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Film Production

Aspiring Filmmakers Showcase Their Work at Steel City High School Film Festival
Friday, October 17, 2025 Aspiring filmmakers showcased their work and gained hands-on experience at Point Park University's Inaugural Steel City High School Film Festival.
Steel City High School Film and Animation Festival
Monday, June 9, 2025 The festival will include a keynote speaker, workshops and panels, film screenings and an awards ceremony, all taking place in the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Point Park University film and animation students on set during COPA Experience Day.
Pittsburgh Playhouse Marks Return of STARMAKERS Gala With Previews of Both ASCEND and the 2025-26 Season
Thursday, April 17, 2025 After nearly 15 years, the beloved STARMAKERS Gala has returned to Pittsburgh, celebrating the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s enduring legacy in Pittsburgh and sets the stage for the next era of groundbreaking performances and artistic excellence.
The STARMAKERS logo.
Student Profile
Austin Zarnick '26
"If you want to be a filmmaker, Point Park's Department of Film and Animation offers amazing opportunities to reach your goals, especially in the B.F.A. film production program."
Pictured is Austin Zarnick. Photo | Chloe Humway
Point Park University Students' Work Featured at Local Photography Exhibition
Friday, February 21, 2025 The work of 13 students will be celebrated at A Space for Trust, the eighth annual Juried Art Exhibition. The event will be held at Artists Image Resource. 
Befried the Numb by Madeline Marco
Faculty Feature: Meet Kyu Park, Department of Film and Animation
Monday, February 17, 2025 "What’s great about studying at Point Park University is that it gives you the space to take risks, make mistakes and figure things out without the high stakes of the professional world. If you’re ready to put in the work and fully immerse yourself in filmmaking, this is the place to do it."
Kyu Park on the set of "Scarlet Winter" on Apple TV.
Students Film Doritos Commercial for Super Bowl Ad Contest
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 "Caught Orange Handed," their 30-second commercial, takes place in a courtroom where the prosecution presents remnants of nacho cheese dust on the hands of the defendant as evidence.
(L-R) Nathan Cardillo, Nihad Hebib, Shandon Walsh and Ryan Clarke.
Conservatory of Performing Arts Establishes School of Dance and School of Theatre, Film and Animation
Monday, January 6, 2025 Garfield Lemonius, Kiesha Lalama tapped to lead Point Park’s new schools.
Conservatory of Performing Arts students perform RENT at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Film and Animation Faculty Feature: Jason Georgiades
Friday, November 15, 2024 Jason Georgiades is an award-winning filmmaker with 18 years of international experience in the cinematic arts.
Pictured is Jason Georgiades. Photo | Randall Coleman
Meet Kelly Donnellan, Award-Winning Editor and Director
Monday, October 28, 2024 "I’ve been very fortunate to have many real-world experiences in my career as an editor and as a teacher, all of which inform my teaching today. I create my lectures with the industry in mind so that the students will have the necessary skills when they graduate."
Pictured is Kelly Donnellan. Photo | Madi Fisher
12 New Full-Time Faculty Join Point Park University
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 The Conservatory of Performing Arts, Rowland School of Business, and Schools of Arts and Sciences and Education are pleased to announce new faculty who will teach the next generation of professionals.
Film and Animation Pre-College Programs Provide Hands-On Experience to High School Students
Friday, August 23, 2024 Students explored the basic principles and practices of film production, the process, fundamentals and art of animation, and the elements of storytelling at Film Intensive, 2D and 3D Animation Intensive and Screenwriting Intensive.
Student Profile
Jilian Musser '27
"The journalism faculty at Point Park have impacted how I see and apply myself as a reporter."
Pictured is Jilian Musser.
Alumni Profile
Steve Jacks '06
"Point Park quickly gave me the chance to collaborate and create. In my second semester, I was given hands-on opportunities to make short films."
Pictured is cinema alumnus Steve Jacks '06.
Professional Camera Workshop with The Camera Department
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 The Camera Department's Alex Andres and Benedict Baldauff '11 led a Professional Camera Workshop for the Intermediate and Advanced Cinematography classes during the spring semester.
Point Park Offers Complete in Four Years B.F.A. to MBA Program
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 This program gives students an affordable opportunity to earn both a B.F.A. degree from the Conservatory of Performing Arts — and an MBA from the Rowland School of Business — in four years plus one additional semester in the summer.
A student in PPG Place.
Nicky Snyder Supports Students and Faculty as Assistant to the Chair of the Department of Film and Animation
Monday, September 11, 2023 "I think the fact that students are working with equipment and also substantial software in their first year is the biggest advantage of being a film or animation major at Point Park."
Pictured is Nicky Snyder.
Michael Bagnato Finds Joy in Teaching the Next Generation of Filmmakers
Monday, April 10, 2023 "I seek to provide students with industry background and film examples that are new and endearing, that are tangible to their needs as aspiring artists, and that inspire a creative bent in young filmmakers."
