Point Park POV: Film Production Major Jack Ruzanic '26 Student Profile
Photo by Jacob White '29
Meet Jack Ruzanic '26
- Majors/Programs
- Film Production, Writing for the Stage and Screen-M.F.A.
- Minor
- College Activities
- Working on sets, exploring campus, going to bingo
- Hometown
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School
- Pittsburgh Online Academy
- Dream Job
- Cinematographer
- Hobbies & Interests
- Going to the movies, hanging out with friends and playing board games
"Point Park’s film production program offers a hands-on approach to learning. Within your first semester, you are working on film sets and learning about the different facets of making a movie. I would not have gotten the set experience that I received at Point Park at any other school."
Why did you choose Point Park University for your major?
Point Park University’s film production major is recognized as one of the top programs in the area. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, so I had always been familiar with Point Park. When I decided to study film, there was no question about what college I would choose.
Point Park’s film production program offers a hands-on approach to learning. Within your first semester, you will be working on film sets and learning about the various aspects of making a movie. I would not have gotten the set experience that I received at Point Park at any other school.
You are also enrolled in a fast-track bachelor’s to master’s program. What are the advantages of pursuing a B.F.A. and an M.F.A. simultaneously?
I am enrolled in a fast-track bachelor's to master's program pursuing an M.F.A. in writing for the screen and stage. The advantages of pursuing two degrees simultaneously include saving money and time. The fast-track program allows me to earn both degrees in five years instead of six.
Which faculty members have had a significant impact on you?
Kyu Park and Elise D’Haene have helped me become more confident in my art and abilities, teaching me to put myself out there and try new things. As a cinematographer, Kyu taught me to trust my instincts and craft aesthetically-pleasing shots. As a screenwriter, Elise helped me feel confident in my writing and encouraged me to write more. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for their guidance.
@pointparku Point Park POV: Film Production Major, Jack Ruzanic '26 He’s already working on real film sets, building his network in Downtown Pittsburgh and chasing his dream of becoming a cinematographer! 🎬✨ #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #PointParkPOV ♬ Whisper - Danilo Stankovic
You’ve had the opportunity to live on campus and are now a commuter. What have those experiences been like for you as a film major?
Living on campus for two years was a great experience because I got to take advantage of making movies in Downtown Pittsburgh. I was on sets where we filmed at Point State Park and on the soundstage in the university's Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Now, as a commuter, I have discovered that many students in the film program are also commuters from the Greater Pittsburgh area. This has been great because it allows you to build connections in your field and work on projects outside of school. You already have a network after you graduate due to the number of students who stay in the area.
What advice do you have for a prospective student?
I lived in a single dorm during my freshman year, and for the first two months, anytime I was in my room, I kept the door wide open. This is how I ended up meeting friends and made my first days of college fun and exciting instead of anxiety-inducing. To any prospective students, I would say to trust yourself and put yourself out there. I spent so much of my college time worried about what others thought of me; I still do at times. I have learned that if you trust yourself and know what you can do, then it doesn’t matter what others think. We are all capable of incredible things; we just have to trust that we can do it.
What are your career goals?
My dream is to work as a cinematographer on a feature film of any kind, it doesn’t matter the budget. However, I know it will take a while to get there. My career goals are to make movies and work on as many sets as possible. As long as I am making movies, I will be happy.