When California State University Northridge’s head of film production Nate Thomas came to visit one of his first students, Paul Hunter, on the set of the new David Oyelowo-starring Apple TV Plus series “Government Cheese,” the Northridge alum and show co-creator could be heard boasting about his time in the program.
After learning to tell stories at Csun, Hunter spun a renowned career directing music videos for Beyonce and U2, among others, into helming Bacardi spots with Michael B. Jordan and Cannes Golden Lion-winning campaigns for Nike. Much of that has been through PrettyBird, a Hollywood commercial house he co-founded and uses in part to help foster and launch the careers of other underrepresented voices. “It all started at Northridge,” Thomas says. “We do filmmaking not just for the privileged. We make it for all people who have a story to tell.”
Since 2016, the Hispanic-serving institution’s film...
After learning to tell stories at Csun, Hunter spun a renowned career directing music videos for Beyonce and U2, among others, into helming Bacardi spots with Michael B. Jordan and Cannes Golden Lion-winning campaigns for Nike. Much of that has been through PrettyBird, a Hollywood commercial house he co-founded and uses in part to help foster and launch the careers of other underrepresented voices. “It all started at Northridge,” Thomas says. “We do filmmaking not just for the privileged. We make it for all people who have a story to tell.”
Since 2016, the Hispanic-serving institution’s film...
- 4/25/2024
- by Abbey White
- Variety Film + TV
American Film Institute alum Melina Matsoukas will deliver the keynote address at the AFI Directing Workshop for Women Showcase for the Class of 2024. The showcase will be held on April 10 at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.
The Directing Workshop for Women Program helps to educates traditionally underrepresented filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. Launched in 1974, the tuition-free program provides women with the opportunity to further their careers in the entertainment industry.
The showcase provides an opportunity for the graduating cohort to premiere their short films to an audience of agency and studio representatives, as well as other artists from the creative community.
Matsoukas is a filmmaker who made her feature directorial debut at the 2019 AFI Fest 2019 with “Queen & Slim,” starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, which she also produced. Matsoukas began her television career as an...
The Directing Workshop for Women Program helps to educates traditionally underrepresented filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. Launched in 1974, the tuition-free program provides women with the opportunity to further their careers in the entertainment industry.
The showcase provides an opportunity for the graduating cohort to premiere their short films to an audience of agency and studio representatives, as well as other artists from the creative community.
Matsoukas is a filmmaker who made her feature directorial debut at the 2019 AFI Fest 2019 with “Queen & Slim,” starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, which she also produced. Matsoukas began her television career as an...
- 4/5/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has officially announced the eight filmmakers for the upcoming AFI Dww+ Class of 2025 program, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program. IndieWire announces it here.
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing program that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2025.
AFI Dww alum Hanelle M. Culpepper, who made history helming the “Star Trek: Picard” pilot and recently directed a block of episodes for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” is this year’s AFI Dww+ Guest Artistic Director. Culpepper will oversee and direct the artistic curriculum and serve as a mentor for the Dww+ participants through their production cycle and the industry showcase, and act as an ambassador on behalf of the program.
“I remember...
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing program that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2025.
AFI Dww alum Hanelle M. Culpepper, who made history helming the “Star Trek: Picard” pilot and recently directed a block of episodes for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” is this year’s AFI Dww+ Guest Artistic Director. Culpepper will oversee and direct the artistic curriculum and serve as a mentor for the Dww+ participants through their production cycle and the industry showcase, and act as an ambassador on behalf of the program.
“I remember...
- 1/22/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The American Film Institute announced the call for applicants for the next class of the AFI Dww+ program, a year-long directing workshop that educates underrepresented filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction from industry leaders.
In 2024, the program will celebrate its 50th anniversary since launching in 1974 as the Directing Workshop for Women, one of the first gender impact programs in the cinematic arts and is one of the longest-running film and television workshops in the world. The application period for the Class of 2024-2025 opens August 11 and closes Friday, September 15, 2023. The application and eligibility requirements can be found on afi.com/dww.
“For nearly 50 years, AFI Dww+ has given voice to historically underrepresented perspectives and championed artists to pursue directing careers in film and television,” said Susan Ruskin, dean of the AFI Conservatory. “We look forward to celebrating the program’s milestone anniversary and welcoming...
