Although he was originally an English teacher, film and cinema has always been a passion of his. While attending the University of North Georgia, he took every film course they offered even though it may not have counted toward his major. His student film, Watershed Coyotes, got its own on campus screening and a writeup in the Gainesville Times. Now actively involved in the Georgia Film Academy and the Atlanta Film Society, he is always looking for new information and techniques to pass along to his students. His personal goal is to educate his students enough to send them directly onto a movie set when they graduate and be helpful and productive.

Central Film Academy Director/ Theatre Arts -  Mr. Whitley has been teaching at FCHS for 33 years. As an art teacher for 26 years and director of Theatre Arts for 7 years., He has been involved in close to 100 performances as a performer, scenic designer, director, or asst. director from educational theatre, to community/regional theatre. He achieved his BA from Georgia Southwestern State University and his MEd. in Fine Arts Integrated Curriculum from Lesley University – Cambridge Mass. 

“Observation and the skilled use of tools, materials and techniques to create are the characteristics of an artist. The ability to impart knowledge, understanding and confidence to individuals are the characteristics of a teacher.” Mr. McCann’s intention as an art teacher is to act as a catalyst: to encourage, question, and discover through making…. Instilling a passion for continual learning and curiosity of through the arts. Mr. McCann received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of North Georgia.

I am happy to be a part of this growing pathway for film students. My college education has been all about film and broadcasting and led me to work as a production manager and producer for HBO, Turner Broadcasting, and Nielson. I am excited to share the knowledge I have ascertained through this profession I have been a part of for over twenty years.

Teaching called me as I rounded another decade and earned my second masters for English Education. I am currently in the process of earning another degree in professional writing with the hope that I can share this knowledge with my film students; joining my other colleagues in creating a new generation of story tellers and collaborators.