Film Archives | ��ר��

Annabelle Saco (’23 Film)

Isabella McLaury — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:35:19 +0000

Annabelle Saco (’23 Film) has been holding a camera since she was just a kid. What started as sunshine-filled summer recap videos with friends evolved into a powerhouse career in social media – with over 62K followers on TikTok – and freelance videography.

Annabelle’s freelance business, ShotByAnnabelle, has taken her from the sidelines with the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons to the sets of artists like Sexyy Red and Sommer Ray. Annabelle is the ultimate doer. She’s proof that when you combine a “try anything” attitude with professional skills, you don’t just follow a career path – you build your own.

The Interview

“Support the artists and designers in your life. Support everyone in the arts and the creative industries… honestly, we wouldn’t be anywhere without creatives, in my opinion.”

–Annabelle Saco

How did you get here? When did you know this career path was for you?

When I was in sixth grade, I took a trip to California. I brought my camera and made a video. That was the moment when I thought there’s nothing else I’m going to do in life but film videos. I started off watching YouTubers – beauty gurus and bloggers, but also photographers like Peter McKinnon. That’s how I found an interest in both video production and photography, and content creation and social media. Then I started making videos with my friends during the summer. I’d make a summer edit every single year. I created a YouTube account and Instagram accounts focused on beauty and makeup. My cousin actually – she went to ��ר�� – and I’d watch her make all these projects at home. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. That’s what struck me to go to ��ר��. I told my family that if I didn’t get into ��ר��, I wasn’t going to school. I’m very blessed that I knew at a young age what I wanted to do.

You have so many projects moving at once. How do you stay motivated?

One thing about me is I’m very family oriented. My family has done so much for me growing up. They’ve provided for me, and they’re my biggest supporters. So my drive to work hard every single day is my family, because one day I want to be able to provide that for them. Whether that’s tomorrow or 10 years from now, I know it will happen because it’s really what inspires me. They’re such hard workers. They came here with nothing and gave me everything.

Behind the scenes selfie of Annabelle Saco holding a professional video setup on her way to a shoot outdoors.

Your content is all so diverse. Where do you find creative inspiration?

When I was younger making my summer videos, it was always the music that drove that. I love editing my videos to the beat of the music. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to it. So every little beat has to match. Songs that have really high energy, high beats are what I love. But then, as a content creator, it’s also watching other people’s content and seeing what they’re creating, which makes me want to create 10 times more. I think the two go hand in hand, and that’s what I love about it. Then when it came to school, that is what helped me grow as a creator and with my video production skills. One thing that I think really sets me apart as a creator is the technical background that I’ve gained from school. Even if it’s just me vlogging and doing a food review, I think about the lighting, and the way I want to cut my video. In social media everything’s so fast cut, and people don’t realize that no one wants to even hear you breathe. That’s something that I learned a little bit about in school. I am able to take the background of knowledge that I have and understand what I have to adjust for any situation. I feel like everything I learned at ��ר�� helped me with my editing now as a creator, which is really such an advantage, especially when it comes to working with brands.

“I feel like everything I learned at ��ר�� helped me with my editing now as a creator, which is really such an advantage, especially when it comes to working with brands.”

–Annabelle Saco

What’s it like seeing your work come to life?

Seeing my work come to life is really such a cool experience, especially in school. There was this one project that I still think about to this day. I show everyone it. I did a Red Bull commercial for fun. It was a four-day production with my friend, where I got to try so many different things that I never thought I could do. I literally wouldn’t stop talking about it, and I still don’t. It was awesome. It’s the same with my content creation work. Sometimes I don’t know what I’m filming until the day of. Then, when I get to the final edit, I watch it over and over and over again because I’m so proud of the work that I put out. One thing that I live by is, “You miss a hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” I think it is what has gotten me this far. I’ve worked with organizations like the Detroit Pistons, the Red Wings and the Tigers. I’ve also worked with Lions’ players and other companies. Honestly, five years ago, I would’ve never imagined myself working with them. It is very rewarding. If you’re just sitting down and not taking the chances, you’re not going to get where you want to be. Going out and asking people for what I want, and not being afraid to get a “no,” has also led me to work with Sexyy Red, Sommer Ray, and other artists, athletes and influencers. I’s really eye-opening to how far you can go with something like this.

