Point Park University Student's Senior Thesis Film Selected to Screen at Film Festival in South Korea Alumni Profile
Meet Olivia Busby '20
- Major/Program
- Film Production
- Hometown
- Ashland, Ohio
- High School
- Ashland High School
- Hobbies & Interests
- Going to the movies, reading, volunteering to walk dogs at the humane society and making collage art.
"I chose Point Park because it had everything I wanted. It was in a bigger city than my hometown, but still only a few hours away. I also loved knowing that I would start making films immediately in my freshman year."
Why did you choose Point Park University’s B.F.A. film production program?
I chose Point Park because it had everything I wanted. It was in a bigger city than my hometown, but still only a few hours away. I also loved knowing that I would start making films immediately in my freshman year. I was really encouraged when I visited the school and they reassured me that some students in the film program had never even touched a camera when they started in the program. I was encouraged to jump in without fear of judgment, even though filmmaking was so new to me.
Which faculty members and courses impacted you most?
The mentorship I received at Point Park was invaluable. My favorite professor was Hanjin Park. I left each of Hanjin's classes feeling like I had received a year's worth of education. He challenged us and was always available to provide reassurance when I was doubting myself. The films I saw in Fred Johnson's class were my favorites, and he helped me to appreciate films from various times and places around the world.
Your senior thesis film, “The Starter,” was one of the few films selected to be screened at the Gyeonggi Film School Festival in South Korea. Tell us more about that.
Hanjin reached out to tell me he chose my senior thesis project for this festival and it was such an honor. I was listening to "The River" by Bruce Springsteen one day, which is a song about expecting a child at the age of 19. I was struck by the lyric, "For my 19th birthday, I got a union card and a wedding coat." I began to think about my own immaturity and the way that young parents are forced to grow up overnight and sacrifice for their children, even though they're still children themselves. I decided to make this film as a thank you to my own parents, who sacrificed constantly for me (and still do).
What does it mean to you as a filmmaker to have your work screened at an International Festival?
It means the world to me. Film and storytelling is how we connect with others whose lives are so different from ours. I have been so touched by international films, so the thought of a story about my two small-town parents being heard by people across the globe is such a gift.
What advice do you have for a prospective student considering the film production program?
Put the blinders on and don't compare your journey to others in your class. Competitiveness is so unnecessary in the arts. We're all here to grow and learn from each other. Don't be afraid if you're coming in with no experience — the professors at Point Park will meet you where you are, and you will leave with an even greater love of film.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go Pioneers!