Teaching Story-Driven Filmmaking
As an Assistant Professor at Tennessee State University, I have worked closely with students to build a foundation in story development and character-driven screenwriting.
My approach begins with each student's lived experience, using personal narratives as a launchpad for authentic, compelling stories. These student-led scripts haven’t only stayed on the page; several have evolved into full productions, allowing students to see their work through from concept to screen.
In both introductory and advanced courses, I workshop the relationship between narrative and visual storytelling with students. They explore how genre, tone, and characters shape decisions in lighting, production design, shot design, performance, sound design, and editing.
This integrated and workshop experience empowers students to understand the filmmaking process as a series of purposeful creative choices, grounded in story.
Farm Stars
2025 | 3 min | Currently in the film festival circuit, email for password
A Seth J Epstein Workshop, Executive Producer, Tennessee State University.
A collaborative filmmaking process. Film developed and produced in the Fall 2025 Visual Storytelling 2 class. The film was an effort to integrate AI into a mixed media workflow while shooting practically on a greenscreen stage. I led students through development, production design, shot design, direction, production and the post production process. Softwares included Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Davinci Resolve, Cinema 4d, and AI generated from multiple platforms. For more details please watch BTS..
Currently in the film festival circuit: Storyteller Universe FF, The Film Collective Short FF, Link unlisted, please do not post.
The Osanos
2025 | 12 min | Currently in the film festival circuit, email for password
A Seth J Epstein Workshop, Executive Producer, Tennessee State University.
The film began with a revised screenplay developed in the students’ screenwriting course and was brought to life through a guided, collaborative filmmaking process.
I led students through the stages of pre-production, including location scouting and securing sites within the local community, auditioning and casting professional local actors, storyboarding scenes, and designing lighting and production elements tailored to the unique story, tone, and practical realities of cast and location.
Full production days were devoted to executing these plans, allowing students to apply and refine the on-set communication, direction, and craft skills developed in earlier coursework.
Farm Stars BTS
BTS process: green-screen keying, building AI-generated backgrounds, color and FX work in DaVinci, and additional effects in After Effects. You’ll see how we integrated 3D elements like the TV and paper-rip portal, plus how we designed and 3D-printed practical props.
Super Shine Trailer
A Seth J Epstein Workshop, Executive Producer, Tennessee State University, currently in post-production.
The film began with a revised screenplay developed in the students’ screenwriting course and was brought to life through a guided, collaborative filmmaking process. I led students through the stages of pre-production, including location scouting and securing sites within the local community, auditioning and casting professional local actors, storyboarding scenes, and designing lighting and production elements tailored to the unique story, tone, and practical realities of cast and location.
Full production days were devoted to executing these plans, allowing students to apply and refine the on-set communication, direction, and craft skills developed in earlier coursework.
The film was produced in collaboration with NuMynd Studios, utilizing their greenscreen stage, production equipment, and additional facilities. Supershine was also developed using Unreal Engine software for virtual set and world building.
The Osanos Trailer
A Seth J Epstein Workshop, Executive Producer, Tennessee State University.
When Sabrina attends the funeral of her brother Bari, she is confronted by her disapproving family and their censored interpretation of who Bari was. Sabrina decides that isn't good enough, and stands to give her brother one final salute.
Filmmaking through the Art of Mime
At TSU, I have introduced film students to the fundamentals of directing and cinematic storytelling through a performance-based approach rooted in mime.
Students begin by exploring narratives without the constraints of software, dialogue, or traditional screenwriting, instead building stories through play, movement, and physical expression. With no boundaries on character, location, or language, students develop imaginative narratives with performances grounded in intention and specificity.
Once the performance is refined and ready for camera, students transition to filmmaking. Students storyboard and utilize professional tools and processes as they learn to communicate effectively as a team. They explore how tone informs lighting choices, how beats translate to shot design, and how the narrative guides every decision throughout the pre-to post-production process.
The class emphasizes performance, preparation, and economy, equipping students to make intentional, efficient, and effective decisions on set.
