After working as a professor in the School of Mass Communication and as a priest at Holy Name of Jesus last semester, the Rev. Jeremy Zipple, S.J. is spearheading a new film division for America Magazine.

On Jan. 12, Zipple started his job as the first executive editor of America Films.

At Loyola, Zipple helped many students pursue their dreams as filmmakers, including advertising senior Janeicia Neely.

Zipple helped Neeley produce a short documentary about the student band Mulherin.

“Fr. Zipple has taught me the process of creating a short documentary which is challenging, detailed oriented and rewarding. I’ve learned much about the industry through conversation and his willingness to help,” Neely said.

Zipple prepared for his work at America films in part by creating experimental projects with Loyola students. One of these was a short documentary about James Carville, former campaign strategist for Bill Clinton.

“My Loyola students have been awesome in assisting with these projects, and they’re going to continue to stay involved with America this coming year. I think that’s a great partnership,” Zipple said.

America Media is a Jesuit-run media company that started with America Magazine, and is now developing its newest division, America Films.

“The goal of America has always been to keep the church in an intellectual dialogue with contemporary culture, politics, with the arts and even with pop culture,” Zipple said.

Zipple said he is going into the job with a vision for the new division. He hopes to bring news media to millennial and Generation X viewers in an entertaining and informative way, but he wants to stay true to the values of the publication.

“Ultimately, we want to do what America has always done — just do it for new audiences. Namely, we want to foster great conversations about the role of faith, peace and justice in our contemporary world,” Zipple said.

Matt Malone, S.J, one of Zipple’s co-workers at America Media is excited to bring Zipple on board.

“His background and expertise in film and video production will allow us to create dynamic multi-media content that will help grow our audience on multiple levels,” Malone said.

Zipple has already hit the ground running with an upcoming documentary on a virtual pilgrimage to Israel.

“The series will be hosted by a Jesuit priest named James Martin, who was the official chaplain of the Colbert Report and is super smart and funny. So basically, viewers are going to be able to virtually experience the Holy Land with Jim,” Zipple said.

The series will begin filming in Israel in April.