I had the pleasure of recently interviewing the beloved Ms. Diane Bates. Ms. Bates currently teaches Media Production and Film Analysis at Episcopal. Below are some of the topics I had the privilege of discussing with her.

How long have you been teaching at Episcopal? 

“This is my 16th year teaching.”

What is your favorite part about being a media production teacher?

“I like teaching Media Production because students who don’t know they love film making and are actually good at it find their passion and are then able to express their creativity and explore new opportunities as a career path. For example, I had a student who wanted to be a doctor, and then she took media production and discovered that she loved it so much that she went to NYU film school and now works at Netflix. So overall, I love having that greater impact on their lives and trajectory of their careers.”

How did you start Media Production at Episcopal?

“I had already been teaching English 10 and Public Speaking at Epsicopal, but a film making program did not exist at ESJ, so I pitched it to the school to become a class. It started second semester in 2012, with all seniors, two computers and two cameras. It has grown into a four- year track program, which now includes multiple cameras, multiple computers and the new podcast studio. I am very proud of what it has grown into.”

What is your favorite memory as an Episcopal teacher?

“My favorite memory is winning the Guardian Award in 2016 at the Senior Honors Convocation. Alexis TerKonda nominated me, as I was her media production teacher. She now works at CAA (Creative Artists Agency), where many celebrities work. I am so proud of her and so happy I could be an impact in her life.”

What is your favorite movie right now as a Film Analysis teacher? 

“It changes often given new releases, but one that I always show in my analysis class that is a sleeper hit, that not many people know about is The Judge, starring Robert Downey Jr. and the legendary Robert Duvall. That movie has everything in it: a variety of emotions, quick dialogue, great lighting, great cinematography, solid performances and is always a hit with the kids. It gets me everytime I watch it.” 

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

 “Obviously I love photography and videography, but something people don’t know about me is my love for horse riding, horse rescue and horses all together.” 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

“Well, obviously I would live in Los Angeles and work in the industry.” 

If you could choose a celebrity that you would want to live in the life of for a day, who would it be and why? 

“I would love to be Steven Spielberg to see how he directs his movies. And he’s also a billionaire so…”

Which of your students have you felt inspired by greatly this year, and how have they inspired you?

 “All my students inspire me in different ways because they are not just students to me, but actual people who bring their own talents, wisdom and perspective into my life. I feel really lucky to be able to teach a class where I get to see them as human beings.”

Image courtesy of Ailey Cole ’26.