In 2024, the program will celebrate its 50th anniversary since launching in 1974 as the Directing Workshop for Women, one of the first gender impact programs in the cinematic arts and is one of the longest-running film and television workshops in the world. The application period for the Class of 2024-2025 opens August 11 and closes Friday, September 15, 2023. The application and eligibility requirements can be found on afi.com/dww.
“For nearly 50 years, AFI Dww+ has given voice to historically underrepresented perspectives and championed artists to pursue directing careers in film and television,” said Susan Ruskin, dean of the AFI Conservatory. “We look forward to celebrating the program’s milestone anniversary and welcoming...
- 8/11/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: The American Film Institute on Tuesday announced the launch of a multifaceted partnership with the graphic design platform Canva, which will look to bolster rising filmmakers and improve access to the tools and skills necessary to realize their visions.
The flagship initiative under this partnership is The Canva Fellowship, which as of this year will begin providing annual scholarships to Fellows at the AFI Conservatory, based on merit and financial need. Additionally, Canva will provide Canva Pro subscriptions to 250 AFI Fellows and 1,000 AFI Conservatory Alumni, along with in-depth design training and workshops.
The recipients of the inaugural Canva Fellowship for 2023-2024 are AFI First Year Fellows Alex Bush (Directing), Hayoun Kim (Production Design), Dominika Podczaska (Cinematography), He “Shirley” Sui (Producing), Sydney Sullivan (Editing) and Darcy Wytko (Screenwriting), who will start the Mfa filmmaking program on AFI’s Los Angeles campus in August.
“The AFI and Canva collaboration embodies the...
The flagship initiative under this partnership is The Canva Fellowship, which as of this year will begin providing annual scholarships to Fellows at the AFI Conservatory, based on merit and financial need. Additionally, Canva will provide Canva Pro subscriptions to 250 AFI Fellows and 1,000 AFI Conservatory Alumni, along with in-depth design training and workshops.
The recipients of the inaugural Canva Fellowship for 2023-2024 are AFI First Year Fellows Alex Bush (Directing), Hayoun Kim (Production Design), Dominika Podczaska (Cinematography), He “Shirley” Sui (Producing), Sydney Sullivan (Editing) and Darcy Wytko (Screenwriting), who will start the Mfa filmmaking program on AFI’s Los Angeles campus in August.
“The AFI and Canva collaboration embodies the...
- 6/27/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Since joining the American Film Institute faculty as dean and executive vice president in July 2019, Susan Ruskin has kept a steady eye on what lay next in the field of film school education. Ruskin, Variety Entertainment Educator of the Year, discusses why TV and film are more alike than different, what advances in technology means for screenwriters and why film school is still a rock solid bet when it comes to forging a career in the cinematic arts.
With so many avenues to break into the biz, why choose AFI?
There are many different pathways to get into the industry, but I do believe that film school offers one thing that going straight into the industry does not–and that’s a safe place to fail, and a place to meet your collaborators for life. And that is a fast track to success that you cannot get without the sort...
With so many avenues to break into the biz, why choose AFI?
There are many different pathways to get into the industry, but I do believe that film school offers one thing that going straight into the industry does not–and that’s a safe place to fail, and a place to meet your collaborators for life. And that is a fast track to success that you cannot get without the sort...
- 4/26/2023
- by Malina Saval
- Variety Film + TV
AFI and Disney are teaming up to launch the Underrepresented Storytellers Initiative in partnership with Disney’s Launchpad program to support emerging filmmakers, TheWrap can exclusively report.
Razzaaq Boykin, Paige Compton, Blake Pickens and Sophia Youssef are the recipients of the 2023 grant. Under the program, four first-time or second-time directors are selected to create a short film with a microgrant of $35,000. They will also participate in professional development workshops and mentor meetings hosted by AFI and Disney Launchpad.
AFI alum Deniese Davis, an Emmy-nominated producer and the Founder and CEO of Reform Media Group, will serve as Production Mentor to the four filmmakers. The Disney Launchpad Team and AFI will oversee applicant mentorship together. The program itself will be managed and overseen by AFI Conservatory’s Bridge to the Future program, as well as the Alumni Affairs office in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.
Also Read:
Disney+ ‘Zorro’ Series Adds Bryan Cogman as Writer,...