Behind the scenes shot of Annabelle Saco filming artist, Sommer Ray as she DJs at a club.

What is it that you love most about being a freelancer?

One thing I love about my career is the flexibility and freedom I have. Of course, I can go out and get a corporate job, nine-to-five – and that’s just as amazing – but I love being a freelancer because I’m not just stuck to one thing. I get to do so many different things. One day I’m sitting in a Lambo going 90 miles an hour, then the next, I’m filming videos for a restaurant or the grand opening for a med spa. I’m all for experiences and opportunities, and I love being able to do a little bit of everything.

You’ve gained quite the following online. What’s your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal is to inspire others to go after their dreams. That’s one thing that I really do try to push. If you have a dream at such a young age, God would not put that in your heart if it wasn’t meant for you. That’s really what keeps me going. I don’t give up because I know it’s what I’m meant to do. I want to be that comfort creator for someone if they’re feeling down. I want to make others happy.

“I want to be that comfort creator for someone if they’re feeling down. I want to make others happy.”

–Annabelle Saco

Is there a “bucket list” goal you’re still chasing?

I’m striving towards working with the Detroit Lions. One day, I want to be on the field. I actually made a video that was pitching myself as a social media coordinator. I knew that I had to do something that was going to stick out, and that no one else had done. So I went on social media, like I do, and I filmed a video about why they should choose me. I actually got a lot of attention on both Instagram and TikTok. So many people, even Lions’ players, were reposting it. I love Detroit sports. There’s so much hype around them. One day I’ll be on that field, one day.

How do you feel ��ר�� prepared you for this career?

There are so many ways that ��ר�� helped me prepare for my career. The AVC (Audio Visual Center) was amazing. I got to work with different kinds of equipment, and knowing all of the advantages and disadvantages of equipment really helps as a creator. And the staff there, they’re so supportive. Jerome, Laurie and even Amber herself. All the people there are really amazing. They push you to keep trying. Having a social media presence wasn’t very normal in the film industry, just because it’s different than an experimental film or commercials – and those professors and staff really pushed me and said, “You’re going to make it so far,” and that stayed deep in my heart. I really appreciate them for that. As well as classes, like sound design. I always struggled in school to take what I learned to the next year with me. But now, I really try to think of every single thing about the lighting and sound for every shoot. Learning how to work as a team. That really helped me. Being able to work with others in the studio was really, really nice.

Annabelle Saco behind the scenes on a photo stage featuring a camera on a tripod.

What would you say to a student or parent who is apprehensive about ��ר��, or to pursuing a creative career?

Nothing is guaranteed. I know being in a creative field, it’s very out of the norm. We’re all told to go to a nine-to-five. Get that job. Be in the corporate world. And, of course, those are great. I’m not downing it. I think those people work just as hard as we do. But I really do think it’s important that, if you have a dream, to not be afraid to do it. The only ones who fail are the ones who stop trying. And I think, if you really do love something, there’s no way you can fail. I was very blessed that my parents were very supportive of this. Especially in the Middle Eastern culture, we’re told to become a lawyer, become a doctor. My family saw the passion that I had for this, and they believed in me just as much. If you’re a friend or a parent of someone whose dream it is to go to a school like ��ר��, just try to be supportive. Because the only reason that they might not be doing it is that they don’t feel they have that supportive system. I really do think that, if they have a passion for it, they are going to make it so much further than anyone could ever imagine. Support the artists and designers in your life. Support everyone in the arts and the creative industries. All they want is a support system behind them. I think that’s what everyone deserves. Because creatives are – honestly, we wouldn’t be anywhere without creatives, in my opinion.

I would love to know what you would tell baby Annabelle – if you could go back in time.

I could cry thinking about this. If I had to say one thing to little Annabelle, it’s to not give up on your dreams, and look at how far you’ve come. I think it’s so beautiful that, even though you did have some bullies in the past, you didn’t let that stop you now. And nothing will stop me. No one is going to stop me from living out my dreams.

Annabelle Saco on set in a party bus, filming content for social media influencers.

