

Open your ears to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is at the helm. Our today’s guest Keith Mehlinger, is a tenured professor of cinematic arts and director of the Screenwriting and Animation program at Morgan State University. As he engages with host Rob Lee on The Truth In This Art. With a robust background in marketing, film production, and corporate collaborations, Keith delves into his film industry journey, the innovative vision for the SWAN program, and more. Holding a Bachelor's from UC Berkeley and an M.F.A. from UCLA, Keith's career spans successful tenures with Fortune 250 companies and prolific contributions to storytelling and filmmaking.

About Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN)

Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN) is Morgan's cinematic arts and sciences major and the most technology immersive program in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). Much more than just a film major, SWAN lays the groundwork for evolving artists, filmmakers, and content producers to forge career paths in entertainment, education, science, and business at a time when visual storytelling is the dominant narrative form of the 21st Century.


In this talk, we navigate through:

  • How Keith's love for storytelling via movies and cartoons ignited his film career journey.
  • Keith's hands-on experience in film and video production with companies like Northrop and TRW.
  • Keith's insights on the vital role versatility and sustainability play in creative careers, alongside his encouragement for skill diversity in students.
  • The innovative integration of technology and creativity within the Swan program, shaping students for screenwriting and animation careers.
  • Keith's emphasis on guiding students to strike a balance between creative dreams and practical considerations, urging openness to unexpected opportunities.


Keith shares his journey in the film industry and discusses the importance of storytelling. He talks about his early experiences with film and animation, his time working in the corporate world, and his transition into academia. Keith also highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the Swan program and the value of integrating technology and creative skills. He emphasizes the importance of versatility and sustainability in a creative career and the need to balance creative aspirations with practical considerations.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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