For Adam Derengowski ’19, Success Includes Mentoring the Next Generation of Film Students

There was little doubt that Adam Derengowski ’19 would pursue a career in filmmaking, his childhood love for Star Wars serving as an early clue. The bigger question was where he would study his art. 

“I applied to several schools and toured them all,” he says. “Montclair just felt right. I really liked the University’s location – I could visit New York City whenever I wanted without the hassle of living there.”

As a filmmaking major, Derengowski’s memories of campus life revolve around the projects he worked on. “That’s the bulk of what the film majors did,” he explains. “We would sit for hours in the new School of Communication and Media building coming up with ideas for new projects, drawing up plans and troubleshooting. It was a great experience.”

Derengowski points out how the film program’s design prepares students for success. “We all worked in different capacities on each other’s projects,” he says. “As a result, we graduated with knowledge about all of the various roles that contribute to a film. And my classes were great building blocks. I still refer to things I learned in my courses and feel very prepared for my current supervisory role.” 

His senior thesis film, with its Pac-Man theme, may have been another early indication of the direction his career would take. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by another Montclair alumnus, Michael Price ’81, as I developed this project,” he recalls. “Michael, whose credits include writing for The Simpsons, was very supportive and generous with his time and advice. The experience further prepared me for professional roles.”

Derengowski joined Atomic Cartoons right out of college, first as a production assistant and then as a production coordinator. Within three years Marvel Animation took notice of his abilities and brought him on as a production coordinator. In 2025, he was promoted to production supervisor. His most recent project was Eyes of Wakanda, an action-adventure series that was released on Disney+ in August.

“I was the editorial coordinator for Eyes of Wakanda,” he says. “It was a great learning experience and was excellent preparation for what came next.”

Of course, he can’t say too much about his current project, only that it is very exciting. “This time I am on the supervisory side of the editing function,” he says. “I’m the one planning and keeping everyone on track.” 

Until recently, West Coast assignments kept Derengowski far from Montclair. “I was able to return to New Jersey and in September I visited campus for the first time in about four years,” he says. “Now that I am in the area I was able to answer the call for mentors for the film program. I was assigned to a student and we talk regularly about the industry, her projects and her goals. I want to help jumpstart her success in any way I can.”

That includes encouraging her – and every student he meets – to take advantage of their time at Montclair to meet as many people as possible. “Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t give up,” he advises.

“I am grateful for the opportunities Montclair provided for me and want to give back,” Derengowski adds. “I can do that by supporting the next generation of students.”