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Kaylee Johnson (’14 Film)

Isabella McLaury — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:45:42 +0000

Of the seven years Kaylee M. Johnson, ’14 Film, has worked in the film industry, she says working on the sets of Seasons 4 and 5 of Stranger Things has been her favorite experience. As a set dresser, Johnson ensured sets were clean and reflected the daily changes made to the script. When filming for Season 5 wrapped, Johnson recalls how bittersweet it was to package and ship the assets for the show as well as go through the warehouse where all the set dressing was held.

“It was like walking into a history museum,” she said. “I knew almost all of the pieces that were in there and what sets they came from.”

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2026 Kresge Artist Fellowship Application Cycle Begins

Isabella McLaury — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:42:06 +0000

Metropolitan Detroit artists are invited to apply for a 2026 Kresge Artist Fellowship, a $50,000 no strings attached award recognizing creative vision and ongoing contribution to the region’s cultural life. At a time when arts funding is contracting nationwide, these fellowships continue to strengthen metro Detroit’s creative economy and affirm the role of artists in building vibrant, thriving neighborhoods.

Kresge Arts in Detroit is generously funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the ��ר��. The fellowship application opens December 1, 2025. Full application guidelines are available now at . Artists residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County are eligible to apply in the following disciplines:

Live Arts

Includes Choreography, Comedy, Dance, Performance Art, Playwriting, Storytelling, Theatre Directing, and Interdisciplinary Work

Film & Music

Includes Animation, Film Directing, Music Composition, Music Performance, Screenwriting, Sound Art, and Interdisciplinary Work

Fellowship selection criteria includes: a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement and high-quality work, the potential to grow and advance in one’s career, and the potential to reflect, enhance, or impact communities within metro Detroit.

The number of awards in each category will be proportional to the relative number of applications received. Applicants who choose to be considered will also be eligible for Gilda Awards if they do not receive a fellowship.

Also on offer are 10 Gilda Awards of $5,000 each. These $5,000 awards honor Gilda Snowden’s (1954–2014) legacy as a mentor and champion of young, emerging artists in metropolitan Detroit. The Gilda Award recognizes early-career artists gaining momentum and demonstrating exceptional potential through creative risk-taking and boundary-pushing work.

“Detroit’s artists community is an integral driver in our city’s growth and resilience,” said Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director for The Kresge Foundation’s Detroit program. “By investing in creative people, we strengthen neighborhoods, spark new enterprise, and carry forward the culture that makes Detroit unmistakable.”

Through this continued support, The Kresge Foundation affirms that artists are central to Detroit’s growth and essential partners in advancing opportunity and creating resilient, connected communities.

“The cost of living keeps rising, and artists feel that pressure like everyone else,” said Katie McGowan, director of Kresge Arts in Detroit. “What’s different here is the trust behind the support, this fellowship is not prescriptive–both the monetary prize and award year support give artists the space to take risks or slow down long enough to build something lasting. The cumulative effect of well-funded and deeply supported artists might seem intangible, but its economic and social impacts are measurable across neighborhoods throughout the tri-county area.”

Award-Winning Film Program

Each fellowship includes one year of artist support including networking, exhibition opportunities, and legal and accounting consultations. Kresge Arts in Detroit also offers to produce a film for each of the fellows created by a local filmmaker. Select films have been screened and received awards at local, national, and international film festivals in recent years. In 2021, Detroit-based production company was awarded a Michigan Emmy for work on the series. View past films .

“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to not only showcase your artistry, but to become a part of a family of artists and arts supporters unlike anywhere in the country. Don’t worry if you haven’t had a long arts career; this award is about artistic achievement and high-quality work at any stage,” said Michelle May, 2018 Kresge Artist Fellow in Music. “The most impactful part of applying for me was being able to articulate not only what I do as a musician and composer, but why I do it and why I think what I do is important. It really helped me be much more introspective about my place in the world, which in turn expanded my art practice! My two best pieces of advice are to not wait until the last minute to apply and to be sure to have a few people, artists and non-artists, review your statements. Congratulations on applying!”

Key Dates

Nov. 3, 2025: Application guidelines available
Dec. 1, 2025: Online application opens
Jan. 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM: Application deadline

The 2026 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of distinguished local and national artists and arts professionals. Previous applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply, as new panels with fresh perspectives are convened each year.

Now in its 18th year, the program continues to demonstrate how investment in the arts transforms what is possible for communities: fueling creative careers and animating neighborhoods. These fellowships prove that sustained creative work strengthens civic imagination and nurtures the day-to-day wellbeing of communities.