Razzaaq Boykin, Paige Compton, Blake Pickens and Sophia Youssef are the recipients of the 2023 grant. Under the program, four first-time or second-time directors are selected to create a short film with a microgrant of $35,000. They will also participate in professional development workshops and mentor meetings hosted by AFI and Disney Launchpad.
AFI alum Deniese Davis, an Emmy-nominated producer and the Founder and CEO of Reform Media Group, will serve as Production Mentor to the four filmmakers. The Disney Launchpad Team and AFI will oversee applicant mentorship together. The program itself will be managed and overseen by AFI Conservatory’s Bridge to the Future program, as well as the Alumni Affairs office in the Lawrence Herbert Alumni Center.
Also Read:
Disney+ ‘Zorro’ Series Adds Bryan Cogman as Writer,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
The American Film Institute (AFI) has unveiled the participants list for the Dww+ Class of 2024.
IndieWire exclusively reveals that the latest cast comprises Vanessa Beletic, Chloë de Carvalho, Desdemona Chiang, Naomi Iwamoto, Huriyyah Muhammad, Joanne Mony Park, Kerry O’Neill and Roxy Toporowych. Learn more about the new class and read their bios here.
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing workshop that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2024.
“AFI Dww+ is integral to creating a pipeline of highly trained, diverse voices who have the power to drive culture forward and shape the future of the entertainment industry. We are thrilled to welcome this new class of accomplished artists to the AFI Dww+ program and guide them on their journey as directors and storytellers,...
IndieWire exclusively reveals that the latest cast comprises Vanessa Beletic, Chloë de Carvalho, Desdemona Chiang, Naomi Iwamoto, Huriyyah Muhammad, Joanne Mony Park, Kerry O’Neill and Roxy Toporowych. Learn more about the new class and read their bios here.
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing workshop that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2024.
“AFI Dww+ is integral to creating a pipeline of highly trained, diverse voices who have the power to drive culture forward and shape the future of the entertainment industry. We are thrilled to welcome this new class of accomplished artists to the AFI Dww+ program and guide them on their journey as directors and storytellers,...
- 1/19/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Women Were Better Represented in Hollywood During the Silent Film Era, AFI Study Reports (Exclusive)
A new study from AFI shows that women during Hollywood’s silent era represented a higher percentage of writers, directors and producers.
The study comes at a time when recent data shows Hollywood has fewer female filmmakers and directors behind some of its biggest titles.
The AFI study, titled “Women They Talk About,” documents the unrecorded contributions of female filmmakers in the silent film era and uncovers the true story of women as pioneers in American cinema.
“The AFI Catalog — used all over the world by academics and film fans alike as the document of record for American film history — directly informs the way the story of film history is being told and spotlights the women who played foundational roles in the art form,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute. “We hope these new discoveries through the Women They Talk About...
The study comes at a time when recent data shows Hollywood has fewer female filmmakers and directors behind some of its biggest titles.
The AFI study, titled “Women They Talk About,” documents the unrecorded contributions of female filmmakers in the silent film era and uncovers the true story of women as pioneers in American cinema.
“The AFI Catalog — used all over the world by academics and film fans alike as the document of record for American film history — directly informs the way the story of film history is being told and spotlights the women who played foundational roles in the art form,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute. “We hope these new discoveries through the Women They Talk About...
- 1/6/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
This story about the best film schools in the U.S. first appeared in the College Issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Before diving into this list — TheWrap’s seventh annual film school rankings — keep one critical caveat in mind: The dream campus for one student can turn out to be an academic nightmare for another. It’s all subjective and to some degree a barrel full of apples and oranges. After all, the best schools for learning how to direct aren’t necessarily the best for learning how to write or produce. Just because a college or university has a high number on these pages doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right place for you.
That said, there is something of a science to how we put together these rankings. For starters, TheWrap reached out to every school listed and collected data points on everything from class size...
Before diving into this list — TheWrap’s seventh annual film school rankings — keep one critical caveat in mind: The dream campus for one student can turn out to be an academic nightmare for another. It’s all subjective and to some degree a barrel full of apples and oranges. After all, the best schools for learning how to direct aren’t necessarily the best for learning how to write or produce. Just because a college or university has a high number on these pages doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right place for you.
That said, there is something of a science to how we put together these rankings. For starters, TheWrap reached out to every school listed and collected data points on everything from class size...
