For the fall 2026 semester, the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication is thrilled to welcome Duane Prefume as a new associate professor.
Before joining the 91视频, Prefume was a professor at Tulane University. He also runs his own production company, Digital Bayou HD Productions, where he focuses on documentary filmmaking. His industry experience includes working on major Hollywood productions, including Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
Over the past 13 years, Prefume has grown as both an educator and a filmmaker, finding ways to pursue both passions.
鈥淥nce I decided I wanted to become a teacher and I wanted to do that full time. What a beautiful thing that is, I can still pursue filmmaking and teach,鈥� he said.
In late September, a film he worked on called The Inquisitor, was shown at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. He was a co-producer and director of photography for the film.
Prefume is excited to explore Houston鈥檚 film scene and is optimistic about the future of filmmaking in Texas.
He shares the importance of knowing that the business is always changing. He wants to keep current trends in his teachings.
"The best way to stay current is to keep working," he said.
He believes students should have access to cutting-edge equipment and tools that prepare them to enter the workforce with professional skills and remain competitive in a challenging industry. He is also drawn to Houston鈥檚 diversity and appreciates the range of perspectives students bring to classroom discussions.
鈥淲e take discussions much further or into much more detail than originally planned, but it鈥檚 much better for the experience,鈥� Prefume said. 鈥淚 love seeing this.鈥�
This semester, Prefume will teach two courses: COMM 3321, Single Camera Studio Production, and COMM 2328, Broadcast Writing Basics.
In Single Camera Studio Production, students will explore the art of storytelling and collaborate on an original, semester-long project. Prefume emphasizes that students will drive the creative process from beginning to end.
鈥淓verything will be completely born out of the minds of every one of the students in the class,鈥� Prefume said.
In Broadcast Writing Basics, Prefume will focus on the foundations of journalism and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity. The course will emphasize seeking the truth and approaching journalism with a commitment to serving the public good.
Prefume is excited to join the Valenti School of Communication faculty and looks forward to supporting the next generation of communicators and filmmakers. He is also optimistic about the future of Houston鈥檚 film community and the opportunities it holds for his students.