After he graduates from Central Washington University’s Film program this spring, senior Thomas Sanders will continue his study of film production and editing at Chapman University’s Dodge School of Film & Media.

Sanders, of Mukilteo, Washington, was accepted to the film production Master of Fine Arts program at Chapman, which consistently ranks in the top 10% of film programs in the nation.

Sanders made his first film at age 7 with a flip camera, his parents said.

“He would write the scripts, have his younger brothers be the actors, and he has continued making films ever since,” said Julie Sanders, his mother. “We are very excited that he will be pursuing his master's in film production and hone in on his craft.”

At CWU, Sanders is known by his faculty as a leader in group projects and a student who fully engages in class discussions and is always prepared for class. He has been involved with several outside projects, including working as an editor of a series of educational training videos. Sanders’ grades have been exceptional in all areas of production as well as film history, film studies and screenwriting.

The CWU Film Program is dedicated to preparing students as creative leaders in the film and television industries. Foundational courses are combined with specialized courses that allow students to pursue the specific areas of the entertainment business that interests them the most. Whether they want to be a generalist and run their own film production business, or aspire to specialize as a writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, or a hyphenate, the CWU Film Program helps them mold their advanced classes to achieve their individual goals.