Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts presented “Finding Your Family” at the Askew Student Life Center where the stories on screen reflected a decade of creative fire.

Part of the 2026 Festival of the Creative Arts (FCA), the event showcased eight student-produced short films. The curated selection bridged the gap between the filmmakers’ formative years in Tallahassee and their current professional careers at industry titans like DreamWorks.

The genres ranged from the puppetry of Kyra Gardner’s “Phoebe” to Farsi-English drama “Hasti Joon” by Emmy nominee Sara Karimipour. A singular theme ran throughout the evening: the search for belonging. David Barrow Wiley, filmmaker-in-residence at the College of Motion Picture Arts, noted the creative impact and formative influence that students experience through their time in the college.

“In any arts collective, you go through a process of finding out who you are and seeing how that resonates against the space you occupy,” Wiley said. “When students come here, they start to see who they are. That changes their relationship with the world and how they respond back to the family they were assigned at birth.”

The program highlighted the technical and emotional risks that define the FSU film experience. In one notable example, the entire crew of Summer Schantz’s “Pink is the Color of the Ocean” dyed their hair pink and ran into the ocean to mark the end of filming, both manifestations of the “chosen family” found on set.

For Wiley, who previously served as the college’s head of set operations, the screening was a deeply personal return to FSU. He recalled a phrase he used to tell his students while teaching them the rigors of production safety: “I need you to sow this into your soul.”

“Usually, I was talking about being safe on set and wrapping cables correctly but seeing them come back and share how those years shaped their voices — that’s the real family connection,” Wiley said. “Their trajectory in the industry is emotional for me because it’s clear that they have kept themselves safe while garnering substantive work and accolades.”

The screening was followed by a Q&A session where Wiley and lecturer Laura Lee shared reflections sent in by the alumni, many of whom are now working as staff writers, directors and cinematographers.

Iain Quinn, director of FCA, noted that the event serves as a centerpiece for the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary engagement. By opening the screening to the public, the university strengthens its ties with a community that provides the actors, locations and support necessary for student success.

“We are a film school reliant on the community,” Wiley said. “These collaborations have sewn the film school into the fabric of Tallahassee.”

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Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship (JMC) is celebrating a milestone as the first cohort of graduates completes its Master of Science in entrepreneurship with a major in creative arts entrepreneurship.

The innovative program represents a significant step forward in interdisciplinary arts education at FSU, bringing together resources from the College of Music, the College of Fine Arts and the College of Motion Picture Arts to support creators who want to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

The program is designed for experienced creatives who want to enhance their professional practice by adding entrepreneurial strategy and business insight. Students will complete online courses, providing flexibility for those already working in their field. Cohorts typically include individuals who specialize in fields such as music, film, visual and performing arts or creative writing.

“As someone who is working full time but wanted to continue their education, the Creative Arts master’s program allows me the flexibility to learn valuable skills in my current career and beyond,” says Evan Eisenstark, who works full time as a social media specialist at FSU. “Being a part of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship has also given me the opportunity to meet and learn from other entrepreneurs and take the steps to one day start my own venture.”

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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts is emerging as a national leader in environmentally responsible filmmaking, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in film education through its partnership with the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and its membership in the Green Film School Alliance.

FSU students are not only meeting but consistently exceeding rigorous sustainability standards. In 2025, FSU student productions received more EMA Green Seals than New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Chapman University, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California combined.

“Great storytelling and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,” said Jessica Schilling, professor of editing and a member of the Faculty Green Committee. “We’re proud to lead the charge in teaching the next generation of filmmakers how to create without compromise, both artistically and environmentally.”

FSU joined the Green Film School Alliance in 2024, aligning with institutions such as the American Film Institute, New York University, Columbia and Sundance to integrate industry-level sustainable production practices into film school programs. The alliance focuses on reducing the environmental impact of physical production, sharing best practices and advancing sustainable initiatives across member schools.

Student leadership has played a central role in the school’s rapid progress. The first cohort of Sustainability Representatives, many of whom also served as campus Sustainability Fellows, helped establish the systems now used across student productions.

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A dynamic creative partnership formed at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts is earning national and international recognition. Recent graduates Max Losson and Zolomon Zelko have collaborated on two standout films, with their latest capstone film, “Photo Play XX,” positioning them as promising new voices in the cinematic arts.

