Talk about a mid-life career change. After several years working as a newspaper and radio journalist—including a stint as a stay-at-home dad to three young daughters with film-inspired names (Lara, Maria and Sophia) while his wife Julie finished medical school—Edina resident Steve Boman was in his late 30s when he decided to follow his passion and apply to the prestigious University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. One of a handful of students to be accepted—and the oldest in his class—Boman struggled to grasp new and difficult concepts, tolerate challenging professors (and classmates) and produce work worthy of attention.
In his new memoir entitled Film School, available at Barnes and Noble in the Galleria as well as at other local and online venues, Boman tells the story of not one, but two go-rounds at USC, before finally graduating in 2009 (and after suffering a stroke at age 42). His final project? A pilot called Three Rivers was picked up by CBS—virtually unheard of for a newly minted film school grad.
There’s also a bit of Hollywood star power in this story. Ironically, Boman’s friendship with actor Peter Krause, now starring on NBC’s Parenthood (formerly of Six Feet Under) actually started here at Gustavus Adolphus College. In true “Adam Braverman” fashion (the father he plays on Parenthood), Krause praises his friend’s commitment to his family during a time of unexpected crisis when Julie was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
For more on Steve Boman and Film School, see the March issue of Edina Magazine or visit edinamag.com starting March 1.
