Filmmaker taps into the tragedies of life in documentaries
MFA student Mary Gerretsen uses film to work out troubling issues in her own experience.
Cinematic arts student wins worldwide screenwriting contest
Stanley Kalu’s timely tale about a wealthy black student who falls victim to police brutality wins film financing and an education grant.
Why do we like to be scared? USC experts explain the science of fright
USC experts in neuroscience, horror films and folklore explain why being terrified can thrill and excite, and what that says about our culture.
Why horror films are worth watching in these angsty times
USC’s William Whittington notes that projects like Get Out tap into current fears and anxiety but, perhaps unexpectedly, offer hope, too.
Josh Gad (Olaf from Frozen) inspires drama students with tales of career missteps
Actor shares stories with students, faculty and Dean David Bridel at first USC School of Dramatic Arts Spotlight@SDA event of the year.
The story behind USC sophomore’s recording of ‘Yellow’ from Crazy Rich Asians
Katherine Ho, a former contestant on The Voice, recorded the demo for hours while her parents coached her Mandarin dialect over the phone.
Why legendary Stan Lee and older adults remain relevant in movies — and life
The 95-year-old’s cameos in summer blockbusters add a human touch to big-budget franchises, reminding us that age is just a number.
Mark Hamill advises Trojans to ‘recognize the opportunities’
The Star Wars legend recalls his Luke Skywalker audition and offers wisdom to students at a USC School of Dramatic Arts event.
USC film student preps for Fulbright Summer Institute in UK
Sophomore is thrilled to be part of the prestigious scholarship program on what will be her first trip abroad.
Screenwriters urged to deliver on the promise of a great story
As audiences expect more from movies and TV, Irving Belateche exhorts students to turn their personal visions into compelling tales.
Intimate documentary shares couple’s struggle to have children
Alum’s One More Shot follows the emotional journey of friends who struggled to achieve a natural birth.
Quirky thriller earns Sundance/Amazon prize for USC alums
Search follows a father seeking his missing daughter from a unique point of view — computer screens and smartphones.
Outspoken Iranian actress advises students to ‘stop pretending’
Shohreh Aghdashloo, who has played strong women on stage, television and in films, has simple acting advice for Trojans.
Marvel Studios president establishes endowed fund at USC School of Cinematic Arts
USC alum Kevin Feige’s gift aims to advance the art and craft of creative producing.
Cinematic arts alum takes a Mammoth step in the right direction
Master of Fine Arts graduate Ariel Heller wins a Student Academy Award for his film about terminal illness.
Freshman takes her love of moviemaking to another level
As a kid, she made a film with Barbie. Now Jillian Ruvalcaba is studying film and TV production and showing her Trojan pride.
From paparazzi shots to fan mags, film-industry archive provides glittering glimpses of Hollywood history
Changing technology makes the collection more important than ever — and lucky students get to hold film history in their own hands.
Danny Bilson named chair of Interactive Media & Games Division at USC School of Cinematic Arts
The gaming industry expert will continue to lead the Advanced Game Project, the division’s yearlong flagship class in which graduate students create a complete game.
USC School of Cinematic Arts announces Robin Williams Endowed Chair in Comedy
The gift honoring the legendary performer comes from the George Lucas Family Foundation.
Hollywood Foreign Press Association endows fund for international students
Trojans who receive the funds will be known as HFPA International Scholars at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Aspiring attorneys advise filmmakers on tricky tech issues
A new partnership at USC finds law students helping documentarians who seek intellectual property know-how.
USC alum helps Hollywood filmmakers create tech movie magic
Parag Havaldar’s expertise with facial-capture technology leads to an Oscar for visual achievement at 85th Scientific and Technical Awards ceremony.
USC alum builds buzz for his Oscar-nominated film
A graduate of the cinematic arts’ Summer Program earns Academy Award nod for producing a poignant story about a woman and a train conductor.
Where are the female directors and those of color?
Representation of race and gender behind the camera in top movies has not changed over 10 years and 1,000 films, USC report finds.