Creative Media Industries Institute 2023 Annual Report

CREATIVE MEDIA INDUSTRIES INSTITUTE

2023 Annual Report

A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

This year has been marked by remarkable achievements in student success, showcasing the dedication and talent of our diverse student body. At the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII), we take pride in fostering an environment that nurtures creativity, innovation and professional development. Our students have not only excelled academically but have also embraced opportunities to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, preparing them for success in the ever-evolving media landscape.

One of CMII’s key strengths lies in our robust industry partnerships. In 2023, we continued to strengthen and expand these collaborations, providing our students with invaluable insights and experiences. Through internships and collaborative projects, our students have had the chance to engage with industry professionals, gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities within their chosen fields.

Our commitment to preparing students for successful careers is evident in the positive feedback we receive from our industry partners. Employers consistently praise the caliber of our students and graduates, highlighting their adaptability, creativity and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. These testimonials reinforce our belief in the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring our students are well-equipped to enter the workforce.

Regarding staffing updates, we are delighted to announce two valuable additions to the CMII team. Nathan Archer assumed the role of Marketing and Events Manager in July, and Andrea Rohlfing became our new Director of Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations in October. These individuals join CMII Manager James Amann and Department Specialist Celena Pittman, collectively forming an outstanding and well-rounded staff.

As we look ahead, CMII remains dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational experience that not only equips students with technical skills but also nurtures their passion for creativity and innovation. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the continued success of our students in shaping the future of the creative industries.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the CMII community.

Brennen Dicker Executive Director

ABOUT CMII

CMII is a leading hub for media arts education and innovation, dedicated to preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving creative and media industries. Through cutting-edge programs, industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities, CMII offers a dynamic environment for students to explore their creative potential and pursue their passion for storytelling and media production.

MISSION STATEMENT

Using emerging technologies, CMII educates, trains and prepares students to become storytellers, media entrepreneurs and digital content creators.

VISION STATEMENT

Lead the creative media industries in supporting the education of diverse students who make a positive economic, social and cultural impact on the world through storytelling and technology.

TOTAL GRADUATES SINCE 2017

IN THE LAST 5 YEARS,

THE PERCENTAGE

OF CMII FACULTY WHO ARE MINORITIES HAS JUMPED FROM 20% TO 40%.

The percentage of total CMII faculty who are women has also doubled over those five years.

PROGRAMS

Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, CMII continued to expand and strengthen in 2023. In the media entrepreneurship program, students crafted their own degrees, starting with coursework in the Robinson College of Business and following with CMII classes tailored to the media industries. Students in the digital filmmaking M.F.A. program completed a successful first year, garnering praise and accolades in several short-film competitions around the globe.

Georgia State’s esports program, located at CMII, selected 14 new players across two teams, securing its position among the top programs nationwide. Affiliated with the National Association of Collegiate Esports and the Georgia Esports League, the program not only offers students opportunities for varsity competition but also fosters involvement in broadcasting, production and marketing, exemplifying a holistic approach to esports education.

THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW (APR), WITH THE COMMITTEE COMPRISING PEERS FROM OTHER TIER 1 INSTITUTIONS, EARNED CMII COMMENDATIONS AND POSITIVE REVIEWS.

This positive outcome serves as a crucial indicator of the program’s effectiveness and its ability to deliver a top-tier scholastic experience for students, emphasizing CMII’s dedication to educational excellence and reinforcing its continuous efforts in this regard.

Georgia State esports athletes compete at a local tournament.

GSU President M. Brian Blake (right) attends the CMII Student Showcase.

RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology, media and arts, CMII serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration. Through cutting-edge research initiatives and innovative projects, CMII not only cultivates a rich academic environment but also actively contributes to the evolution of the media industry, shaping the future of creative expression and technological integration.

In 2023, CMII released “Building Georgia’s Digital Entertainment Future,” a report chronicling the growth of Georgia’s digital entertainment sector and its consequential economic advantages for the state. A collaborative effort between CMII, Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition and Georgia Production Partnership, the report was positively received by the industry. It thoroughly explored various aspects of the entertainment production sector, underscoring the significance of investing in Georgia’s entertainment industries, cultivating the next generation workforce and delivering creative industry training in higher education. For additional information, refer to the comprehensive report available at digitalentertainmentreport.gsu.edu.

