A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
This year at the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) has been an extraordinary one, filled with milestones in academic excellence, industry innovation, and community engagement. In 2024, we have continued to demonstrate our commitment to equipping students with the skills, creativity, and resilience needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Our students have shone brightly, earning accolades for their game design and media production projects. Their success reflects not only their hard work but also the strength of CMII’s academic programs and our strategic industry partnerships. From winning awards at the Global Game Jam to releasing the suspenseful thriller “Rejuvenation,” our students are making their mark on the global stage.
CMII’s faculty and staff have been instrumental in this journey. Their dedication to fostering a cutting-edge learning environment has been recognized locally and internationally, with awards, publications, and innovative teaching methods. The expansion of our Artists in Residence program and the growth of our industry collaborations further underscore our position as a hub for creative innovation.
As we reflect on 2024, I am immensely proud of what our students, faculty, and partners have accomplished together. CMII remains steadfast in its mission to empower students and foster connections that drive the future of the creative industries.
Thank you for your continued support.
Brennen Dicker Executive Director
ABOUT CMII
LEADING MEDIA ARTS INNOVATION
CMII continues to lead as a center of excellence in media arts education and innovation. Through state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary programs, we prepare undergraduate and graduate students for impactful careers in game design, game development, media entrepreneurship, and digital filmmaking. Our partnerships with global and local industry leaders ensure our students graduate with unparalleled professional exposure and experience.
CMII ACHIEVES SILVER LEVEL “UNREAL ACADEMIC PARTNER” STATUS
In May 2024, CMII earned recognition as a Silver Level “Unreal Academic Partner” for its M.F.A. in Digital Filmmaking. Awarded by Epic Games, this prestigious status highlights CMII’s excellence in virtual production and visual effects education, emphasizing highquality curricula, expert faculty, and cutting-edge technology to prepare students for thriving careers in digital media.
CMII student Tewelde Knight presents at the CMII Student Showcase
PROGRAMS
In 2024, CMII, part of the College of Arts and Sciences, continued to grow as a hub for innovation and education. The media entrepreneurship program allowed students to tailor academic paths by blending business fundamentals with specialized CMII courses. Meanwhile, the Game Design and Game Development programs thrived, preparing students for the evolving interactive media industry, and the digital filmmaking M.F.A. program celebrated its third cohort completing their first semester, following the success of previous cohorts in prestigious short-film competitions.
Georgia State’s esports program, located at CMII, selected 15 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.
LEAGUE OF LEGENDS VARSITY TEAM, 2024-2025
Onew Choi
Aaron Dang
Jeremiah Jang
Kevin Jang
Hyunjin Kim
Jason Park
Paul Shim
Aaron Yang
OVERWATCH 2 VARSITY TEAM, 2024-2025
Spencer Joseph Chastain
Kenneth Lasmono
David Liu
Ben Hoai Nguyen
Alexander Pohl
Estefany Salmeron
Andres Zumaran
Students participate in a motion capture workshop
RESEARCH & INNOVATION
CMII graduate student Bobby Majoch presents at XR Atlanta’s AI and XR Lightning Talks
In 2024, CMII faculty made significant strides in research, exploring groundbreaking topics such as game-based learning, virtual production, and AI-driven cinematic storytelling. Their work was prominently featured at international conferences, showcasing the institute’s contributions to shaping the future of media and technology.
To further foster innovation, CMII partnered with the Technology Association of Georgia and XR Atlanta to host a series of collaborative workshops and panels. These events delved into emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and extended reality, offering students and faculty hands-on opportunities to engage with the tools and ideas transforming the creative landscape. Through these initiatives, CMII continues to be a leader in driving interdisciplinary exploration and education.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
GSU students Kacy Woodring, Michael Abboud, James C.K., Li Boyle, Ken Chao, Katie Ryckeley, Errik Kelly, Nicholas Green, Kayley Hung, Jose L. Nunez Aguilar, Stephen Sparkman, and Thomas Vu won the Best Overall prize for their game Laugh Attack at the Global Game Jam 2024 GSU Jam Site in January.
CMII students Sajitha Jahangir and Joel A. Mack, along with Carla Serrano Crespo from the School of Film, Media and Theatre, won the Outstanding Works prize at the 2024 AVHA 48hr Virtual Production Contest in May for their short film “Mortido.”
CMII Media Entrepreneurship major Jeremiah Long hosted a hands-on AI Image Generator workshop in September.
FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS
Professor of Practice Jeasy Sehgal’s Virtual Cinematography class was recognized as one of Animation Magazine’s five most popular virtual production classes across the U.S. in March.
CMII Manager James Amann received the Georgia State University Sparks Award in April.
