A Message from the Director

Dear ETC Community, 

I’ve been at the ETC for just over a month, and I just wanted to thank everyone for welcoming me so warmly. Between connecting with all of you and being introduced to the incredible work already happening here, it’s been the best kind of whirlwind. (And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the added stress of relocating my action figure collection to my new office.) 

For those of you in your second year, I hope your projects are as thrilling to you as they are to me. And for those of you only a month into your time at the ETC, I hope you’re finding your first weeks here as fun and challenging as I am.  

One of the reasons I decided to take this role at the ETC is its unique interdisciplinary foundation. In 2018, I created “I Am A Man,” an interactive VR experience chronicling the history and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. I had the opportunity to showcase it at film festivals, where I was lucky enough to win awards for it. But before that, I thought of myself mostly as an academic. 

When I found myself in that context — which was entirely new to me — I found myself thinking about my work differently. I suddenly saw all the different shapes my work could take, something I had never thought about before. It opened me up to completely new ideas, and new ways of using technology to tell important stories.

I think about the ETC’s curriculum in the same way. Where else but the ETC would the creative freedom of improvisational acting be given the same weight as creating entirely new worlds in virtual reality? Housing them in one building and letting them play and interact together is what makes the ETC really special, and gives it a distinct advantage over other programs. As we forge ahead into new areas of inquiry, such as generative and applied A.I., we do so with the same playful spirit. 

The ETC is a place with a rich history and a strong sense of tradition; it’s also a place where being on the cutting-edge is a priority. My goal as the new director is to honor that history and ethos while growing and strengthening the program through new opportunities. I’m honored to have the opportunity to do that alongside all of you. 

Warmly,

Derek Ham, Ph.D.

Director of the Entertainment Technology Center  

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