Michael Frierson

Michael Frierson is a Professor and Interim Department Head of Media Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His work bridges academic scholarship with documentary filmmaking, focusing on cultural history and social justice themes. Notable works include the PBS documentary Fred Chappell: I am One of You Forever (2022) and Up from the Streets (2020), exploring New Orleans music culture. His research emphasizes film editing theory and animation history, with a focus on clay animation's evolution.

Research Interests:

• Documentary Production Techniques
• Cinematic Editing Semiotics
• Animation Material Histories
• Social Justice Documentation
• Cultural Representation in Media

His academic publications span film theory and animation history, with works like Film and Video Editing Theory (2018) and Clay Animation: American Highlights (1994, award-winning). His documentaries often blend personal narratives with historical investigations, such as FBI KKK, examining his father's FBI role in infiltrating the United Klans of America.

Professional Contributions:

• Recipient: McLaren-Lambart Award (1995)
• Industry Experience: Produced shorts for Nickelodeon, MSN Video, and AT&T
• Teaching Focus: Filmmaking, Editing, and Animation Techniques