Greenville, S.C. – This summer, a group of Clemson University students finished filming a second feature‑length drama, The High Note, under the guidance of two‑time Emmy‑nominated producer and professor of practice Sam Sokolow. The project, a collaboration between Clemson, local talent and regional arts programs, aims to give aspiring filmmakers the practical skills needed to walk onto any professional set and contribute immediately.
Hands‑on learning in a five‑week intensive
Sokolow designed the summer class as a five‑week, full‑immersion experience. He told students, “When they come out of this program, they’re ready to work at the highest level, in film and television and digital production in this industry day one.” The curriculum combined classroom instruction, on‑set production work and post‑production planning, with the goal of preparing participants for real‑world industry demands.
Story and themes
The film follows a music student whose professor encourages him to pursue his dreams, illustrating the belief that “with the right education and opportunity, anyone can rise from the streets to the stage.” The narrative reflects the program’s broader mission: to cultivate creative talent in the Upstate and demonstrate that local students can achieve national‑level success.
Local collaboration and diverse participation
Twenty‑two students and crew members took part in the production. While the majority were Clemson students, the class opened its doors to non‑Clemson participants for the first time. Two students came from the University of South Carolina, three from the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, and two from The Fine Arts Center in Greenville, highlighting a regional partnership that strengthens the arts community.
Student contributions on screen and sound
All of the film’s music was performed by Clemson student musicians. The “Hero Song,” written and performed by lead actor Connor Chase, emerged from a spontaneous meeting in which Chase presented the first verse and chorus, receiving immediate approval from the director. The female lead, Clemson alumna Adrian Eppley (class of 2015), brings professional experience from ten prior films to her first leading role. Director Jason Lockhart, who also serves as Eppley’s agent, praised her talent and professionalism, noting that her positive attitude helped maintain a supportive environment for the student crew.
Professional mentorship
Beyond the student team, the set featured a cohort of seasoned film and television professionals, including consulting producer Julia Fowler, a South Carolina native who wrote and directed the previous year’s film. Their involvement provided mentorship, industry insight and networking opportunities for the students.
Post‑production plans
Filming wrapped on August 4, and the next phase will be post‑production. Sokolow intends to partner with Filmpool, a post‑production studio that relocated from California to Greenville, to complete the project. He also announced plans for a third feature film next summer, contingent on the continued success of the program.
Impact on the Upstate creative ecosystem
“It’s about cultivating the Upstate and working with the best talent that is here to let these students know that their dreams are possible,” Sokolow said. The program’s emphasis on local talent, regional collaboration and hands‑on experience underscores Clemson’s commitment to building a sustainable film industry in the Greenville area.
With “The High Note” moving into post‑production, the students and faculty look forward to sharing their work with the community and demonstrating the potential of home‑grown creative projects to reach broader audiences.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