- 10/31/2022
- by TheWrap Staff
- The Wrap
Luis Llosa's "Anaconda" recently made /Film's list of the most savage when-animals-attack horror movies, with Ryan Scott citing its memorable kills as the reason why it's "the ultimate '90s creature feature." The 1997 horror-adventure focuses on a documentary film crew that encounters a snake hunter in the Amazon rainforest, all while tracking a legendary green anaconda of mythic proportions. It features a slew of snakes and the star of the show, an animatronic anaconda designed by special effects supervisor Walt Conti, who previously engineered a full-size animatronic orca Willy of "Free Willy" and the miniature humpback whales of "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." The cast – among them Ice Cube, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Voight, and a baby-faced Owen Wilson – got cozy with lots of non-human co-stars, but local black wooly monkeys made both scouting and shooting a hazard.
Longtime film site Film Scouts shares insights on the production of "Anaconda"; therein,...
Longtime film site Film Scouts shares insights on the production of "Anaconda"; therein,...
- 10/31/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
The American Film Institute announced the recipients of its Writers’ Room Ready Awards on Thursday.
The annual awards program honors the best pilot scripts written by the AFI Conservatory’s screenwriting fellows. This year’s awards honor the 2021 and 2022 classes, after the prizes were delayed last year due to Covid-19.
“Congratulations to the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the Writers’ Room Ready Award,” AFI Conservatory dean and AFI executive vice president Susan Ruskin said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication these writers have shown to their craft, exemplifying the highest standard of excellence and creativity. Together with the mentors, we are committed to supporting this next generation of talented writers as they share their stories with the world.”
Suhana Chander, Gianmarco Maximilian Giacomelli, Christina Kelly Holmes, Lia Wang and Yancey Wang were announced as the winners of the 2021 class. Max Hersh, Adam Rottler, Marley Schneier, Anna Vecellio and...
The annual awards program honors the best pilot scripts written by the AFI Conservatory’s screenwriting fellows. This year’s awards honor the 2021 and 2022 classes, after the prizes were delayed last year due to Covid-19.
“Congratulations to the 2021 and 2022 recipients of the Writers’ Room Ready Award,” AFI Conservatory dean and AFI executive vice president Susan Ruskin said in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication these writers have shown to their craft, exemplifying the highest standard of excellence and creativity. Together with the mentors, we are committed to supporting this next generation of talented writers as they share their stories with the world.”
Suhana Chander, Gianmarco Maximilian Giacomelli, Christina Kelly Holmes, Lia Wang and Yancey Wang were announced as the winners of the 2021 class. Max Hersh, Adam Rottler, Marley Schneier, Anna Vecellio and...
- 4/7/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
In 1997, UCLA cinematography professor William McDonald was home with his newborn daughter. As he looked into her eyes in his sleep-deprived state he began to wonder what her life would be like if she grew up and wanted to become a cinematographer. Would she have the same opportunities as men who wanted to study cinematography? Would she be able to find work after getting a degree and experience?
At the time, female cinematography students were few and far between. Things looked similarly bleak for working female DPs during that period. McDonald thought that could change if more women had the opportunity to study and train in the field, so he set a goal of admitting 50% female students into cinematography studies each year.
“The simple premise is that if you make a generational commitment — and about 25 to 30 years is a generational commitment — to flooding the market with exceedingly talented people from...
At the time, female cinematography students were few and far between. Things looked similarly bleak for working female DPs during that period. McDonald thought that could change if more women had the opportunity to study and train in the field, so he set a goal of admitting 50% female students into cinematography studies each year.
“The simple premise is that if you make a generational commitment — and about 25 to 30 years is a generational commitment — to flooding the market with exceedingly talented people from...
- 3/9/2022
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
Cinematographer Meg White, production designer Eleanora Steiner among past recipients.
American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that starting in the 2022 academic year its full-tuition scholarship the Australia-aaa-Onbass Fellowship in partnership with Screen Australia and the Onbass Family Trust has been expanded to support a broader range of disciplines.
The award will be presented to an incoming Australian Fellow for a master of fine arts degree at AFI Conservatory in one of the following areas: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design, and screenwriting.
The Fellowship will provide full tuition and fees and some support for living expenses in autumn 2022. The American...
American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that starting in the 2022 academic year its full-tuition scholarship the Australia-aaa-Onbass Fellowship in partnership with Screen Australia and the Onbass Family Trust has been expanded to support a broader range of disciplines.