Losson’s cinematography has earned him a nomination for the 2025 ASC Student Heritage Award, presented by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) — one of the most prestigious honors for emerging cinematographers. “Photo Play XX” was also nominated for a Student Academy Award, recognizing the film’s direction and overall production.

Now, Losson and Zelko are headed back to Poland for a second consecutive year as the film enters competition for the Golden Frog in the Student Etudes Competition at the EnergaCamerimage Festival, one of the world’s premier cinematography competitions.

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Florida State University students recently learned firsthand how creative ideas become large-scale productions during a guest lecture tied to Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience.

The lecture featured Eric Meier, executive producer of the show, along with conductor Martin Gellner and blues musician Keith Johnson. The event on Oct. 3 brought together students from the College of Music, College of Fine Arts and College of Motion Picture Arts for a cross-disciplinary conversation on the business and artistic dimensions of touring productions.

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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts celebrated the opening of its newly acquired movie theater with a special screening of “It Ends,” a feature created with support from the college and the help of students.

The screening marked the first official use of the new space and included a Q&A session with the film’s creators — writer-director Alex Ullom and producers Carrie Carusone and Evan Barber, all graduates of the film school’s Class of 2020.

“Watching our alumni return to the place where their creative partnerships began and seeing them work alongside and mentor the next generation is a reminder of how transformative the filmmaking process can be,” said Dean Reb Braddock.

Produced in association with Torchlight Studios, “It Ends” was filmed using Torchlight’s Virtual Production Stage and alumni equipment package. The LED volume screen allowed the team to shoot realistic vehicle scenes on a soundstage, avoiding the cost and complexity of on-location filming.

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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) retains its distinction as the fourth-ranked public film school in the nation while climbing to No. 14 in The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 rankings of top U.S. film schools, up from No. 17.

Two major developments contributed to the rise: the acquisition of a 43,242-square-foot facility — formerly Governor’s Square theater complex in Tallahassee — and the continued success of the college’s MFA Feature Film Program, now entering its third year.

“I feel certain our significant jump in the rankings this year is due to the extraordinary support we’ve received from the administration at FSU,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the college. “We’ve fulfilled two long-standing dreams: we finally have a theater of our own, and we’re about to go into production on our third feature film. These are huge milestones for our program.”

The new facility will house the college’s Center for Cinematic Innovation, known as Torchlight Studios, relocating it from Midway, Florida, to the heart of Tallahassee. It will serve both academic and public cinematic experiences, offering students hands-on training and opportunities to showcase their work locally and globally.

The renovated space will support FSU’s growing graduate programs and include four theaters for screenings, a post-production facility, a dedicated soundstage for the MFA Feature Film Program, a 2,624-square-foot virtual production stage, two professional soundstages, production offices, scene shops and maker spaces for production design, storage for props and costumes, and a 5,796-square-foot event space for campus and community programming.

“When the film school was established in 1989 to prepare students for careers in the motion picture industry, it was given nearly every tool needed to become one of the greatest colleges dedicated to film education, except one — a movie theater of its own,” Braddock said. “This visionary move transforms the Governor’s Square theater into a true center for film appreciation and production, with a strong focus on community engagement.”

FSUFilm’s MFA Feature Film Program allows graduate students to pitch and direct a fully financed, college-supported feature film during an optional third year of study. Second-year students crew on the feature, gaining experience and credits before completing their capstone films.

“Getting to make a feature film while still in school is pretty unbelievable,” said Jack Gaffney, MFA Class of 2025. “The Feature Film Program at FSU Film gives you hands-on experience from start to finish. You’re not just learning how to make a film. You’re learning how to sell it too. Traveling to Cannes and seeing the industry side of things firsthand is an experience I’ll never forget. And the whole time, you’ve got faculty and staff backing you up every step of the way.”

The program’s first feature, “Noseeums,” a Southern Gothic horror story set in the Florida Panhandle, is represented by Odin’s Eye Entertainment and will premiere at FrightFest in London on Saturday, Aug. 23.

“Directing ‘Noseeums’ was a once-in-a-lifetime challenge that I wouldn’t take away,” said Raven Carter, director and former FSU Film student. “It’s those challenges that have set me apart when it comes to leading teams and directing. The FSU feature program is a great opportunity to rapidly grow your capacity and mature as a filmmaker. I’m so excited that we’re going to FrightFest, and I hope the entire team feels proud and full of joy over this amazing accomplishment.”

