MISC announces social impact films of the year
Spotlight Stories
SCA Hosts Panel on AI and the Future of Media
AI Panel
Event Profile
USC Student Films Win Big at Cannes
Cannes Film Festival
Film Profile
Chair of the Peter Stark Producing Program and Oscar-Nominated Producer Dead at 96
Larry Turman
Faculty Profile
Alum Sam Shaib’s feature film debut builds on his work on Diversity and Inclusion
October 25, 2023
Shaib '17, a founding member of the SCA Council for Diversity and Inclusion, has carried his commitment to inclusion into his debut feature, shedding light on sectarianism in Beirut and its negative consequences.
Expanding On the Idea of “Safety” at the Physical Production Office
October 25, 2023
New Director of Office of Physical Production, Hashem Selph, wants to emphasize to students that, "safety is not the enemy of creativity. In fact, safety actually gives you the means to be creative."
USC's Ganek Immersive Studio Showcases 6 Cutting-Edge Projects at Open House
October 25, 2023
A year ago, the USC School of Cinematic Arts introduced the Ganek Immersive Studio, made possible by a generous gift from David and Danielle Ganek, with support from the Ganek Family Foundation, and it has since become a hub for pioneering experimental projects.
How a USC Filmmaker Helped Create a New Style of Journalism
Mike Saltz’s new book recalls his work at the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour
September 28, 2023
SCA alum Mike Saltz's new book explores his time at the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour, where he innovatively blended filmmaking and "serious news" to shape modern news reporting.
Interpreters Wanted: USC Alumnus and Army Veteran Robert Ham Advocates for His Afghan Colleagues
September 28, 2023
In the documentary Interpreters Wanted, Ham '17 tells the story of their work together, and his interventions to help the Haqmal brothers get out of Afghanistan when the promised Special Immigrant Visas failed to materialize in a timely manner.
SCA Alum Launches Inaugural Armenian Film Festival
September 28, 2023
Armen Karaoghlanian '12, the CEO and Founder of the Armenian Film Society, successfully launched the first Armenian Film Festival in Glendale, California, this September. The festival kicked off with a book signing event featuring SCA alum Howard Kazanjian and included an engaging Q&A session with another SCA alum, Sev Ohanian.
Alumni Spotlight: Anant Mehra '22
September 1, 2023
Anant Mehra '22 is an Indian writer-director based in Los Angeles and recent graduate of SCA's MFA Film & Television production program. Anant joins us to dicuss what inspired him to move to Los Angeles to attend film school, the multicultural ideas and concepts that inspire his filmmaking, and his takeaways from his experiences in the festival circuit.
SCA’s First Look Film Showcase
August 23, 2023
The annual showcase highlights advanced projects at the School of Cinematic Arts organized by the SCA Industry Relations Office. Applications open in October 2023.
The rocking dual life of SCA building manager, Steve Olson
August 23, 2023
As the School’s Building Systems Manager, Steve Olson helps mitigate any systems problems that pop up throughout the buildings and also builds a mean electronic guitar.
Alumni Spotlight: Nicholas Hatton '09
July 31, 2023
Nicholas Hatton '09 is a twice Emmy-nominated television and film producer, most recently nominated for the hit Amazon Freevew show Jury Duty. Nicholas sat down with us to talk about his journey into producing experimental projects and the lessons he learned from his time working on Jury Duty.
Alumni Spotlight: Anna Zlokovic ’14
June 26, 2023
Anna Zlokovic ’14 is the award-winning writer/director of Appendage, releasing on Hulu in fall 2023. Anna joins us today to discuss writing inspiration, adapting Appendage from short to feature, and the lessons she's learned from her directorial debut.
Alumni Spotlight: LaTerrian “LT” Officer-McIntosh '20
June 5, 2023
LaTerrian “LT” Officer-McIntosh '20 is the Director and Founder of Outlast Arts and Education, a teacher, and a filmmaker. She joins us today to talk about the story behind Outlast, her time at SCA, what inspires her to keep going, and what's next for the film program.
MFA Graduate Brings Pasifika Voices to SCA with Thesis Film
May 25, 2023
Peter Filimaua ’23, a Samoan-Mexican American filmmaker, aims to bring authentic representation of his culture to the big screen with his MFA thesis film, FILI.