Professor of Practice Douglas Blackmon’s The Harvest was screened at The Plaza as part of the Atlanta Film Festival in May.
Professor of Practice Jason Drakeford won a Silver Telly Award in May for his animation work on First Light: How the James Webb Space Telescope Changed Astronomy Forever.
Lecturer Judiffier Pearson hosted the Creative Economy, Culture, and Tourism in Ghana study abroad program during Georgia State University’s Maymester.
Executive Director Brennen Dicker and Professor of Practice Lisa Ferrell were named among the 200 most influential Georgians by Georgia Entertainment in June.
Professor of Practice Ola Gardner integrated Fortnite Creative into the Intro to Game Industries course in the fall semester, using it as an innovative hands-on tool to bring course content to life.
Professor of Practice Max Thomas became an education member of the Asian Virtual Human Association in November.
Professor Ying Zhu presented his paper Techniques for Incorporating Humor in Game Design at the 13th EAI International Conference on Interactivity & Game Creation held in New York University, Abu Dhabi, UAE in November.
CMII Executive Director Brennen Dicker was appointed Chair of the Georgia Screen Entertainment Coalition in December.
Professor of Practice James Martin was interviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in December to share insights on motion capture, real-time animation, and the growing impact of Atlanta’s entertainment industry.
Senior Lecturer Elizabeth Strickler advanced generative AI integration into media and entrepreneurship education through high-profile talks at SXSW, the Georgia Technology Summit, and Avant South. As part of a Fulbright collaboration, she also delivered lectures on AI and innovation at Tunisia’s top universities, solidifying CMII’s global reputation in media education.
Professor of Practice Candice Alger marked the 20th anniversary of The Polar Express in December, reflecting on her role as motion capture producer in an interview with Yahoo! Movies.
Professor of Practice Booker Edwards received a grant from GSU’s Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education to pilot Sampling the Archives: The Art & Business of Sampling in an Evolving Music Industry, an experiential course immersing students in music production. The project uses GSU’s extensive vinyl and hip-hop archives to teach sampling, copyright, and music industry practices.
CMII Manager James Amann
and United States Administrator of the Small Business Administration
of
Professor of Practice
(right)
Isabel Guzman
Professor of Practice
Jeasy Sehgal
Professor
Practice Douglas Blackmon (left) and Lecturer
Judiffier Pearson
Lisa Ferrell (left) and Executive Director Brennen Dicker
Professor of Practice
James Martin
DESTINY ADAMS
Destiny Adams, a senior at Georgia State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Arts & Sciences, exemplifies the intersection of creativity and technology. Graduating high school at just 16, Destiny has pursued her passion for combining fiber arts, like crochet, with advanced engineering disciplines such as robotics, electronics, and computer programming. Her signature “Crazy Crochet Cloud Hats” reflect her innovative spirit and dedication to impactful design.
As Robotics Club President in 2024 and a Makerspace Assistant at GSU’s EXLAB, Destiny empowers others by training students and faculty in cuttingedge tools like 3D printing and laser cutting. Beyond campus, she’s shared STEM opportunities with over 1,000 girls worldwide, partnering with organizations like Google and NASA. Through her TikTok account, she highlights STEM tutorials and career advice. Destiny’s mission is clear: to inspire innovation and inclusion in underrepresented fields while advancing her career in robotics and education.
JOSE LUIS NUNEZ AGUILAR
Jose Luis Nunez Aguilar, a Game Design major with a minor in Art, hails from Duluth, Georgia, and began his journey at Georgia State University in the summer of 2022. With a passion for 3D modeling and aspirations to become a generalist in the media industry, Jose is committed to honing his craft and building a future in game development.
Jose’s accomplishments include contributing to “Laugh Attack,” the Best Overall winner at Global Game Jam GSU 2024, and contributing to “High Noon,” a class project featured on Georgia State’s LinkedIn page. He has earned all eight of Epic Games certifications in game design and created a Discord channel, Haven Beacon, to foster collaboration and support among students.
Looking ahead, Jose aims to work at a studio or indie company to refine his skills before founding his own game studio, creating career opportunities for future graduates and advancing the industry.
REJUVENATION: A STUDENT-LED SUCCESS STORY
In the summer of 2024, CMII celebrated a major milestone with the release of Rejuvenation on streaming services Amazon and Tubi. This student-led feature film has reached over 20,000 viewers online, marking a significant achievement for CMII’s emerging filmmakers.
The nail-biting thriller was crafted entirely by CMII students, with support from faculty mentors and industry professionals. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and embracing bold storytelling, the production team brought their vision to life while gaining invaluable real-world experience.
