Film Studies Faculty

Greg Gardiner is an acclaimed American cinematographer, born in New York City, recognized for his innovative work across film and television. He launched his career in the 1980s, contributing to projects such as “Paris, Texas,” “Repo Man” and “To Live and Die in L.A.” before gaining wider recognition with the film “Suture” (1993), which won the Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Renowned for his versatility and dynamic visual style, Gardiner has worked on a range of genres, from comedies like “Elf” and “She’s the Man” to action hits like “Men in Black II” and “Race to Witch Mountain”. His recent credits include “Girls Trip,” “The War with Grandpa,” and episodes from the Apple Original Series “Swagger”. Gardiner’s body of work has grossed over $1 billion at the global box office, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary cinematography.

Kevin Roy is a professor of Media and Communication Studies, a new media artist, and an experimental filmmaker exploring the confluence of digital technologies and analog media. Professor Roy’s filmmaking courses immerse students in a comprehensive, hands-on filmmaking process, equipping them with the experience, technical skills, and creative knowledge to transition seamlessly into a wide range of careers in media and film production. He earned a BA in Art History from the University of Georgia (1995) and, following a decade of professional work in the film and interactive media industries, completed an MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in digital media and filmmaking, also from the University of Georgia (2005). Professor Roy’s work in film and interactive media has been screened and exhibited at national and international festivals and venues, including the SXSW, Museum of Modern Art and the London Film Festival.

Tiara Good is a professor of communication and media studies with focuses in popular culture, the opioid epidemic, pain, law, media, technology, public memory, and visual rhetoric. She received her degrees in rhetoric and media from Willamette University (B.A.), Syracuse University (M.A.), and The Pennsylvania State University (Ph.D.). Before entering academia, she modeled and acted. She once beat Eli Roth in a 24 hour film festival!

Dr. Good has published in communication and media journals about popular culture–including the horror genre, baseball, and the opioid epidemic. She has written about Akira Kurosawa, Ishiro Honda, published contributed chapters about the zombie subgenre and Stranger Things. Her books are: Rhetoric of the Opioid Epidemic: Deaths of Despair (2021) & Rhetorical Pain: Collective, Healing, and Hope (2024). . Each looks at popular films and series as keystones for our cultural and societal understandings of important issues. Her dissertation focused on popular war films from the Operation Enduring Freedom era representations of soldier and soldier reintegration crafting civilians into acquiesced individuals who do not question war, treatment of soldier injuries, and post-traumatic stress in veterans.

James Stolen grew up in Alaska and Oregon. He served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho between 2006-2008. An avid adventurer, photographer and writer, he is often found outside the classroom exploring the local region of Eastern Oregon. He teaches creative writing and literature and is involved with the Outdoor Activities Program and Summer Bridge.

Heather Tomlinson currently works at Eastern Oregon University as a costume design professor in the Theatre Arts program. She holds a BS in Clothing, Textiles and Design and an MFA in Theatre Arts: Costume Design from the University of Idaho. The focus of her artwork centers around costumes, clothing and fiber arts. Heather teaches courses on costume design, technology and stage makeup which students can incorporate into live theatre productions or film. She also serves as a board member for the Eastern Oregon Film Festival (EOFF).