MESSAGE from the DEAN
Dear SCA Family,
First, let’s acknowledge that 2023 has not been the year we hoped it would be. I hope you are ending it surrounded by loved ones, and with prospects of fulfilling creative work in the new year. The ongoing loss of life in conflicts around the world makes it difficult to celebrate or be creative, even when we firmly believe our work can help in the struggle for a better world.
Here at the School of Cinematic Arts we are striving to support our students, faculty and staff through this difficult time. More than ever, we are invested in scholarship and projects that are innovative and impactful. As is the case across the media industries, the buzz of the 2023¬–2024 academic year so far has been A.I. and the ways it could impact how we create and think about cinematic work. The prospects are both exciting and a bit frightening, and the conversations we are having are challenging and enlightening. The cover story of this edition of In Motion magazine focuses on the most important part of these ongoing discussions, reminding us that while A.I. and other technologies are great tools, they are no substitute for the innovative storytelling and unique human perspectives that are the foundation of everything we do.
Other good news in this issue includes HBCU Next! A program we piloted this summer in collaboration with writer/director David E. Talbert and his wife and producing partner Lyn Sisson-Talbert will allow talented students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to take classes in the SCA Summer Program. The Production division is also expanding episodic and docuseries classes, thanks to a generous donation from the Patricia W. Mitchell Trust in honor of the television pioneer for whom our John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts (BCA) Program is named. The BCA program, a partnership with the USC Marshall School of Business, turns 25 this year, and is USC’s first joint undergraduate degree program. And of course, there are stories of alumni successes, and the great work that was released this year in spite of the historic strikes.
As usual, I will take this opportunity to encourage you to remain engaged with the School of Cinematic Arts. Sign up for the alumni newsletter, update your information in the SCA Community, join the SCA Network, and be sure to let us know what you’re up to.
Best wishes for a wonderful and peaceful 2024!
Elizabeth
AI and VIRTUAL PRODUCTION are POWERING a NEW ERA of FILMMAKING
Volumes of Creativity with Virtual Production
The evolution of filmmaking with virtual production and LED technology
Virtual Production Program Boosts Alumni Success Stories
From LED walls to industry success, shaping future filmmakers
Immersive Media Director, Brenda Chen
SCA Animation alumna reflects on her rise in VR, Gaming, and Design
Creating Immersive Narratives
USC's Pioneering Themed Entertainment BFA Program
Can Real-Time Data Save Independent Film?
BCA alumnus Alex Petrosian is Working on the Answer
MASTER of HORROR!
Screenwriter and SCA alumna Akela Cooper has answered her calling
WORKING Internationally
Three SCA graduates on what it’s like to create in media markets outside Hollywood
EXPANDING on the IDEA of SAFETY
Inside SCA’s revamped Physical Production Office's role in nurturing student filmmakers
More DRAMA!
A new gift is a boon to SCA’s TV Series Class
THE BUSINESS of CINEMATIC ARTS (BCA) PROGRAM makes USC HISTORY!
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!
The Pickens Brothers
Native American Trojans on their Journey from Oklahoma to SCA
Drawing Directors
SCA legend Randal Kleiser reveals another talent
Student Diversity Awards
SCA Shines Spotlight on Student Diversity and Inclusion
Peter Stark Alum: Stephen Love
His trailblazing journey as a producer in film and advertising
Remembering Larry Turman
Peter Stark alumnus John August’s reflection on Larry Turman.
SCA partners with Davide E. Talbert and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s)
YEAR in REVIEW
SCA Retirements
ALUMNI Quicktakes
See what our alumni have been up to this past year.
FILM & TV Releases
Discover SCA alumni projects hitting screens near you.
In MEMORIAM