SAMANTHA SOARD
Samantha Soard, a senior at Georgia State University from Fayetteville, Arkansas, moved to Atlanta in 2019 to work in the film industry. In 2022, she returned to school to pursue a BA in Game Design with a minor in English, focusing on crafting interactive fiction for games.
Samantha combines her game writing expertise with project management experience from the film industry, excelling in creative collaboration and leading teams through all stages of production. At GSU, she has contributed as a game writer for two PantherDev projects, led two class game prototypes, and served as a Narrative Trainee with an indie studio whose game boasts over 10,000 wishlisters on Steam.
As an Entertainment Software Association Scholar, Samantha has received mentorship, financial support, and the opportunity to attend the 2025 Game Developers Conference. She is committed to creating inclusive narratives and fostering creativity in games, shaping the future of interactive storytelling.
PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
In 2024, CMII further strengthened its reputation as a hub for collaboration with leading industry players. Paramount’s Community Day brought producer Scott Stone to CMII, where he shared insights and inspiration with students and faculty. Additionally, CMII hosted the Producers Guild of America’s State of the Industry event, providing a platform for meaningful discussions about trends shaping the entertainment landscape. Such events exemplify CMII’s commitment to fostering opportunities that connect students with industry leaders and prepare them for the creative workforce.
CMII was also proud to partner with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for The Monica Pearson Show and the Politically Georgia Town Hall featuring Senator Joe Manchin. This high-profile event offered Georgia State University students a unique opportunity to engage with national politics while providing CMII students with hands-on experience in live event production. In another highlight, CMII welcomed Google to campus, where they presented on generative AI, giving faculty insights into the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the CMII Working Group organized a successful Holiday Toy Drive in support of families affected by entertainment strikes, demonstrating the power of industry partnerships to make a meaningful community impact.
Beyond hosting industry leaders, CMII supported innovative initiatives that highlighted emerging trends in technology and storytelling. Adobe’s workshops on tools like Premiere Pro and Frame.io introduced students to the latest software developments, while the Georgia Game Developers Association’s Best of Georgia Awards underscored CMII’s role in the game development sector. Through these partnerships, CMII continues to foster industry connections that prepare students for success in creative fields.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
In 2024, CMII continued to strengthen its global connections by hosting delegations of creative leaders from around the world. Highlights included a visit from a Chilean delegation and a group of African industry leaders, who joined CMII Artist in Residence Dedren Snead for the fifth annual Creative Juneteenth celebration. These international exchanges fostered cross-cultural collaboration and showcased CMII’s position as a global hub for creative innovation.
THE ATLANTEANS DELIVER NATIONAL ELECTION BROADCAST SET FOR WTTG FOX DC
The Atlanteans—CMII’s MFA Virtual Production Team—successfully designed and delivered the 2024 National Election Broadcast Set for WTTG FOX DC under an ambitious five-week timeline. Commissioned by Provost Studio and led by Supervising VP Producer and CMII Professor of Practice Jeasy Sehgal, the team transformed the client’s vision into a cutting-edge real-time virtual production experience.
Key contributors included Assistant Design Lead Bobby Majoch, Lighting & 3D Designers Chrysander Mandragora and MarQuez Ross, and Production Assistant Laura Baptie. The team meticulously recreated the National Mall in Unreal Engine 5, integrating AR graphics, MoSys camera tracking, and a GPS-tagged weather system—all running flawlessly at 60 FPS for live broadcast.
This high-profile project demonstrated CMII’s excellence in virtual production education, proving that its graduate students can innovate at industry scale under intense deadlines.
FOX 5 DC anchor and co-host Jacqueline Matter broadcasts from the virtual production set on election night
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CMII played a vital role in connecting the creative community through events designed to foster inclusion and dialogue. In partnership with SHOWAbility, CMII hosted the Accessibility Below-the-Line Expo, spotlighting the importance of diversity and accessibility in filmmaking. Additionally, the “Beyond the Big Studios” panel discussion during Georgia Film Day 2024 brought together independent filmmakers and students to explore the expanding creative opportunities in Georgia’s film industry.
Collaborations with organizations like the Atlanta Film Society and XR Atlanta further enhanced community engagement. CMII worked with the Atlanta Film Festival to showcase immersive VR projects, providing attendees with a glimpse into the future of storytelling. In the fall, CMII also partnered with the Atlanta Civic Circle to host a screening of the film War Game, creating a platform for thoughtful discussion on pressing social issues. Similarly, XR Atlanta’s AI and XR Lightning Talks featured contributions from CMII faculty and graduate students, emphasizing the institute’s role in leading conversations on cutting-edge media technologies.