FSUFilm continues to offer the lowest cost of attendance among top-ranked film schools, with no hidden fees and tuition that covers all production equipment and expendables, including access to industry-standard gear.

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.

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Are you ready for your close-up?

Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts has launched “Close-Up,” a new actor directory designed to assist students in casting their films. This innovative tool aims to streamline the casting process, making it easier for students to find the perfect actors for their projects.

“Close-Up is a game-changer for our students,” said Andrew Syder, associate dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “It provides them with a comprehensive resource to discover and connect with talented actors, enhancing the overall quality of their films.”

The directory is open to all actors, from seasoned professionals to those new to the craft.

“Whether you’re a veteran character actor or yet to step in front of a camera, we want you in our casting pool,” said Erika Stone, actor in residence at the College of Motion Picture Arts. “This is a fantastic opportunity to start out your acting career, be part of the creative process and showcase your talent.”

The new system, which better connects actors to projects, was launched in an effort to strengthen ties between filmmakers and local talent.

“We retired our old system and built this new one,” Stone said. “The reason behind it is that most of the actors we use in our films are from this community, so it is important to have a way where we can find each other and get matched to projects that are good for both.”

Creating an actor profile on Close-Up is quick and easy. Once registered, actors will be visible to students casting their upcoming projects.

Profiles from the previous “Action” database will not transfer over, so actors will need to create a new profile in Close-Up.

For more information, visit fsufilmhandbook.com/close-up.

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Florida State University has completed the acquisition of the Governor’s Square theater complex in Tallahassee, a significant milestone for the College of Motion Picture Arts.

This acquisition enhances the college’s production facilities and supports its commitment to innovation by providing essential space for virtual production, production design and a new entrepreneurial feature film program, in addition to opportunities for screening films.

“When the film school was established in 1989 with the mission to prepare students for successful careers in the motion picture industry, it was given nearly every tool needed to become one of the greatest colleges dedicated to film education — except one: a movie theater of its own,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts.

For decades, the college has lacked an exhibition facility to showcase its students’ work and curate the very cinema it seeks to inspire. Each year, the college has had to rely on external venues, subject to their schedules and prices. Those elements created a bottleneck in the kind of cinematic programming the film school could provide. This acquisition changes that.

Since Florida State University’s First Lady Jai Vartikar arrived in Tallahassee, she has focused on supporting and enhancing the world class art schools at FSU and took an interest in helping the college acquire a theater of its own. She saw the potential of the Governor’s Square theater and worked to help facilitate its purchase.

“We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Vartikar and the incredible leadership team of President Richard McCullough, Provost Jim Clark and Vice President Kyle Clark for making it possible for Florida State University to acquire the theater facilities,” Braddock said.

The new facility will house the college’s Center for Cinematic Innovation, known as Torchlight Studios, relocating it from Midway, Florida, to the heart of Tallahassee.

Torchlight Studios focuses on lighting the pathways from education to industry by bringing state-of-the-art production resources, including an innovative virtual production stage that features a high-tech LED screen. That technology, made famous by shows like “The Mandalorian” and “House of the Dragon,” allows filmmakers to use interactive virtual backgrounds to enhance their productions.

Another arm of Torchlight Studios is Torchlight Cinematheque, which has curated films that have been screened by FSU’s festival of the fine and performing arts, Opening Nights, and in venues around the region. For the first time, the Cinematheque will have a dedicated exhibition space to celebrate cinema within the Tallahassee community.

“This visionary move transforms the Governor’s Square theater into a true center for film appreciation and production, with a strong focus on community engagement,” Braddock said. “The college will open its doors to showcase the cinematic work of its students, faculty and alumni and to create unique theatrical experiences curated for the broader Tallahassee audience.”

Provost Clark emphasized the innovative curriculum and industry connections of the film school.

“The College of Motion Picture Arts at FSU is renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and robust industry links that prepare our students for successful careers in the motion picture industry,” Clark said. “This new facility will enhance our ability to deliver an unparalleled educational experience and foster strong ties with the professional film community.”

The facility will enable FSU students to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences to ensure that they are well-prepared for their careers and can showcase their talents both locally and globally as distinguished alumni.

