LUMIX EDU provides educators with exclusive discounts, ready-to-use film and TV curriculums, and hands-on training resources—equipping schools to inspire the next generation of storytellers from day one.
At Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, the Film and Media Program is more than just an elective—it’s a creative hub that has grown nearly 400% since its early days. Under the leadership of Film and Media Director Andrew Roberts, the program has transformed from a small, primarily theory-based program into a hands-on, multi-level filmmaking and broadcasting curriculum that’s preparing students for today’s media environment. “When I first started, my first television class had eight students,” Roberts recalls. “We’ve kept a retention rate of about 81–82% between years one, two, and three.”
Originally focused on the technical crossover between theater and film, the program’s early years centered on a daily morning broadcast. While that foundation in broadcast journalism was important, Roberts quickly recognized a gap: students weren’t producing enough of their own creative work. “When I took over the department, I took over the filmmaking classes and integrated all these new features,” he explains. That expansion led to the creation of four levels of filmmaking—two at the honors level—plus sports broadcasting, three levels of morning show programming, and a studio production course for beginners.
Why Every School Should Have a Film and TV Program
For Roberts, the importance of a strong film and TV program goes far beyond teaching students how to operate a camera. “In Southern California, we have a hub of entertainment and production,” he says. “These kids are natural-born storytellers. Spend time with high school students for 15 minutes and you’ll see at least half a dozen videos made for TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat.”
Roberts believes schools that fail to capitalize on that creativity are “missing the boat.” A morning broadcast program, he points out, boosts school spirit, communicates important announcements, and gives students real-world communication skills.
On the academic side, media programs foster interdisciplinary connections. “You’ll have students who want to film a talk show about a science subject or create an ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ episode about a history lesson,” Roberts explains. “We’re giving them tools, techniques, and curriculum to do it the right way—and they can take those skills into any field.”
Beyond Smartphones: The Case for Professional Gear
While smartphones have become a go-to filming tool for many young creators, Roberts emphasizes the value of teaching students on professional-grade equipment like LUMIX cameras and lenses. “It’s always a bit of a misnomer when people say ‘filmed on iPhone’ for an award-winning film,” he says. “It’s not just pulling your phone out of your pocket—it’s rigged with lenses and gear that cost more than most people make in a year.”
Using an iPhone is fine, he adds, but there are limitations. “Changing out a lens for good glass really ups the game. Being able to shoot in RAW, control color, work in post-production—these are skills you need if you want to work in this industry.”
The program’s impact on students goes far beyond technical know-how. Roberts has seen quiet, introverted students develop into confident leaders. “They can now stand in front of a class and speak without sweating or shaking because they’ve been in front of a camera,” he says.
Teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution are built into the filmmaking process. “Students directing or producing learn that yelling at someone doesn’t get results—talking to them does,” Roberts explains.
Even students’ writing skills improve. “When you’re writing a script for a teleprompter, you have to think about punctuation and pacing. Suddenly they understand why commas and periods matter.”
The program also teaches students to see the world differently—appreciating architecture, discovering how music from the 1950s might perfectly fit a modern scene, and honing research skills to maintain accuracy and continuity in their films.
Writing scripts teaches students why punctuation and pacing matter.
A Curriculum Designed for Modern Learners
One of Roberts’ key contributions to LUMIX EDU has been developing both a one-year and a four-year, camera-agnostic curriculum for film and television programs. “I always love working with new teachers, especially those who’ve been assigned to teach a film class but never worked in the industry,” he says. “I wrote the curriculum so someone who’s never taught before could pick it up and run with it.”
The curriculum includes California standards, essential questions, expected outcomes, and fully developed lesson plans. Instructors can teach it verbatim or modify it to suit their students’ needs. Importantly, the lessons are relevant to today’s media landscape. “You cannot teach film and TV from a book. You need to do it,” insists Roberts. “There’s no reason for students to spend hundreds of dollars on materials when everything they need is provided.”
Topics range from broadcast journalism to advanced cinematography techniques like open gate shooting. The approach is flexible enough for veteran educators to find new ideas while giving beginners a solid foundation.Roberts says hands-on experience is key to learning film and TV—and with the right program, students have all the tools they need without extra costs.
Mater Dei Film & Media Director and LUMIX Ambassador for Education Andrew Roberts.
Partnering with LUMIX EDU
Roberts’ collaboration with LUMIX began at the NAB Show, where he saw an opportunity to connect his students with professional gear manufacturers he trusted. “My goal was to get my students partnering with companies that make gear I love, use, and support—and see how we could work together,” he says.
The partnership grew into his role as LUMIX’s Ambassador for Education, where he helped create the LUMIX EDU program and contributed his curriculum as a resource for teachers nationwide.
Looking ahead, Roberts sees LUMIX EDU as an essential hub for both new and experienced instructors. “It’s going to provide a one-stop destination,” he explains. “Instead of searching through 30 different YouTube videos to find one tutorial, it’ll be right there—along with the curriculum, discount programs, and live events.”
He envisions LUMIX EDU as one of those “bookmarks you always have open,” a place teachers can turn to for inspiration, lesson plans, or guidance on using new gear.
By combining hands-on training, professional-grade equipment, and a curriculum tailored to modern learners, Roberts and the Mater Dei Film and Media program are giving students the tools they need to tell their stories—and tell them well.
“They’re natural-born storytellers,” Roberts says. “Now we’re giving them the means to do it the right way.”
