Spring — 2010

Paul Henn

Film

“What I love about movies is that they can give you emotions that you won’t find in any other medium. They are really powerful stuff.”

He’s about as Southern California as you can get, is Paul Henn. He lives up in Malibu, and has those rugged, surfer good looks. But beyond that, his entire family has been involved in the Entertainment Industry. “Yeah, my uncle was in the Beach Boys, and he started The Captain and Tennille. And my dad was in the Sunrays. So, I was just always surrounded by music and musicians.” Although Paul plays “all the instruments” and is currently in a band, he’s decided to break with family traditions, and strike out on his own path.

“I want to transfer over to Cal State Northridge and get into the film program over there. Maybe get into screenwriting or film production. I think that good films can actually change you in profound ways, and I want to tap into that power, “ says Paul. “I had a great screenwriting teacher here—Mr. Somers—and he changed my entire perspective about what makes a good story for the screen. Really excellent. And I also like acting, so I took Theatre Arts 41, and that again changed my focus. I discovered that I really enjoy being around actors, and my ultimate goal is to be a director. Then I can be in charge of an entire production, and I can put my name on it.”

Paul adds, “SMC is an amazing environment where there’s just tons of nice, smart, and respectful people. You get to develop deep friendships with other students, too, which is the essence of the college experience. And this place is definitely creative,” he says. “I feel like I’ve had so many opportunities here that it’s almost ridiculous!”

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