Long before OCCC alumnus Alex Weddington ever stepped onto a film set or sat behind a microphone, he already was telling stories — not with words, but with his imagination.
Storytelling was his first language. Born prematurely with a speech-related condition, Weddington found it hard to be understood. At just 3 years old, he turned to movies to communicate with his family. He mimicked scenes from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and used action figures to bring his own stories to life.
At age 5, surgery helped him speak more clearly, but his passion for storytelling never let up. By second grade, Weddington’s principal handed him a camera to document the first day of school. It was a small gesture, but it affirmed what his parents already knew: Storytelling was how he connected with others and was a part of his future.
After high school, Weddington enrolled in a film program called Invisible Layers Productions, which connects aspiring storytellers on the autism spectrum with hands-on production experience. The experience gave Weddington the foundation, both technically and creatively, to thrive in OCCC’s Digital Cinema Production (DCP) program.
“I had an awesome experience working with all my professors and instructors at OCCC,” Weddington said. “Every project taught me something new. Whether it was lighting, sound or camera work, they really pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Like many students, Weddington encountered a difficult course during college. For him, it was screenwriting, known for its rigid formatting and structure.
Greg Mellott, OCCC’s professor of digital cinema production, offered extra office hours to help him work through it.
“That’s something Professor Mellott didn’t have to do, but he did it because he cared,” said Weddington’s mother, Stacey Weddington. “That’s the kind of place OCCC is.”
Year after year, the DCP program at OCCC attracts a variety of students, including many who, like Weddington, are drawn to film as a creative medium.
“Alex was an enthusiastic student, and our goal is to prepare all students for the high-stress environment of the industry and ensure they are job-ready,” said Sean Lynch, OCCC professor and coordinator of digital cinema production.
OCCC’s workforce-first approach helped Weddington prepare for life after college.
For his mother, watching her son navigate higher education was about more than earning a degree — it was about finding a place that felt like home.
“As a parent, you don’t know what to expect when your kid goes to college, but OCCC gave him more than we ever imagined. It gave him skills, friendships and confidence,” she said.
After graduating in 2023, Weddington began his career as a remote reporter and movie reviewer with “The Hidden Workforce,” a podcast that explores employment opportunities for those with disabilities and success stories across different industries.
“I use my degree every day,” Weddington said. “I even had the chance to interview one of my favorite professors, Chris Bourland and, in a separate episode, SiriusXM host Julia Cunningham, who’s known for ‘The Julia Cunningham Show.’”
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