Kresge Arts in Detroit also administers the Kresge Eminent Artist award, presented each winter, which honors a lifetime of artistic achievement and community contribution. In 2024, The Kresge Foundation increased the prize to $100,000. Each award includes the creation of a short film and published monograph chronicling the artist’s work and legacy.

Application Info Sessions

Kresge Arts in Detroit staff will hold an online application info session and walkthrough in December, followed by a second online Q&A session in January. While not required, applicants are encouraged to attend these sessions, which are designed to support artists in creating compelling applications for a Kresge Artist Fellowship. Artists can register to attend using the links below.

(virtual)
Dec. 10, 2025
5:30–6:30 PM

(virtual)
Jan. 8, 2026
5:30–6:30 PM

Visit for the complete guidelines, FAQs, and additional resources. Please direct questions about application requirements to Kresge Arts in Detroit at admin@kresgeartsindetroit.org or by phone at (313) 744-3204.

Kresge Arts in Detroit is generously funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the ��ר��. The goals of Kresge Arts in Detroit are to enrich the quality of life for metro Detroiters by helping artists provide a broad spectrum of cultural experiences; celebrate and reflect the richness and diversity of our community in all its aspects; heighten the profile of arts and artists in our community; and strengthen the artistic careers of local artists. Since 2008, Kresge Arts in Detroit has awarded over $9 million through 17 Kresge Eminent Artist Awards, 317 Kresge Artist Fellowships, and 72 Gilda Awards ($5,000 each). The fellowships are currently $50,000 each and the Eminent Artist Award is $100,000.

The Kresge Foundation was founded in 1924 to promote human progress. Today, Kresge fulfills that mission by building and strengthening pathways to opportunity for low-income people in America’s cities, seeking to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. Using a full array of grant, loan, and other investment tools, Kresge invests more than $160 million annually to foster economic and social change. Kresge’s Detroit Program collaborates with cross-sectoral partners to promote and expand long-term, equitable opportunity in Kresge’s hometown by centering the priorities of its residents.

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The Detroit Difference: ��ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

Isabella McLaury — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:56:46 +0000

Located in the heart of midtown Detroit, ��ר��’s prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for art and design collaboration. Our students have found countless ways to make a positive impact on local metro Detroit businesses through innovative art and design problem-solving.

Last year alone, ��ר�� students collaborated to problem-solve timely topics for 15 metro Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations. They addressed a range of issues in healthcare product design, sustainability, mobility, and even emerging augmented reality technology.

Embracing the city’s rich history of cultural and sporting events, students continue to participate in annual design competitions to create the newest posters for iconic Detroit events such as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, the Movement Music Festival and the 313 Presents Pine Knob concert series.��

Here’s a look at some of the partnerships:

Augmented Reality Center (ARC) in partnership with Oakland University x Communication Design & Strategy, Graduate User Experience Design and Entertainment Arts
Crain Communications – Automotive News x Illustration
313 Presents x Illustration
Detroit Grand Prix x Illustration
GM x Transportation Design & Graduate User Experience Design
Godnii x Graduate Color & Materials Design
Hagopian Rug Competition x All Departments
State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification with support from the Global Epicenter of Mobility x Transportation Design
Zumiez and Somerset Collection x Illustration
BorgWarner x Product Design
Carhartt x Fashion Design
Henry Ford Health x Product Design
Changing Lives and Staying Sober (C.L.A.S.S.) x Interior Design and Graduate Color & Materials Design

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Ilana Portney (’21 Advertising Design)

Megan Mesack — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 09:00:30 +0000

Ilana Portney has been immersed in the world of set building since her childhood.

Fueled by her parents’ creativity during the 2008 recession, her journey began with crafting Popsicle stick structures and decorating dollhouses. Over the years, she evolved into a talented set designer, working on music videos, TV and film productions. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with artists including Ice Spice and Quavo, as well as with the likes of iconic companies like Nike, Vogue and Maybelline.

On a recent trip back to Detroit, Portney invited us to the Russell Industrial Center to discuss her latest project – designing a Complex magazine cover set for Detroit’s own Eminem.