“It is my hope that this facility will become a new partner in all things cinematic for the Tallahassee community,” Braddock said. “Our dream is for Tallahassee to see this not as the loss of another movie theater but as an exciting opportunity for the film school and the community to come together to celebrate our shared love of the movies.”

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts (FSUFilm) continues to be ranked among the top 20 film programs in the country by two motion picture industry publications.

The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap ranked FSUFilm 17th and 11th, respectively, while The Wrap placed the college 3rd best among public film schools, solidifying its position as a leading public film training program.

This milestone is a testament to the college’s ongoing commitment to excellence in film education, industry partnerships and student success, highlighted by their impressive leap of five places in the rankings after being ranked 16th by The Wrap last year.

“This is an exciting moment for FSUFilm and a reflection of the hard work, innovation, and passion of our students, faculty and alumni,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the college. “We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we remain dedicated to providing our students with the resources, training and mentorship they need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of cinema.”

FSUFilm’s rise in the rankings places it alongside some of the most prestigious film schools in the nation, further enhancing its reputation and drawing attention from aspiring filmmakers across the globe.

According to The Wrap’s annual list of the top film schools, FSUFilm advanced several positions based on its cutting-edge curriculum, world-class faculty, and unparalleled opportunities for students to work on industry-level productions.

FSUFilm’s hands-on approach to film education, which blends academic rigor with practical, real-world experience, has garnered significant praise from both students and industry professionals.

“The film school at Florida State is unlike any other program in the country,” said Daniel Cooper, FSUFilm student, BFA Class of 2026. “What I love about FSUFilm is that they don’t just teach us about film; they teach us how to be problem-solvers first and foremost. We then take that skill into the film industry and can tell stories more effectively and efficiently than others.”

FSUFilm’s facilities, including state-of-the-art sound stages, editing suites and production equipment, offer students the chance to learn in an environment that mirrors the professional film industry.

“Our commitment to fostering an welcoming environment has earned us recognition for being a hub of creativity and innovation, where students can experiment with new storytelling techniques and challenge traditional norms in the cinematic world,” Braddock said. “We’re seeing students from all walks of life choosing FSUFilm for its emphasis on storytelling and its commitment to amplifying unique voices. We’re proud to be a place where these voices are nurtured and celebrated.”

As FSUFilm celebrates this significant achievement, it remains focused on pushing the boundaries of film education and continuing to prepare the next generation of filmmakers for success in an increasingly competitive industry.

“Beyond the technical aspects of film, we are taught how to work together as people first and creatives second,” said Jordan Brown, FSUFilm student, BFA Class of 2025. “This approach allows us to work better as crew members, allowing us to tell better stories. Because of these core values, we are not only prepared for the industry professionally, but we create a network of amazing fellow filmmakers that we continue to grow with beyond graduation.”

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.

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The College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University has become a member of the Green Film School Alliance. This organization is dedicated to incorporating sustainable production practices at the industry level into film school programs.

The alliance, composed of prestigious film schools nationwide, is committed to creating sustainable and ecological film production methods. It focuses on specific actions to reduce the environmental impact of physical production, sharing best practices and promoting sustainable initiatives at member schools.

“FSU Film is proud to align with institutions like the American Film Institute (AFI), New York University (NYU), Columbia and Sundance in our commitment to sustainable production practices,” said Greg Marcks, filmmaker in residence, directing in the college. “We are thrilled to better position our students to work newly created set jobs related to sustainability.”

BFA Class of 2025 students Finley Stein and Keith Cohen highlighted the need for convenient, environmentally responsible practices on film sets.

“People don’t throw away half-used plastic bottles on film sets because they think it’s okay for the environment,” Stein said. “They do it because there are a million things to think about when making a film, and environmental responsibility doesn’t often top that list.”

“The solution is not to scold people for taking the convenient option, but to create systems that make the responsible option convenient,” Cohen said.

Paige Roberts, head of admissions at the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts, expressed excitement about joining the Green Film School Alliance.

“We are thrilled to be able to share that we are now part of the Green Film School Alliance,” Roberts said. “This alliance is built around specific actions aimed at reducing the impacts of physical production on the environment, a willingness to share best practices and a pledge to further sustainable initiatives at their schools. Several faculty members and the BFA junior class are championing this.”

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.

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