Pictured is Michael Bagnato. Submitted photo.
MovieMaker Magazine Ranks Pittsburgh as a Best Place to Live and Work as a Movie Maker
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 "This impacts our students in terms of employment opportunities to work in the Pittsburgh area. On productions from as far back as the filming of the Dark Knight Rises in 2011 up through the recent production of Mayor of Kingstown on Paramount+, faculty would pass by one of the many sets around the city and see alumni working on them," said Professor Andrew Halasz.
Cinema students on set.
Alumni Profile
Ashley C. Stokes '18
"Having four regional Emmy’s under my belt after my first year working for PBS is humbling. It inspires me to continue to share stories that make a difference in our communities and eventually around the world."
Faculty Feature: Meet Laura J. Boyd, Cinema Arts Chair
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 "My experience managing national and international productions — both from the home office of National Geographic or while traveling and working in the field — informs everything I teach ... Filmmaking is hard work, but the rewards and opportunities make every minute worth it."
Pictured is Laura Boyd.
Alumni Profile
Lauren Keller '22
"Point Park accepted my credits easily, which helped with the transferring process. I am a hands-on learner and was excited that Point Park puts a camera in your hands freshman year in this program."
New Full-Time Faculty for 2022-23 Academic Year
Friday, September 30, 2022 Meet Point Park's nine new full-time faculty members for the 2022-23 academic year.
A photo of campus by Nathaniel Holzer.
Point Park Announces Summer in the City Programs for Youth and High School Students
Monday, April 11, 2022 “Our Summer in the City programs are a great way for younger students to get a taste of academic college life, experience the excitement of Downtown Pittsburgh and find out what motivates them about learning,” said Heidi Ward, director of community and summer education.
In Honors Symposium, Students Present Research Projects with Real-World Applications
Monday, April 11, 2022 "The Honors Program enhances my education by giving me the opportunity to learn more about the things I love. The program gives me a chance to delve deeper into certain topics outside of the classroom. It gives me the chance to learn more and have a more ​well-rounded educational experience."
Pictured from left to right in the top row are Christl Caspar, coordinator for the Center of Inclusive Excellence; Jessica McCort, Ph.D., director of the Honors Program; and Katherine Griffith, senior cinema production major. Pictured from left to right in the bottom row are Cloe Loosz, freshman creative writing major and gender studies and public relations and advertising minor; Diana Navarrete, junior public relations and advertising major; and AJ de la Cruz, freshman creative writing major,
Student Profile
Katt Kersting '22
"When you leave Point Park, you take with you a resume/portfolio filled with projects and experiences, a network of industry connections and knowledge on all aspects of filmmaking."
Student Profile
Julius Thomas '22
"My advice to any student considering Point Park is that they should just go for it. Point Park feels like a close-knit community that presents its students with a variety of different opportunities."
Pictured is Julius Thomas. Photo | Nathaniel Holzer
Alumni Profile
Brianna Wuenschel '20
"The program's immediate immersion in filmmaking was so different from other schools. From the first year you are already creating your own films and this was very important to me in choosing a school."
Pictured is Brianna Wuenschel. Submitted photo.
2021 Golden Quill Awards
Monday, October 11, 2021 Point Park University students, alumni and faculty were honored at the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania's 57th annual Golden Quill Awards, held Sept. 28 at the Rivers Casino.
A photo in Village Park. Photo | Megan Gloeckler.
Garfield Lemonius Named Dean and Artistic Director
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A., has been appointed dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) at Point Park University and artistic director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Lemonius was previously appointed acting dean and artistic director, and prior to that served as chair of the Department of Dance.
Pictured is Garfield Lemonius, M.F.A.
Faculty Feature: Andrew Halasz, Film and Animation
Thursday, August 12, 2021 "All that we teach, the training we give, the projects we assign, have the end goal of engaging students in the experiential process of making work. This is what best prepares students to succeed in the industry."
Pictured is Andrew Halasz. Photo | Nathaniel Holzer
Film Instructor Receives Oscar Nomination for Her Work on "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Friday, April 2, 2021 "The production class [at Point Park] is a very practical experience. We try to expose the students to the tools used in the industry," said Diana Stoughton.
Pictured is Diana Stoughton.
Alumni Profile
Mina Hoffman '18
"The most valuable thing Point Park gave me was a supportive network of people ... Additionally, having the hands-on filmmaking experience was priceless. Knowing set etiquette and general production speak is invaluable even in my role as a marketer."
Pictured is Mina Hoffman. Submitted photo.
Students and Alumni Receive Robert L. Vann Media Awards from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation
Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Students and alumni are among the recipients of the 2020 Robert L. Vann Media Awards from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation. The awards recognize outstanding journalism coverage of African American and African diaspora communities, individuals and issues. 
Pittsburgh Black Media Federation logo.
