UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A father’s passion and love for films influenced his son’s interest in and study of film production at Penn State, leading to a successful academic career.
Lex Forge, a Schreyer Honors Scholar and consistent Dean’s List student, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in film production and serve as student marshal for the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications on Aug. 13 at Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus.
“I always have been a huge movie fan and it is due to my dad. From a young age, he exposed me to movies that he loved.” Forge said.
Forge’s father (Michael) gave him a good base education in film and film theory. His favorite movie is “The Prestige” by Christopher Nolan. It’s a movie they both enjoy.
Forge, a resident of Wayne, Pennsylvania, attended Conestoga High School and took film classes during his freshman and sophomore years of high school. “I fell in love with making films in addition to watching films. I knew coming out of high school that I wanted to major in film production,” Forge said.
Forge found opportunities and support as he pursued his degree at Penn State. He completed an internship at Dark Castle Entertainment, held leadership positions in numerous organizations, was an actor for student-run No Refund Theatre and participated in the Penn State Hollywood Program.
Forge is currently a development intern for Thunder Road in New York, New York and spending the summer writing his honors thesis.
“I am definitely looking forward to a week or two of downtime after graduation,” said Forge. “Working in Los Angles completely transformed my perspective on what is possible after graduation and has given me the courage to move across the country in August. More importantly, the program gave me genuine, hardworking, inspiring friends who have shaped me into the person I am today.”
Forge said he received abundant support from faculty members during his academic career. He is “thrilled” and honored” to be selected as the Bellisario College’s student marshal. He plans to use his platform as student marshal to encourage and showcase the work of other undergraduates.
After graduation, Forge will move to East Hollywood with his friends from the Hollywood Program. He plans to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Lex is the son of Sharon and Michael Forge. Along with his film production degree, he completed minors in music technology and theatre. He also earned support from several awards and scholarships, including the Schreyer Honors College Special Programs Initiative Endowment, the Mark S. Hoerr Hollywood Program Awards and the Carmen Finestra Film Project Endowment Grant-in-Aid.