Associate Professor David Cheshier presents at a Georgia Entertainment event.

Professor

of Practice

Jeasy Sehgal

Professor of Practice

Douglas Blackmon

Professor Ying Zhu (top right) discusses robotics with colleagues from the Department of Computer Science.

FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

Professor of Practice and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Douglas Blackmon premiered his documentary chronicling school integration in Mississippi “The Harvest,” at the Rialto Center for the Arts as part of the PBS American Experience series.

Professor of Practice

Jason Drakeford and his class crafted a typeface, logo lockup and the heads-up display motion graphics used in Tom Luse’s film, “Rejuvenation.”

Booker Edwards, Professor of Practice in the music industries, helped Georgia State celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary by hosting a series of workshops, panel discussions and demonstrations in partnership with the Department of Africana Studies and Educational Policy Studies.

Students in Lecturer Ola Gardner’s class were able to work with occupational therapy faculty from Georgia State and the University of Georgia to utilize videos and AI to evaluate stroke victims’ therapy sessions.

CMII Professors of Practice

James Martin and Max Thomas co-led the Global Advanced Technology Training workshop in South Korea, exploring performance capture techniques, virtual production principles and advanced character creation and animation with participants.

Professor of Practice and Unreal Engine Authorized Instructor Jeasy Sehgal provided GSU faculty and staff with real-time virtual production instruction to bolster university teaching methods.

Building off the development of her course, “Music Scoring for Game Design,” Lecturer Hanna Lisa Stefansson developed a second course titled “Sound Design for Games.” The new offering covers sound design techniques for video games along with music technology.

Media Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programs

Director and Senior Lecturer Elizabeth Strickler delivered presentations on virtual worlds and AI at international forums, including the Futures Conference and the World Futures Studies Federation Conference.

CMII Professor Ying Zhu joined Jonathan Shihao Ji’s Department of Defense grant to advance research in artificial intelligence, robotics and edge computing.

Professor of Practice

James Martin (left) demonstrates motion capture technology.

Senior Lecturer Elizabeth Strickler

Professor of Practice Booker Edwards

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

The inaugural Kay Beck Producer Scholarship recognized students Dayana Shuler and Kathryn Szypulski for their exceptional dedication to their craft and a profound commitment to learning the intricacies of production.

CMII-students put their developing production and entrepreneurship skills to use by recording and releasing a remarkable 26 episodes of their independent podcast, “(Un)Qualified.” The podcast currently boasts over 11,000 followers.

CMII premiered “Rejuvenation,” a feature film executive produced by alumnus Tom Luse, renowned producer of “The Walking Dead,” showcasing the exceptional skills and creativity of Georgia State University students involved in its production through a unique two-semester filmmaking course. The film was made possible generous gifts from FOX Entertainment, AMC Networks, Inc., Canon USA, and Adobe, Inc.

CMII students continued to participate in internships facilitated by Professor of Practice Lisa Ferrell and end-of-semester showcases, attracting and fostering connections with local and regional creative industry leaders.

Tom Luse (seventh from left) participates in a panel discussion with the cast and crew of “Rejuvenation.”

I established the Kay Beck Producers scholarship with the hope of furthering the creation of content originating from diverse talent in the South.

– Dr. Kay Beck Associate Professor Emeritus

DEVON WHITTIER

Devon Whittier, a game design major from Rome, Georgia, came to Georgia State University in 2020 with hopes of making it in the entertainment industry. He specializes in writing, 3D modeling, animation, motion capture and volumetric capture.

Starting in early 2023, he began working with CMII partner company Wild Capture as a freelancer on multiple projects including a Netflix film to be released in 2024, a feature film slated for release in 2025 and a technology demonstration for Game of Thrones author, George R. R. Martin.

With more projects in development, Devon anticipates having enough work to keep him occupied for the upcoming year. He’s making strides toward his goals, and has ample time ahead to realize his dreams.