SCA Shines Spotlight on Diversity and Inclusion
May 25, 2023
On May 1st, the USC School of Cinematic Arts Council on Diversity & Inclusion launched its first annual awards for outstanding work. The awards were presented to students from the School's seven divisions and Expanded Animation program, recognizing their groundbreaking efforts in empowering diverse voices and perspectives.
Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Tracy Oliver Take Center Stage at SCA’s Graduation
May 13, 2023
Brian Grazer and Ron Howard delivered an inspiring SCA Commencement Address; Tracy Oliver received the Mary Pickford Alumni Award
"Straight to Series" and "546" Workshop Hatches College Television Award Winners
April 27, 2023
SCA students win big at the 42nd College Television Awards with the Straight to Series course (CTPR 486) project Provenance winning Best Drama and the 546 Workshop (CTPR 546) project Wei-Lai taking home Best Comedy Series.
From SCA Orientation Chat to Hollywood: Brazilian-American Duo Awarded $40K Comedy Screenplay Award
April 27, 2023
Gabby Fizsman ’22 and Isabella Ares ’23 are the latest recipients of the Kevin Smith Comedy Screenplay Award which comes with a $40,000 grant, industry mentors and the opportunity to bring their original script, Holy Smokes, to life
Industry Week Returns To SCA!
April 27, 2023
SCA's Industry Week, hosted by The Office of Industry Relations, returned for the first time since 2019 with a jam-packed schedule of events connecting students with top industry professionals.
SCA Dedicates New Lounge to Close Out Year-Long Celebration of SCA Alum John Singleton's Career
April 27, 2023
Dean Elizabeth Daley joined John Singleton’s mother Shelia Ward-Johnson in welcoming a packed house to a special screening of the series finale of FX’s Snowfall and unveil plans for the John Singleton Lounge in SCA.
SCA Students Premiere Independent Short Film at TCL Chinese Theater
April 27, 2023
A group of 23 SCA students and alumni recently premiered their short film, BOOBA, at Hollywood's famous TCL Chinese Theatre on April 24, 2023. The student-run production company behind the film, iNGSANE Productions, is already gearing up for their next project.
SCA Welcomes Robert Yeoman to the Faculty Team
April 27, 2023
Celebrated cinematographer and SCA alumnus, Robert Yeoman has joined the School of Cinematic Arts faculty, in the Division of Film & Television Production. Known for his collaboration with director Wes Anderson, SCA is excited for what Yeoman will bring to the SCA community.
Berdakin Family Foundation Launches Ethics Chair at USC School of Cinematic Arts
April 20, 2023
The Berdakin Family Foundation establishes the Berdakin Family Chair for Ethics in Media and Technology at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and leads to new ethics-based course for the Fall 2023 taught by LA-Based Entrepreneur, Investor and USC Professor, Diego Berdakin.
10 QUESTIONS FOR CINEMATOGRAPHER EMILY TOPPER
March 31, 2023
Topper, who specializes in shooting documentaries, had three films! in this year’s Sundance Film Festival!
Get to Know Women of Cinematic Arts
March 31, 2023
The SCA alumni organization hosts panels and other events aimed at advancing the careers of women graduates.
Nisha Money: Military Doctor-Turned-Film Student
March 30, 2023
Nisha Money, a military doctor-turned-film student, returned to SCA to complete her MFA in Film & Television Production after taking a leave of absence to serve as a lead physician for the surveillance and implementation of protective measures for medical personnel treating COVID in hospitals in Southern California and Hawaii.
Why Sustainable Filmmaking Should Matter to All of Us
March 30, 2023
The USC Media Institute for Social Change (MISC) is hosting an eye-opening panel on Sustainable Filmmaking on April 17th, featuring experts from major studios and sustainability coordinators sharing their initiatives and tips on how students can practice sustainable filmmaking, and learn why this crucial topic should matter to all of us.
Alumni Spotlight: Mato Wayuhi '20
March 23, 2023
Mato Wayuhi ‘20 is a producer and musical composer, most notably for the FX/Hulu series Reservation Dogs and the feature film War Pony. Mato joins us today to discuss his time at SCA, his journey to becoming a professional musician, and his creative processes.