The award will be presented to an incoming Australian Fellow for a master of fine arts degree at AFI Conservatory in one of the following areas: cinematography, directing, editing, producing, production design, and screenwriting.
The Fellowship will provide full tuition and fees and some support for living expenses in autumn 2022. The American...
- 11/23/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The American Film Institute (AFI), in partnership with Anthony and Joe Russo’s studio Agbo, has named Christina Kelly Holmes as this year’s recipient of the Agbo/AFI Conservatory Development Grant.
Now in its third year, the program awards $25K to a recent AFI Conservatory graduate to develop at least one project with a year-long mentorship from Agbo.
Holmes received the grant for her project For Women Only, a one-hour drama set in 1980s communist Romania about a blacklisted classically trained pianist who becomes a black-market entrepreneur smuggling goods for women into one of the most oppressive regimes in modern history.
“At Agbo we are keenly aware of how important mentorship is for young artists, which is why we are excited to award Christina Kelly Holmes the Agbo/AFI conservatory Development Grant this year,” said Angela Russo Ostot, President of Creative, Agbo. “We’re eager to champion Christina’s...
Now in its third year, the program awards $25K to a recent AFI Conservatory graduate to develop at least one project with a year-long mentorship from Agbo.
Holmes received the grant for her project For Women Only, a one-hour drama set in 1980s communist Romania about a blacklisted classically trained pianist who becomes a black-market entrepreneur smuggling goods for women into one of the most oppressive regimes in modern history.
“At Agbo we are keenly aware of how important mentorship is for young artists, which is why we are excited to award Christina Kelly Holmes the Agbo/AFI conservatory Development Grant this year,” said Angela Russo Ostot, President of Creative, Agbo. “We’re eager to champion Christina’s...
- 7/12/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Independent filmmaker and educator Deborah Lavine has been tapped to run the film program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Uncsa). Lavine, who will serve as dean of the school of filmmaking effective July 1, joins Uncsa from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where she was program director of the graduate-level film directing program.
Lavine is also a working filmmaker and is currently partnering with “Coda” lead Troy Kotsur to develop a project they will co-direct. She has directed award-short films including “Unintended” and “Lost Music,” as well as the feature film “Wild Prairie Rose.” She has also directed for theater, including Deaf West’s Los Angeles production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which was staged in English and American Sign Language
Though a continent away from Hollywood, Uncsa, which counts Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Jeff Nichols, and Rebecca Green among its alums, has become a powerhouse,...
Lavine is also a working filmmaker and is currently partnering with “Coda” lead Troy Kotsur to develop a project they will co-direct. She has directed award-short films including “Unintended” and “Lost Music,” as well as the feature film “Wild Prairie Rose.” She has also directed for theater, including Deaf West’s Los Angeles production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” which was staged in English and American Sign Language
Though a continent away from Hollywood, Uncsa, which counts Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Jeff Nichols, and Rebecca Green among its alums, has become a powerhouse,...
- 5/25/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
The AFI Conservatory has canceled the 2022 class of its Directing Workshop for Women due to the coronavirus pandemic. The program, which has trained more than 350 female filmmakers since 1974, will continue teaching its current class, though much of their training has been pushed back until next year.
“What’s infuriating to applicants like me is that they cancelled the program weeks after the application process closed, after hundreds of applicants like me spent months meeting their long list of requirements,” an applicant told Deadline. “This was the week they were supposed to notify whoever made it to the first round, but instead they sent out an email, which was crushing, to say the least.”
In an email to 2022 applicants, Susan Ruskin, dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute, wrote: “As an industry, film and television production has suffered unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While...
“What’s infuriating to applicants like me is that they cancelled the program weeks after the application process closed, after hundreds of applicants like me spent months meeting their long list of requirements,” an applicant told Deadline. “This was the week they were supposed to notify whoever made it to the first round, but instead they sent out an email, which was crushing, to say the least.”
In an email to 2022 applicants, Susan Ruskin, dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute, wrote: “As an industry, film and television production has suffered unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While...
- 10/28/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has teamed with AMC Network to establish the Black Production Fund, which will provide grants for thesis productions by Black fellows in their second year at the AFI Conservatory.
AFI made the announcement today in the midst of its 2020 virtual festive. The Black Production Fund, as well as recently announced Thomas P. Pollock Endowed Scholarship for promising diverse AFI Producing Fellows, is part of AFI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives dedicated to increasing Black voices in storytelling.