Devon Whittier

From left: Brennen Dicker, Kay Beck, Dayana Shuler and Kathryn Szypulski

BOBBY MAJOCH

Bobby Majoch, an Atlanta-area native who has worked in marketing and graphic design and already has a master’s degree in philosophy, is part of CMII’s first cohort of M.F.A. students.

Bobby has already found great success from his Requited, which was produced in a Virtual Cinematography course in the spring of 2023. The film garnered Best Student Film at the Venice Under the Stars – International Film Festival and was a semifinalist at the Berlin Short Film Festival.

JULIA WILSON

Julia Wilson, a Georgia State junior from Duluth, Georgia, turned her love for video games into a career in game design at CMII. This decision has given her access to industry-standard software and the opportunity to intern at Revere XR, allowing her to hone her craft.

“With the rise of motion capture in video games and Unreal Engine being implemented into the game and film industries, I became more interested in learning these technologies...I’ve gained a better understanding of the workflow in game production and learned important skills that will allow me to be successful in the game industry,” Wilson said.

Bobby Majoch (right) with Professor of Practice Jeasy Sehgal

Julia Wilson

THE 2023 CMII GHANA STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROVED TO BE A TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE, DELVING INTO THE INTERSECTION OF GHANA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY, CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND BURGEONING TOURISM SECTOR.

Emphasizing the power of storytelling, students engaged in a comprehensive exploration of how Ghana strategically centers the African Diaspora in its tourism initiatives, fostering reconciliation and simultaneously boosting local markets for goods, services and experiences. The program also offered a deep dive into the influential role played by Ghana's film, music and digital media industries, shedding light on their efforts to reshape the narrative of Africa and bridge the diaspora divide.

In collaboration with key partners such as the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Film Authority and the Ghana Board of Museums and Monuments, students actively participated in a multimedia project alongside local creatives. This handson approach not only provided valuable insights into best practices for content production but also allowed students to gain entrepreneurial and managerial perspectives on the current trends and challenges within Ghana's creative and cultural industries. The experience was a unique opportunity for students to think and act globally, building creative media competencies while producing meaningful content that contributes to the broader narrative of Ghana's cultural richness and economic development.

Lecturer Judiffier Pearson (center) with the inaugural CMII Ghana Study Abroad Program students

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

Throughout the year, CMII continued to cultivate impactful industry partnerships, resulting in extraordinary opportunities for our students. Professor of Practice Candice Alger spearheaded a collaboration with technology and studio-enabled services provider Wild Capture, leading to a studio visit from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. During this visit, students had the unique opportunity to contribute to a feature production alongside the renowned filmmaker. Our ongoing partnership with John Martin,VP of Marketing at Reallusion Software, provided CMII with $250,000 in software licenses and other media technology.

Significant progress has been made in establishing a working group for CMII, now comprising 25 members. This board plays a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction and fostering collaboration with the creative media industries. A notable accomplishment of the working group was the successful coordination of an industry-wide toy drive, collecting over 1,000 donated items in support of families affected by the entertainment strikes.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

CMII forged partnerships with several Georgia State and Atlanta-based institutions, including the Atlanta Opera, Alliance Theater, the Fox Theatre and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Of particular note was our partnership with the Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora on their inaugural Global ReadA-Thon 2023. Organized and facilitated by CMII Manager James Amann, the event cast an international spotlight on CMII facilities and resources.

These collaborations were designed to provide valuable opportunities for our students to actively participate in real-world productions. Working alongside these esteemed institutions, our students gained hands-on experience, allowing them to apply and refine their skills in a professional setting.These partnerships exemplify our commitment to delivering a holistic educational experience, where theory meets practice, ensuring our students are equipped with the practical skills essential for success in the dynamic field of media and creative industries.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS

Throughout 2023, CMII had the honor of hosting dignitaries and representatives from diverse corners of the world, fostering meaningful international collaborations. Delegates from the Czech Republic, France, Israel, Romania and St. Maarten graced our institute, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives. These interactions not only enriched our academic environment but also underscored our commitment to fostering a truly global hub where creativity and innovation transcend borders.