Making the Cinematic Podcast
March 7, 2023
SCA’s new podcast class combines traditional audio recording and editing techniques with digital approaches to storytelling.
Alumni Spotlight: Derek Garlington ‘20
March 6, 2023
Derek Garlington '20 is a multifaceted creative who received his MFA in Screenwriting and creator of the card game Pitch it to Me. Derek joins us today to discuss his core values of community and collaboration and the journey of creating Pitch it to Me.
Inevit-ABLE Truth: There’s No Diversity without Disability
March 6, 2023
The Inevitable Foundation, co-founded by SCA alumna Marisa Torelli-Pedevska '22, makes an important case for inclusion.
Oscar’s Social Impact Films
February 28, 2023
According to USC MISC (Media Institute for Social Change) at the School of Cinematic Arts, several of this year’s nominated films highlight hot-button social issues. Here is MISC’s list of Oscar films that are influencing important social change conversations.
BCA Student Breaks Barriers with Inaugural USC Black Career Fair, Featuring Top Companies
February 27, 2023
As Black History Month got underway, the USC Black Student Assembly (BSA), spearheaded by Candice House, a junior in the Business of Cinematic Arts program, and Ire Omitowoju, a student in the Iovine and Young Academy, broke ground with the launch of the university's very first Black Career Fair.
USC Film Students Get Rare Access to Filmmaker Commentary and Exclusive Insights
February 27, 2023
SCA hosted a special screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with audio commentary by director Ryan Coogler, screenwriter Joe Robert Cole, and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw. The trio discussed the film as it unfolded on the screen, offering insights and behind-the-scenes information.
The People of XA
February 7, 2023
The vision for the Expanded Animation Research + Practice program evolved from the work and ideas of four veteran School of Cinematic Arts faculty: Everett Lewis, Lisa Mann, Kathy Smith, and Sheila Sofian.
Alumni Spotlight: Fiona Pestana '21
February 6, 2023
Fiona Pestana (Annenberg ’21) is an associate podcast producer at Crooked Media and producer of the webseries Wishy Washy. They join us today to discuss how they found themselves working on Wishy Washy and discuss their experiences of working on a passion project.
Alumni Spotlight: Tiller Russell '01
February 2, 2023
Tiller Russell '01 is known for his work in documentary filmmaking as a director and producer. His newest project is the podcast The Dangerous Art of Documentary Filmmaking. Tiller joins us today to discuss his podcast and what he has learned from the project.
SCA Board of Councilors Welcomes Home Powerhouse Alumni for a New Era of Leadership and Impact
February 2, 2023
Hollywood heavyweights and USC School of Cinematic Arts' alums Ryan Coogler '11 and Tracy Oliver '10 are returning to their alma mater to join the USC School of Cinematic Arts Board of Councilors!
USC Games Celebrates Black History Month with Historic Announcement
February 1, 2023
In celebration of Black History Month, USC Games, ranked the #1 North American games program by Princeton Review eleven years running, announces first-ever Gerald A. Lawson Fund scholarship recipients.
Alum Filmmaker Nick Brooks is also a Successful YA Novelist
January 31, 2023
SCA alum Nick Brooks is a multi-hyphenate creative known as "The Creator" with a background in music, teaching, writing, and filmmaking, who recently sold a YA thriller book, "Promise Boys," for seven figures and is working on multiple projects in various creative fields.
SCA Alum Transforms Family Chat into Film/TV Frenzy Newsletter
January 31, 2023
Alex Petrosian ’22 is a banker who combined his passions for finance and film through the RECROOM newsletter, a monthly list of film and TV show recommendations with brief reviews, links to trailers and where you can stream online.
Jason E. Squire Nabs Kevin Feige as First Guest to Launch New MovieBiz Podcast
January 30, 2023
Jason E. Squire retired last year from teaching his popular case study classes in developing both independent and blockbuster films. This month he launched a podcast based on the classes and his bestselling industry explainer, The Movie Business Book.
Leaving a Legacy: From Scranton to Kyiv
January 30, 2023
Documentary Filmmaker Mark Jonathan Harris, who is retiring from teaching at SCA this year, maps his influences, which began with a childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
In Motion: Winter 2022
The Annual Publication of the SCA Family
December 19, 2022
Read this year's In Motion Magazine