In addition to the find, AMC Networks is streaming a selection of AFI Conservatory films on Umc, the VOD platform dedicated to showcasing Black film and television. FIlms available include The First Stone from director Kaisan Rei (AFI Class of 2016), Gummi Bear, directed by Rj Dawson (AFI Class of 2019), and Yellow Girl And Me, written and directed by Isabella Issa (AFI Class of 2019).
“At this pivotal moment in America’s history,...
AFI made the announcement today in the midst of its 2020 virtual festive. The Black Production Fund, as well as recently announced Thomas P. Pollock Endowed Scholarship for promising diverse AFI Producing Fellows, is part of AFI’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives dedicated to increasing Black voices in storytelling.
In addition to the find, AMC Networks is streaming a selection of AFI Conservatory films on Umc, the VOD platform dedicated to showcasing Black film and television. FIlms available include The First Stone from director Kaisan Rei (AFI Class of 2016), Gummi Bear, directed by Rj Dawson (AFI Class of 2019), and Yellow Girl And Me, written and directed by Isabella Issa (AFI Class of 2019).
“At this pivotal moment in America’s history,...
- 10/17/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
This ranking of the Top 50 film schools of 2020 first appeared in TheWrap’s fifth annual College Issue.
The American Film Institute Conservatory finished as the top film school in the U.S. in TheWrap’s fifth annual ranking of programs, just ahead of previous No. 1, USC. And while the Top 10 remained fairly consistent from past years, three schools — AFI, Chapman and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts — posted their highest-ever finishes. Meanwhile, Biola University returned to the list after dropping off last year, and Pepperdine made it into our rankings for the first time.
The Wrap’s annual ranking of film schools was determined by an anonymous poll of more than 2,000 entertainment industry insiders, educators, deans, filmmakers and film pundits, along with experts tasked with evaluating each school.
Yes, the list compares apples and oranges, mixing undergraduate and graduate programs and including schools with more than 1,000 students...
The American Film Institute Conservatory finished as the top film school in the U.S. in TheWrap’s fifth annual ranking of programs, just ahead of previous No. 1, USC. And while the Top 10 remained fairly consistent from past years, three schools — AFI, Chapman and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts — posted their highest-ever finishes. Meanwhile, Biola University returned to the list after dropping off last year, and Pepperdine made it into our rankings for the first time.
The Wrap’s annual ranking of film schools was determined by an anonymous poll of more than 2,000 entertainment industry insiders, educators, deans, filmmakers and film pundits, along with experts tasked with evaluating each school.
Yes, the list compares apples and oranges, mixing undergraduate and graduate programs and including schools with more than 1,000 students...
- 10/16/2020
- by Victoria Ellison
- The Wrap
The American Film Institute in partnership with Agbo selected Marina Kato as this year’s recipient of the Agbo/AFI Conservatory Development Grant. The second year program awards $25,000 to a recent AFI Conservatory graduate to develop at least one project with a year-long mentorship from Agbo. Matriculating in screenwriting in the AFI Class of 2019, Kato will receive the grant for her script Dia de las Carpas, a fairy tale about a little girl who escapes deportation by becoming a mermaid.
“Marina spotlights injustice and inequality through a remarkable lens that brings both beauty and joy to her examinations of the struggles immigrants face,” said Angela Russo-Otstot, President of Creative at Agbo. “We are honored to guide her through our story process to help develop her short Dia de las Carpas into a feature-length screenplay that champions underdog heroes in the Latinx community through a commercial approach that speaks to broad audiences.
“Marina spotlights injustice and inequality through a remarkable lens that brings both beauty and joy to her examinations of the struggles immigrants face,” said Angela Russo-Otstot, President of Creative at Agbo. “We are honored to guide her through our story process to help develop her short Dia de las Carpas into a feature-length screenplay that champions underdog heroes in the Latinx community through a commercial approach that speaks to broad audiences.
- 8/6/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Short film distributor Shorts International announced on Tuesday that it has hired industry veteran Jeff Allen as president of its American TV network ShortsTV, which has also agreed to a master license agreement with the American Film Institute Conservatory.