Collaborating with the aspiring filmmakers at Georgia State’s Creative Media Industries Institute was a delightful experience, showcasing their talent and passion.

– Francis Ford Coppola

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

In 2023, CMII proudly announced the expansion of its Artists in Residence program, welcoming entrepreneur Imari Oliver and technologist Kris Pilcher to the esteemed group. These additions complement the existing lineup, which includes author Andrew Aydin, singer/songwriter India Arie, technologist Dedren Sneed, music producer Dallas Austin and film and television producer Diane Ashford. Notably, India Arie shared life lessons through her “songversation” at GSU’s MLK Commemoration, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and planting seeds of change. Additionally, Imari Oliver organized the impactful “Culture. Code. Humanity.” conference in the fall, providing a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, technology and the human experience. The inclusion of these dynamic voices further solidifies CMII’s position as a nexus for innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving creative media landscape.

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (seventh from left) poses with CMII students, faculty and crew.

Singer/Songwriter India Arie

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND GRATITUDE

With deep gratitude, we sincerely thank the individuals and organizations whose commitment has guided our efforts and enhanced our impact on student learning, with a special acknowledgment to those who supported the production of the student-led feature film, “Rejuvenation.”

Since its inception in 2017, GSU’s Creative Media Industries Institute has been a true innovator in the film and associated visual arts industries by introducing many new production and editing equipment and techniques. CMII has attracted film production companies, noted gaming firms and corporate customers to Georgia State University. Several of these accomplished organizations have “opened shop” at CMII with an in-house presence

Adobe, Inc.

AMC Networks, Inc.

Canon USA

FOX Entertainment

Panavision & Co.

Reallusion, Inc.

to fulfill their production needs. This provides our students with hands on production projects which are available at very few universities. Major corporations have contracted CMII to produce both in-house and customer presentations.

CMII has played a significant role in putting Georgia State in the national spotlight as a major university. This comes from the dedicated efforts of our students contributing to the success of the program and their future career aspirations.

Our student accomplishments at CMII continue to attract many professionals and media companies to Georgia State. They rely on CMII because of our top-notch facilities and the direction we offer, mostly provided by CMII students.

I majored in film studies at GSU years before the concept of CMII even surfaced. I have been a huge fan and donor since its inception. The CMII student passion for perfection along with the drive to pursue careers in program’s fields of study is my main reason for being a Creative Media Industries Institute supporter.

– Alan Kauffmann National Account Director, TeleMed Medical Communications

HISTORY OF CMII

2014

A gift of over $19 million made by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the largest received to date by Georgia State, makes possible the renovation of a former annex to the SunTrust Bank building facing the south end of Woodruff Park.

2017

CMII hosts its grand opening.

2018

National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) National Convention holds their first convention at CMII.

CMII hosts the A3C Creator Complex with over 1,400 attendees.

CMII hosts its first student showcase.

2019

CMII works with the NFL and NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice to create “Call the Play,” an immersive experience designed to help middle school-aged kids learn to make decisions in challenging situations.

Georgia State hosts the first PantherLAN Tournament.

Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges joins CMII as an Artist in Residence.

The Georgia State Varsity Esports team wins the Fall National Collegiate Championship for SMITE.

2020

CMII Professor of Practice Candice Alger is named the Women in Technology Woman of the Year in the Arts for 2020.

CMII hosts PantherLAN online with 5,000 viewers, making it the first large collegiate tournament to go online during the pandemic.

2021

Alliance Theatre partners with CMII due to the COVID-19 pandemic to produce the world debut of “Data” and is the first production to be 100% online for the Alliance.

The “Intersection Podcast” launches in collaboration with CMII and the Department of Africana Studies.

2022

The Georgia State Varsity Esports Program, housed at CMII, is ranked No. 7 on the BestColleges list of the “Top 10 Varsity Esports Programs of 2022.”

2023

The Belgian Economic Mission to the United States, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, tour CMII’s advanced volumetric and motion-capture production studios.