The Interview

“When it comes to networking or getting a job, you do not have to do things in a practical way, because this world is not practical, and things don’t happen practically anywhere. All of my jobs came from Instagram, literally, and that’s how I grew my career. I didn’t start out as a production assistant. I started out as a production designer. I started out at the top of my career field.”

–Ilana Portney

What led you to this career path?

In my junior year of college, I met a director of photography who showed me the way of the Art department. We started making our own films and music videos. I took up a minor in Film my junior year and became obsessed with making videos and skits. The second I graduated I landed my first big project with the TODAY Show through NBC.

Once I did that, I wanted to do it forever.

I moved to New York and, after networking through Instagram, my first project was a Fetty Wap music video. From there, I met people my age and we all grew together and became really close friends. I met my now mentor, Robert Taylor, on a Charlie Puth music video, and I work with him all the time now. He’s like a brother to me.

What does a day in your life look like?

It depends on the project.

I care about my work so much that it really feeds into my life. I wake up around 6 or 7 a.m. on a project week. I think about all of the things that I have to do, maybe make a deck to present. Start sourcing all the props I need, talk to the producers about the budget, and fight them on it. Have tea if I can. Go shopping for the things that we need, and source more things. Talk to the photographer, the director and the director of photography. Talk to my team, if we need to build. Talk to the fabricators, a.k.a. Robert. I go to bed about 2 or 3 a.m., wake up and do it again.

I do it because I love it. This is my life. I love art, I love the people that I meet, and I’m fascinated by how people think. It’s really hard for me to sleep because I love the things I do.

What do you love most about your career?

I’m honored to be doing something that I love. I’m honored to be working with my friends, and I’m amazed that I get to work with them all the time and get paid to draw smiley faces on note cards and stick them in the background of a bedroom set. I get to do something fun every single day. It’s stressful to have to source three and a half yards of sand, but it’s like, that’s my job. Every day, it’s just an honor.

What would you say to current students or potential students who might be interested in this career?

No one masters everything. And I’m still learning that, you know.

As an artist, you’re your own worst critic. You have to better yourself, whether that’s working out, drawing, painting, therapy or something. You’ll continue to fall, but you can learn a lot from other artists and your friends and lean on those people.

There are so many incredible people who I grew with at ��ר�� who have taught me so many valuable things, not just talent-wise, but socially as well. They brought perspectives that I wouldn’t have, from how they were raised and their stories. That helped inform my work.

Learn More about ��ר��’s Programs. →

What, or who, inspires you?

I love other people. Everyone around me is so talented. All of my friends, every single person at ��ר��. One of my closest friends, Dillan Murillo, is exceptionally talented. He was one of the hardest-working students at ��ר��, and I really admired his work ethic. Everyone at ��ר�� was so talented in their own ways, you know, so other artists inspired me to have much more drive.

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��ר�� Film and Art Education Student, Davon Travier Earns Coveted Spot in Mayoral Fellowship with the City of Detroit

Stacy Hutchcraft — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:00:41 +0000

��ר�� Film and Art Education sophomore, Davon Travier recently completed a prestigious Mayor Fellowship with the City of Detroit.

Appointed by the Mayor of Detroit, Mike Duggan, the four-month program was open to graduate and undergraduate students from all disciplines to work with the City in initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the 673,000 residents of Detroit. Interns worked on engagement initiatives reaching across a broad spectrum of areas in policy, communications and public engagement.��

Travier completed his internship in the Department of Neighborhood (DON), which acts as a direct link connecting city officials with Detroit residents. The DON serves a crucial role in fighting blight, rebuilding neighborhoods, championing renewable energy initiatives and supporting community groups and business owners.��

During Travier’s time at the DON, he contributed his photography, videography, editing and storytelling skills to develop content to boost public participation rates. Showing how creativity can positively impact society and the community, an increase in community participation driven by Travier’s content, directly led to economic growth in the community programs, events and small businesses across the City of Detroit

“One of my most memorable moments was when I uploaded a video to Detroit’s social media page and the video received over 20k views. This was so inspiring because I was told that there’s been an overflow of applicants and sign-ups because of my video.”