Allen was previously vice president of operations at Hallmark Labs, overseeing Hallmark’s digital operations including Hallmark Movies Now and Hallmark eCards. Allen will report to Shorts International CEO Carter Pilcher within the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Shorts Entertainment Network, and oversee all operations for ShortsTV and its Latin American counterpart TVCortos.
“As Shorts International continues to evolve and grow globally, I couldn’t think of a better fit than Jeff to spearhead the ShortsTV and TVCortos efforts,” said Pilcher in a statement. “Jeff brings a vast amount of experience across many industry verticals, from both an operational and creative standpoint, and will play a critical role on our team.
Allen was previously vice president of operations at Hallmark Labs, overseeing Hallmark’s digital operations including Hallmark Movies Now and Hallmark eCards. Allen will report to Shorts International CEO Carter Pilcher within the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Shorts Entertainment Network, and oversee all operations for ShortsTV and its Latin American counterpart TVCortos.
“As Shorts International continues to evolve and grow globally, I couldn’t think of a better fit than Jeff to spearhead the ShortsTV and TVCortos efforts,” said Pilcher in a statement. “Jeff brings a vast amount of experience across many industry verticals, from both an operational and creative standpoint, and will play a critical role on our team.
- 6/9/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that already has claimed thousands of lives, cratered economies globally and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing the industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
Like the rest of the faculty at Los Angeles’ big film schools, USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Gail Katz had to quickly modify her teaching methods and curriculum once the coronavirus pandemic hit. As a longtime producer, she knows all about adapting on the fly, with credits on blockbusters including the Wolfgang Petersen movies Air Force One,...
Like the rest of the faculty at Los Angeles’ big film schools, USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Gail Katz had to quickly modify her teaching methods and curriculum once the coronavirus pandemic hit. As a longtime producer, she knows all about adapting on the fly, with credits on blockbusters including the Wolfgang Petersen movies Air Force One,...
- 5/6/2020
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Institute revealed its list of eight women selected for this year’s Directing Workshop for Women on Wednesday. The participants will take part in a year-long, tuition-free film production course, culminating with each of them directing a short film that will premiere at a special showcase in Los Angeles in 2021.
The new class of Dww participants are: Michelle Krusiec, April Maxey, Mary Molina, April Moreau, Kelly Pike, Jessica Shields, Lucretia Stinnette and Em Weinstein. Five of the participants are women of color. Read their bios here.
Also Read: Oscars 2020: Women Scored Record 31% of Nominations Overall Despite Female Director Snub
“AFI has a long history of advocating for directors from underrepresented communities and we continue that tradition with this new class of filmmakers,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and Evp of the American Film Institute. “We are thrilled to welcome these eight artists into...
The new class of Dww participants are: Michelle Krusiec, April Maxey, Mary Molina, April Moreau, Kelly Pike, Jessica Shields, Lucretia Stinnette and Em Weinstein. Five of the participants are women of color. Read their bios here.
Also Read: Oscars 2020: Women Scored Record 31% of Nominations Overall Despite Female Director Snub
“AFI has a long history of advocating for directors from underrepresented communities and we continue that tradition with this new class of filmmakers,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and Evp of the American Film Institute. “We are thrilled to welcome these eight artists into...
- 1/15/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Producer and educator Susan Ruskin has been named the dean of AFI Conservatory, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. She will lead its graduate film-training program and also is set as Evp of the American Film Institute, reporting to AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale.
“Susan is a bold and innovative educator with a clear passion for the future of the cinematic arts,” Gazzale said. “As educators, we must be at the forefront of what is a revolutionary moment for our industry. Susan is a proven trailblazer in both the creative and academic communities, and we look forward to her leadership in charting a path for the future of the AFI Conservatory.”
Ruskin comes to the AFI Conservatory from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she has served as Dean of the School of Filmmaking since 2013. Previously, she served as Chair of Uncsa’s...
“Susan is a bold and innovative educator with a clear passion for the future of the cinematic arts,” Gazzale said. “As educators, we must be at the forefront of what is a revolutionary moment for our industry. Susan is a proven trailblazer in both the creative and academic communities, and we look forward to her leadership in charting a path for the future of the AFI Conservatory.”
Ruskin comes to the AFI Conservatory from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she has served as Dean of the School of Filmmaking since 2013. Previously, she served as Chair of Uncsa’s...
- 6/18/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has appointed producer and educator Susan Ruskin as dean of the AFI Conservatory, AFI announced on Tuesday.
