Timeless Books Courtesy of Lin Kristensen CC 2.0

Compass Film Academy continues to strengthen its position as the region’s premiere film school with the addition of Mark Clayman, Dick Rolfe, Joel Schoon Tanis, and Dr. Paul Worfel to its Board of Advisors.

Clayman, a Los Angeles-based producer,  initiated development and served as Executive Producer on Sony’s box office hit, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The film earned Will Smith an Oscar nomination. Currently, Clayman is developing several other projects, including “Same Kind of Different as Me,” a big-screen adaptation of the 2008 best seller.

Dick Rolfe is the CEO of the Dove Foundation. For the past 20 years he’s made Hollywood the focus of his work, building relationships with entertainment executives and filmmakers. He directed The Dove Foundation’s landmark, studies examining the correlations between film ratings and profitability. He is a frequent guest commentator on Focus on the Family’s Family News in Focus. Rolfe’s national television appearances include NBC News, MSNBC, CNN, FOX News, Hollywood Reporter on Starz, Entertainment Tonight, and PBS’ Freedom Speaks.

Joel Schoon Tanis is the executive producer, television personality, and head Creative Guy for Enthusiastic Productions’ Emmy-winning children’s show, “Come on Over” (COO). As an artists, his work has been showcased around the world and he’s illustrated numerous children’s books. An engaging guest speakers, Joel is no stranger to fascinating presentations. Topics include Art Motivation, Murals, and Faith and the Arts. Through Enthusiastic Productions, Joel is currently producing a kids show with the national network PBS Sprout.

Rounding out the four, CFA gladly welcomes Dr. Paul Worfel. Dr. Worfel joined the education faculty of Huntington University in 2005. He completed his doctorate in curriculum studies at Indiana University in Bloomington in 2004 with a minor in education policy studies. Originally, Dr. Worfel earned his Bachelors degree in music education from Central Michigan University and soon after completed a Masters in performance and literature at Eastman School of Music. He completed a Masters in philosophical and sociological foundations of education prior to seeking his doctorate. His teaching experience ranges from Kindergarten to adult including Indiana Wesleyan (Adult and Professional Studies), Indiana University, and nineteen years in public school. Dr. Worfel will lend his knowledge and experience to Compass’s groundbreaking curriculum.

Said Mark Clayman, “I’m excited to work with Compass’ extremely professional, experienced and talented teaching staff, not to mention the eager and creative students. I will work to help strengthen the school’s fantastic curriculum. Compass is positioned perfectly for both Hollywood and Michigan’s growing film business.”

Joining CFA’s prestigious Advisors, the board met in Grand Rapids earlier in June to advise the school through curriculum review and enhancement.