As New Jersey’s film and television industry continues to expand, Brookdale Community College is preparing students to step onto professional sets with confidence through its Script to Screen program, a cornerstone of the New Jersey Film Academy.
At the center of the program is Script to Screen: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry, a required prerequisite course that introduces students to the full lifecycle of film and television production—from concept development to final distribution. Designed as both an academic and workforce training experience, the course gives students a practical understanding of how projects move from script to screen while preparing them for entry-level roles in a competitive industry.
Offered from May 28 through July 16, 2026, in both daytime and evening sessions, the course blends theory with hands-on learning. Students explore industry terminology, production stages, and career pathways, including both above-the-line creative roles and below-the-line technical positions. Emphasis is placed on professional expectations, on-set safety protocols, and the realities of today’s job market.
Students also gain essential career skills, including how to find employment in the industry and what training is needed to succeed. By the end of the course, participants leave with a comprehensive understanding of the entertainment landscape and a clear pathway to advanced training within the program.
Leading the Script to Screen program is Professor Adam Nelson, an accomplished actor, writer, filmmaker, and founder of the nationally recognized PR agency Workhouse. Nelson brings decades of real-world industry experience into the classroom, giving students direct insight into both the creative and business sides of entertainment.
His career spans stage, screen, and publishing. Trained at institutions including Yale and the British American Drama Academy at Oxford, Nelson was a founding member of New York’s Workhouse Theater alongside notable actors such as Mira Sorvino and Calista Flockhart. He later secured rights to adapt How to Talk Dirty and Influence People into an Off-Broadway production and co-produced The 24 Hour Plays: Broadway for the World Trade Center Relief Fund.
As a filmmaker and writer, Nelson continues to build an impressive portfolio. His recent short film Food for Thought, created in collaboration with director Gary Hanna, earned Best Experimental Film at the 2026 Coney Island Film Festival and Best Silent Film at the Absurd Film Festival in Milan.
Beyond filmmaking, Nelson is also an award-winning screenwriter and author. His forthcoming debut novel, Huckleberry Jim, reflects his deep engagement with storytelling across mediums.
Through Script to Screen, Nelson channels this experience into a workforce-driven curriculum that mirrors the realities of the industry. The program not only teaches students how to create content but also how to navigate professional environments, collaborate effectively, and build sustainable careers.
Brookdale’s investment in film and media education reflects a broader commitment to workforce development and emerging industries. With support from statewide initiatives and partnerships, the college is helping to position students at the forefront of New Jersey’s growing role as a hub for film and television production.
For students looking to break into the entertainment industry, Script to Screen offers more than an introduction—it provides a launching pad.
For more information about the program and to register visit the website.
