Braeden Tighe’s journey into filmmaking began when he was just five years old. Armed with rubber swords and a $10 Walmart camcorder, he and his siblings brought their imaginations to life. Little did he know this playful start would ignite a passion that would lead to a promising career in filmmaking.
Driven by a love for history and filmmaking, Braeden is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in history and digital communication at Georgian Court and will graduate in 2025. The university’s beautiful campus, rich history, strong academic programs, and proximity to his hometown of Brick, New Jersey, made it an obvious choice for him.
Braeden’s journey was not without its challenges, particularly as he began his studies during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to remote learning posed significant hurdles. Braeden recalls, “I struggled heavily, as it was hard to focus and stay on top of tasks.” Despite the challenges, he found support from Dr. Keene in the History Department and Dr. Marci Mazzarotto, Assistant Professor of Communication and Department Chair, whose influence proved pivotal in nurturing his interest in film.
“Dr. Marci Mazzarotto was instrumental in pushing me beyond my limits,” Braeden reflects. “Her style in giving voices to underrepresented characters inspired me greatly.” Under her guidance, Braeden’s dedication and films improved in his Media Productions class, where he crafted a short film on WWII, highlighting PTSD, seamlessly blending his passion for history with a compelling message.
Dr. Mazzarotto encouraged Braeden to submit his films to Asbury Park TV, where they aired throughout May and were praised as “all gems.” The recognition made Braeden eligible for an NYC-area Emmy Award, highlighting his talent and dedication to storytelling.
Beyond academics, Braeden finds support in his best friend Brandon, whose shared passion for filmmaking turned their hobby into a serious endeavor. “Brandon was the one who saw the potential in our films,” he said. Together, they evolved from casual creators to organized producers, navigating scriptwriting, casting, and technical production. “We bicker on set sometimes, but we’re honest and want to push each other to improve.”
While balancing the demands of film and classes, Braeden works full-time at Lighthouse Technology Solutions, a local company where he installs home security system cables. When asked about balancing his commitments, Braeden responded, “If you’re a motivated person, it’s not about finding time; it’s about making the time.” This philosophy fuels his relentless work ethic.
Looking ahead, Braeden hopes to launch his career by joining a New York film union as a grip and gaffer, focusing on lighting and electrical management on film sets. “Starting small in a specialized field in the arts will give me the experience and knowledge I need to achieve my larger goals.”
