Film Production Alumna Carah Chafin '22 Finds Success at Netflix and as Founder of Deadhead Productions Alumni Profile
Meet Carah Chafin '22
- Job Title & Employer
- Assistant VFX Coordinator, "3 Body Problem," Netflix (from the creators of "Game of Thrones")
- Major/Program
- Film Production
- College Activities
- SFX makeup, freelance filmmaking, horror-adjacent activities, screenings and events
- Hometown
- Charleston, W.Va.
- High School
- Charleston Catholic High School
- Now Living In
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Film screenings, SFX makeup, horror, alternative fashion, live music, trying new food
"What makes Point Park stand out is the faculty. They invested in my growth as a filmmaker while I was a student and their continued guidance and alumni support still serve me in my career today."
How did Point Park’s film production program prepare you for your career?
Point Park’s film production program was instrumental in helping me translate my creative vision into practical technical skills. The hands-on experience with production equipment and collaborative on-set workflows gave me the tools and confidence that I needed to jump right into professional industry roles.
What makes Point Park stand out, though, is the faculty. They invested in my growth as a filmmaker while I was a student and their continued guidance and alumni support still serve me in my career today.
Highlight the professional experiences you’ve had related to your major since graduating from Point Park.
Since graduating, I have worked at various film studios, including Media Res and presently Netflix. I've also continued my passion for directing horror films and practicing SFX makeup through my production company, Deadhead Productions. In 2025, I founded Deadhead Film Festival, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization based in my home state of West Virginia. Our mission is to support and uplift independent artists, particularly filmmakers, in Appalachia.
I’ve had some incredibly memorable career milestones so far, including moderating the 20th-anniversary screening of "House of 1000 Corpses" and a question-and-answer session with Rob Zombie and Sherri Moon Zombie. I also helped with Miley Cyrus’ album release party and received a thoughtful shoutout on Instagram from Jennifer Garner for my film fest.
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What are your key responsibilities in your current role?
As an assistant VFX coordinator, I facilitate visual effects workflows for Netflix’s "3 Body Problem." I serve as a liaison between VFX supervisors, producers, showrunners and external vendors by managing shot tracking, scheduling and asset reviews.
What do you enjoy most about your career and why?
I love the communities that I have built and grown into. I love my Point Park community, the community I have in West Virginia and the community I've found in Los Angeles.
I also love how many directions my career has taken. It’s like a winding road; each turn offers new experiences and challenges that strengthen me along the way.
Lastly, I love horror! Working in horror has always been something I was determined to do and I'm thankful to be in the horror/film industry.
What advice do you have for prospective students considering Point Park’s film production program?
Make it your own! The program offers structure, but it’s a great chance to experiment with different styles, find your collaboration style and develop a professional temperament.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Everywhere I go, I seem to run into a Point Park alum or someone connected to the university. The network is deep, rich and one I'm proud to be part of.