ABOUT US

Update: This blog is no longer active, but we have kept the articles archived on the site.

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The Impacting Culture Blog, created by John Paul the Great Catholic University, is a platform for thought and discussion on issues of media, culture, and Catholicism. Students and alumni share their reviews, reflections, and insight.

John Paul the Great Catholic University is the Catholic university for creative arts and business innovation, located in Escondido, CA. We’re shaping the next generation of artists and innovators with academic excellence, unparalleled creativity, and an authentic community centered on Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.jpcatholic.edu.

CONTRIBUTORS

RENARD N. BANSALE

Film Reviewer

Renard once aspired to become an astronaut, before he found his passion in film discussion, criticism, conducting script-reading sessions of feature film screenplays, and annual Oscar tracking. Hailing from Seattle, WA, Renard graduated from JPCatholic in 2016 with a B.S. in Communications Media (Emphasis in Screenwriting) and is currently pursuing his M.A. in Theology online at the Augustine Institute.

Click here for articles by Renard.

CARLY TWEHOUS

TV Reviewer

Carly is a screenwriting alumna from JPCatholic (’17) who possesses a slightly inordinate love of both chocolate and comic books. In what little free time she has, she makes use of it by time traveling, ghost busting, and furiously scouring the globe for potential alien activity.

Click here for articles by Carly.

KATHERINE SANDERSON

Film Industry Analyst

Katherine currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from Colorado, she graduated with a BA in English from Santa Clara University in 2014, and is an alumna of the JPCatholic MBA program (Class of 2016). Her professional aspirations are in children/family entertainment, especially animation.

Click here for articles by Katherine.

TYLER CARLOS

Contributor: TV Reviews and Industry Insights

Tyler is a proud nerd originally from Baton Rouge, LA. He completed his undergraduate in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University, and graduated from JPCatholic’s MBA in Film Producing in 2016. In his off time, he enjoys Crossfit, escape rooms, and watching Gotham and This Is Us. His ultimate goal in life is to learn how to fly.

Click here for articles by Tyler.

BEN ESCOBAR

Film Analyst

Ben is a screenwriting and production student at JPCatholic (Class of 2018) who boasts an immense love for all things relating to the art of cinema. His favorite director is Richard Linklater and his favorite movie is Swiss Army Man.

Click here for articles by Ben.

SAM HENDRIAN

Classic Film Analyst

Sam is a student at John Paul the Great Catholic University (Class of 2019) pursuing a double emphasis in Screenwriting and Directing. His Classic Film Throwback series offers a look back on some of the most notable films from the history of cinema.

Click here for articles by Sam.

JOE CAMPBELL

Contributor: Industry Insights

Joe graduated from JPCatholic in 2012. He now works as a production manager for filmilliterates.com, in addition to being a stay-at-home dad to two kids. He was born, raised, and currently lives just outside Seattle, Washington. Some of his favorite filmmakers include Andrei Tarkovsky, Sam Raimi, and Joe Dante. Besides film, his other interests include hiking, the board game Dominion, and coffee.

Click here for articles by Joe.

JAMES POWERS

Contributor: Culture and Industry Insights

James Powers is currently earning his MBA in Film Producing at JPCatholic as a member of the class of 2019.

Click here for articles by James.

MARIA ANDRESS

Contributor: Culture and Industry Insights

Maria Andress is a film production and acting alumna from JPCatholic (Class of ’17) who hails from the proud green and gold state of Wisconsin. She is currently working in film producing, and pursuing a career in period film production. She is also a travel enthusiast always on the lookout for a fascinating idea or historical tidbit that she can translate to story through the many mediums of art.

Click here for articles by Maria.