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PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS
Industry Partnerships
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
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 the 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.
Artists In Residence
In 2023, CMII proudly announced the expansion of its Artists in Residence program, welcoming entrepreneur Imari Oliver and technologist Kris Pincher 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.
