Inspiring the Next Generation: EOC Tech’s Digital Media Instructor Brings Lifelong Passion for Film to Students
Adam Bass, Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center’s Digital Media Instructor turned his passion for movies and TV shows into a career dedicated to inspiring the next generation of film-makers. From his childhood fascination with storytelling on screen to his hands-on role in the classroom, Bass currently helps students explore the world of digital media, introducing them to insights in the ever-growing and changing film industry.
Bass spent a number of years in education, exclusively coaching and teaching in both the public and private education sector.
“I first started teaching at Star Spencer High School from 1997-2002, Mount St. Mary from 2002-2007 and then Bridge Creek High School from 2007-2011.”
Bass taught students in the subjects of World History, Government, AP Government, Economics, US History and AP World History. In addition, he coached basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and cross country, as well as a year of football.
“I’ve spent 27 years in education across various environments, which has allowed me to connect with any student that walks through my door,” Bass said.
It was during this time in his career where he assigned students to make history films in his class, that he realized not only did he still have a love for the film industry, but he had a passion for teaching students about it.
In 2011, Bass took a period of time off from teaching and began studying film at Oklahoma City Community College. By 2013, he was teaching Stagecraft, Film Making and TV Production at Choctaw High School. While at Choctaw, he launched the live sports stream and established “Yellow Jacket TV.” In addition to the classes he taught at CHS, Bass continued to add to his resume by working on various film projects outside of the classroom, including writing and directing his own feature film. In 2022 he decided to shift his career focus strictly to Digital Media, which allowed him to focus on expanding opportunities for both himself and for his students. This shift brought him to EOC Tech.
“My primary goal as a Digital Media Instructor is to encourage students to identify their passion, pursue their dreams and develop a plan to make those dreams a reality,” he said. “I focus on helping them connect with people and resources they might not otherwise reach.”
Bass’s motivation in both his teaching career and entrepreneur experience in film and now music comes from a deep love of all things creative.
“By sharing my pursuits, whether it’s film-making or creating a music album, I aim to show students that anything is possible with dedication and the right support.”
Former Digital Media student and current Photography Intern at EOC Tech, Lex Simpson said the connections and guidance provided in Mr. Bass’s class were invaluable, but what stood out the most was his dedication to his work, even outside of the classroom.
“It was pretty impressive seeing him decide for himself to continue his dreams of creating not only films, but to dive into music and instruments,” Simpson said. “It was inspiring as a student and really goes to show that you can keep building onto your career if you really want to.”
Mr. Bass’s experience in the world of film hasn’t been seamless and while he’s celebrated successes in his career, he’s also had to deal with failures – which he tells his students is an important part of the process.
“In this industry, the most valuable skill is putting in consistent effort and embracing the possibility of failure,” he said. “Being able to take criticism without taking it personally is crucial – that skill allows you to brush it off, dig back in and use it to make your next project even stronger.”
“The entertainment industry is always evolving so I stay informed through publications and insights from industry experts,” he said. “However, no amount of knowledge can replace the importance of consistent effort, resilience to failure and a constructive approach to criticism – these are essential to navigating and succeeding in the field.”
Mr. Bass’s Digital Media Program offers four courses students can focus on – Digital Photography Technician, Digital Photography Specialist, Digital Cinema Technician and Digital Cinema Specialist. Students who choose to study any of the course offerings available can expect nothing but top tier instruction and beneficial industry connections from Bass.