Alumni Profile
Alyssa Briddes '16
"Due to the hands-on nature of the program, we all learned on-set etiquette our first year, not just through our professors but through our upperclassmen. Learning how to behave on a set from Point Park has been invaluable during my time here in New York City."
Pictured is Alyssa Briddes. Submitted photo
Student Profile
Travis Platt '22
Career-Ready: Meet Travis Platt '22, a cinema production major who is interning for the Pittsburgh Film Office.
Pictured is Travis Platt. Submitted photo.
Film Production Faculty Train Students to Seamlessly Transition to Role of Professional Filmmaker
Friday, June 5, 2020 "The best thing we can do for students is to help them produce work — make films, create animations and write screenplays. All that we teach, the training we give, the projects we assign, have the end goal of engaging students in the experiential process of making work. This is what best prepares students to succeed in the industry after leaving Point Park."
Student Profile
Tiffany Walker '21
Cinema production Major Tiffany Walker is gaining hands-on experience as a Dream Big Studio Intern at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Pictured is Tiffany Walker. Submitted photo
The Business Behind Disney: Students Learn Best Practices Through Disney Leadership Class, Trip to World-Famous Parks
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Point Park University students across a variety of majors — from business management, IT and sports, arts and entertainment management to cinema arts, theatre production and dance — recently visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., as a capstone to their Rowland School of Business Disney Leadership Seminar class.
Cinema Arts Program Partners with the Sarah Jones Film Student Safety Program
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Point Park University is just the fourth institution of higher education in the United States to qualify for the Sarah Jones Film Student Safety Program. The program is an initiative from the nonprofit Sarah Jones Film Foundation, which advocates for safe conditions on film sets.
The logo for the Sarah Jones Film Foundation, which advocates for safe conditions on film sets.
Student Profile
Noah Lockette '21
Meet Noah Lockette, a cinema production major from Mars Area High School in Mars, Pa.
Pictured is Noah Lockette, Cinema Production Major
Alumni Profile
Hannah James '16
Meet film production alumna Hannah James, a video coordinator for Little League International.
Pictured is alumna Hannah James. Submitted photo
Alumni Profile
Calyx Deroche '19
Calyx Deroche earned a B.A. in cinema production in three years at Point Park. Before graduating, she interned at WQED and was recently hired as a Next Generation Fellow, an intensive training program for aspiring content creators.
Pictured is alumna Calyx Deroche at WQED. Photo | Hannah Johnston
Pioneer Records EP Release Party Features Artists ALLISSA and SouthWest DFRNT, Premieres Behind-the-Scenes Footage of Music Video
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Pioneer Records 2018-19 winners Allissa Logsdon, stage name ALLISSA, and Victor Gariseb, stage name SouthWest DFRNT, performed March 19 at The Club at Stage AE to celebrate the three-track EP, ALLISSA.
Pictured are Pioneer Records stars Allissa Logsdon and Victor Gariseb performing. Photo by Brandy Richey.
Tolin FX Hosts Special Effects and Blood Workshop with Theatre and Film Majors
Thursday, February 7, 2019 "What surprised me about this workshop was how interactive it was. We got to experiment with their equipment and I was chosen to get blasted by the blood cannon - it was an amazing experience," said student MacKenzy Cline.
Student Profile
Alyssa Waldron '19
Meet Alyssa Waldron, a senior history major and gallery intern for Morgan Contemporary Glass Gallery in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood.
Pictured is history major Alyssa Waldron. Photo by Nick Koehler.
Student Profile
#PittsburghMe: Meet Kelly Tran, Cinema Production Major
"I’ve networked with and learned from my talented peers, who some have become my best friends." - Kelly Tran, '20
Pictured is Kelly Tran, cinema production major
Hollywood Producers and Editors Attend 2018 Cinema Arts Showcase at Point Park
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Bob Ducsay, Gray Frederickson and Robert Miller spent two days on Point Park's campus for this year's cinema arts showcase.
Bob Ducsay, Gray Frederickson and Robert Miller at Point Park University's 2018 Cinema Arts Showcase
Faculty Profile: Meet Hanjin Park, Film and Animation
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 "To succeed as a filmmaker, you need passion and commitment. Read and write as much as you can. Watch as many films as you can ... Most importantly, go out and make your films," advises Park.
Pictured is Hanjin Park.
Behind the Scenes at WQED Multimedia with Alumni Alisyn Blackwell and Zak Boyle
Friday, August 4, 2017
CBS Executives Present "Student of the Business" at Point Park University
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Grip/Electric Workshop Exposes Students to Equipment Used on Motion Picture Film Sets
Monday, March 13, 2017
Award-Winning Actor, Writer and Director Bryan Cranston Visits Point Park University
Monday, November 28, 2016 "To be successful in this business you need talent, persistence, patience and luck. If you do not love what you do, do not attempt to do it."
Bryan Cranston visits Point Park University.
Cinema alumnus is assistant editor on film showcased at Sundance Film Festival
Friday, February 8, 2013
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