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
CMII’s Artists in Residence program flourished in 2024 with the addition of five new members: Autumn Bailey-Ford, Andre Henderson, Jared Mass, Catrice Swann, and Troy Taylor. These talented individuals joined a distinguished roster of creatives whose expertise spans film, music, and technology. In the fall, Dianne Ashford, producer of Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, hosted a producing workshop, providing students with invaluable insights into the art and business of production.
From hosting inspiring events to mentoring students, the program continues to enrich CMII’s community by offering unique perspectives on creativity and professional development.
Monica Pearson (left) and Kristian Bush
BRIDGING CONTINENTS: GSU STUDENTS COLLABORATE ON INDIA.ARIE MUSIC VIDEO IN GHANA
In May, the CMII transformed creative education with a groundbreaking study abroad program in Ghana. Twenty-four students joined media entrepreneurship lecturer Judiffier Pearson and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist/filmmaker and CMII Professor of Practice Doug Blackmon to produce a professional music video for Grammy-winning artist India.Arie. This unique opportunity blended professional media production with a deep cultural immersion in Ghana’s vibrant creative landscape.
Inspired by Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative, the program centered on collaboration between GSU students, Ghanaian industry stakeholders, and students from the University of Media, Arts, and Communications. Filmed at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles—UNESCO Heritage sites tied to the transatlantic slave trade—the music video interwove themes of resilience and creativity.
Students gained hands-on experience in media production while grappling with profound cultural and historical insights. For many, the journey was transformative, challenging their perceptions and broadening their global outlook. The program also included the creation of a behind-the-scenes documentary, capturing the students’ creative processes and personal growth.
Lecturer Judiffier Pearson (top row, forth from right) with CMII Ghana Study Abroad Program students
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
REALLUSION
At CMII, Reallusion software has become a cornerstone in teaching modern 3D animation. Thanks to Reallusion’s generous provision of over $250,000 in software, students have access to industry-standard tools that enhance their learning experience. Professors James Martin, Jeasy Sehgal, and Max Thomas incorporate Reallusion iClone into their curriculum, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world production environments. In CMII classes, iClone is used to explore the fundamentals of character animation, crowd simulation, and motion capture cleanup. Students gain practical skills by creating custom animations, refining motion capture data, and mastering key editing techniques. The software’s intuitive interface makes complex animation processes accessible, even for first-time animators, while fostering creativity and technical expertise. Integrated with collaborative platforms like Discord, CMII’s approach encourages peer feedback and continuous learning. Through the use of Reallusion software, CMII prepares its students to excel in the competitive fields of visual effects and animation, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful career in digital media.
CMII students discusses their project during the Spring 2024 Student Showcase
HISTORY OF CMII
2014
A $22.8 million gift from 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.
2015
CMII launches undergraduate majors in Media Entrepreneurship and Game Design & Development.
A CMII published research report by Kay Beck on film industry education prompts the creation of the Georgia Film Academy.
2016
CMII hosts its first creative industry leadership summits, the first focused on music industry education, the second on virtual reality.
2017
CMII hosts its grand opening.
Panasonic and All3Media donate $550K in advanced camera and digital editing bays to CMII.
Partnering with the Georgia Film Academy and the Georgia Game Developers Association, CMII released research documenting workforce growth in the game design sector.
CMII hosts its first international summit, a partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Canadian film industry.
2018
National Association of Collegiate Esports holds first national conference at CMII with 94 universities attending.
CMII hosts the A3C Creator Complex with over 1,400 attendees.
Foundry45, All3Media, DragonArmy, and SnakeNation become CMII’s first residential media incubators. All3Media’s residency produces “The Challengers,” CMII’s first TV episodic, aired on Turner Sports.
CMII hosts its first student showcase.
2019
CMII collaborates with the NFL and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice on Call the Play, an immersive decisionmaking experience for middle schoolers.
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.
CMII faculty launch the Institute’s first grantssupported research projects.
CMII convenes a working group including the leaders of the region’s main media organizations and advocacy groups.
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.
With the University System of Georgia Board of Regents authorization, the BIS in Game Design & Development is deactivated, enabling the launch of a B.A. in Game Design, and a STEM B.S. degree in Game Development.
2021
The University System of Georgia Board of Regents approves a CMIIcoordinated MFA in Virtual Production & Visual Effects.
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.
CMII partners with Twenty One Pilots to deliver cutting-edge motion capture for an immersive virtual concert experience on Roblox.
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.”
The Belgian Economic Mission to the United States, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, tours CMII’s advanced volumetric and motioncapture production studios.
2023
During a studio visit from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, students have the unique opportunity to contribute to a feature production alongside the renowned filmmaker.
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