The former dean, Richard Gladstein, stepped down from the role in November. Vice dean of administration Michael Chung and vice dean of academic affairs Tom Engfer were serving as co-interim deans. Ruskin will carry the title of executive vice president.
“Susan is a bold and innovative educator with a clear passion for the future of the cinematic arts,”AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale said. “As educators, we must be at the forefront of what is a revolutionary moment for our industry. Susan is a proven trailblazer in both the creative and academic communities, and we look forward to her leadership in charting a path for the future of the AFI Conservatory.”
Also Read: Kathleen Kennedy Elected Chair of AFI Board of Trustees
Ruskin added: “It is an...
The former dean, Richard Gladstein, stepped down from the role in November. Vice dean of administration Michael Chung and vice dean of academic affairs Tom Engfer were serving as co-interim deans. Ruskin will carry the title of executive vice president.
“Susan is a bold and innovative educator with a clear passion for the future of the cinematic arts,”AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale said. “As educators, we must be at the forefront of what is a revolutionary moment for our industry. Susan is a proven trailblazer in both the creative and academic communities, and we look forward to her leadership in charting a path for the future of the AFI Conservatory.”
Also Read: Kathleen Kennedy Elected Chair of AFI Board of Trustees
Ruskin added: “It is an...
- 6/18/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The American Film Institute has named producer and educator Susan Ruskin as dean of the AFI Conservatory, where she will lead AFI’s graduate film-training program.
Ruskin, who will also carry the title of executive VP, will report directly to Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, the organization announced Tuesday. She replaces producer Richard Gladstein, who left the post late last year after 18 months. He took over from Jan Schuette, the film director who had exited the post in late 2016 after three years.
Ruskin has producing credits on “Anaconda” and “Haunted Honeymoon.” She served as president of production at Middle Fork Pictures/Cinema Line and Gene Wilder’s Pal-Mel Produtions, and as a creative executive at Lucasfilm Ltd.
Ruskin has been Dean of the School of Filmmaking at University of North Carolina School of the Arts since 2013. During her tenure at the North Carolina school, she founded a Media and...
Ruskin, who will also carry the title of executive VP, will report directly to Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, the organization announced Tuesday. She replaces producer Richard Gladstein, who left the post late last year after 18 months. He took over from Jan Schuette, the film director who had exited the post in late 2016 after three years.
Ruskin has producing credits on “Anaconda” and “Haunted Honeymoon.” She served as president of production at Middle Fork Pictures/Cinema Line and Gene Wilder’s Pal-Mel Produtions, and as a creative executive at Lucasfilm Ltd.
Ruskin has been Dean of the School of Filmmaking at University of North Carolina School of the Arts since 2013. During her tenure at the North Carolina school, she founded a Media and...
- 6/18/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Film producer and educator Susan Ruskin has been tapped as dean of the American Film Institute Conservatory. She replaces Richard Gladstein, an Oscar-nominated producer of The Cider House Rules and Finding Neverland who held the post for only 18 months, or one academic year, after being named dean in May 2017.
Before Gladstein, veteran film director and producer Jan Schuette, who has been professor of directing at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg since 1994 and on the faculty of the Harvard Summer School since 2010, exited the AFI post in late 2016 after three years. During his tenure, some newly unionized faculty ...
Before Gladstein, veteran film director and producer Jan Schuette, who has been professor of directing at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg since 1994 and on the faculty of the Harvard Summer School since 2010, exited the AFI post in late 2016 after three years. During his tenure, some newly unionized faculty ...
- 6/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film producer and educator Susan Ruskin has been tapped as dean of the American Film Institute Conservatory. She replaces Richard Gladstein, an Oscar-nominated producer of The Cider House Rules and Finding Neverland who held the post for only 18 months, or one academic year, after being named dean in May 2017.
Before Gladstein, veteran film director and producer Jan Schuette, who has been professor of directing at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg since 1994 and on the faculty of the Harvard Summer School since 2010, exited the AFI post in late 2016 after three years. During his tenure, some newly unionized faculty ...
Before Gladstein, veteran film director and producer Jan Schuette, who has been professor of directing at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg since 1994 and on the faculty of the Harvard Summer School since 2010, exited the AFI post in late 2016 after three years. During his tenure, some newly unionized faculty ...
- 6/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
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