Over the course of Travier’s internship, The Department of Neighborhood’s social media following grew from 100 reaches to approximately 80,0000 reaches; 4,000 likes; 500 new followers and 600 shares. Over 150 hours of content was viewed online, resulting in�� over 410 saved posts.��

“I loved this internship because no two days were the same. I truly enjoyed documenting and capturing video footage of the city I love!” Travier believes receiving the phone call informing him of the offer for this internship was simply life-changing.��

You can learn more about the City of Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods here: .

You can learn more about the Film department here: /academics/undergraduate-programs/film/.

You can learn more about the Art Education department here: /academics/undergraduate-programs/art-education/.

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NEWS Story: Application Opens for $40,000 Kresge Artist Fellowships

Megan Mesack — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:49:31 +0000

Starting December 1, metro Detroit artists are invited to apply for a 2024 Kresge Artist Fellowship. Kresge Artist Fellowships will increase from $25,000 to $40,000 and the number of fellowships will increase from 20 to 25 in 2024.

Artists residing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb county can apply online for the no strings attached prize through January 18, 2024. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Applicants are encouraged to review the latest application guidelines at kresgeartsindetroit.org before applying.

The fellowships are funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by Kresge Arts in Detroit, a Kresge-funded office of the ��ר��. In this application cycle, Kresge Arts in Detroit will award 25 Fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards in the Live Arts and Film & Music categories. The Fellowships and Gilda Awards will be divided between the two categories—Live Arts and Film & Music—based on the relative number of applications received in each category. Disciplines for each category include:

��

LIVE ARTS

Choreography, Comedy, Dance, Performance Art, Playwriting, Storytelling, Theatre Directing, and Interdisciplinary Work

FILM & MUSIC

Animation, Film Directing, Music Composition, Music Performance, Screenwriting, Sound Art, and Interdisciplinary Work

A total of 35 awards—25 Fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards—will go to artists of all career stages. Kresge Artist Fellowships are $40,000 no strings attached awards which include professional development offerings and a short film highlighting the artist’s work.

Artists applying for a fellowship can also choose to be considered for one of the 10 available Gilda Awards, which are $5,000 unrestricted prizes for emerging artists living and working in the tri-county area. The awards honor the legacy of Gilda Snowden (1954–2014), who was one of the 18 inaugural artists to receive a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2009, and who taught painting at the ��ר�� for more than 30 years. The online application allows artists to opt to be automatically considered for Gilda Awards if they do not receive a Fellowship.

KEY DATES

Dec. 1, 2023: Online application opens

Jan. 18, 2024 by 11:59 PM: Application deadline. There are no exceptions to this deadline.

The 2024 Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of distinguished local and national artists and arts professionals. Previous applicants are strongly encouraged to re-apply, as new panels—with fresh perspectives—are convened each year.

Kresge Artist Fellow (2018) Michelle May says,

“the most impactful part of applying for me was being able to articulate not only what I do as a musician and composer, but why I do it and why I think what I do is important. It really helped me be much more introspective about my place in the world, which in turn expanded my art practice.”

APPLICATION INFO SESSIONS

Application Info Session + Walkthrough (virtual)

Dec. 13, 2023

5 – 6:30 PM

Application Q&A Session (virtual)

Jan. 11, 2024

5 – 6:30 PM

Visit kresgeartsindetroit.org for the complete guidelines, FAQs, and additional resources. Please direct questions about application requirements to Kresge Arts in Detroit at admin@kresgeartsindetroit.org or by phone at 313.744.3204.

Kresge Arts in Detroit is generously funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by the ��ר��. The goals of Kresge Arts in Detroit are to enrich the quality of life for metro Detroiters by helping artists provide a broad spectrum of cultural experiences; celebrate and reflect the richness and diversity of our community in all its aspects; heighten the profile of arts and artists in our community; and strengthen the artistic careers of local artists. Since 2008, Kresge Arts in Detroit has awarded $8 million through 15 Kresge Eminent Artist Awards ($50,000 each), 278 Kresge Artist fellowships ($25,000 each), and 52 Gilda Awards ($5,000 each). kresgeartsindetroit.org

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��ר�� Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2023

Megan Mesack — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 18:00:35 +0000

The ��ר�� is pleased to introduce a remarkable group of new faculty members, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to our academic community.

In the Foundations Department, Michelle Lannoo has been promoted from visiting Assistant Professor to full-time Associate Professor. Her dedication and exceptional performance during her initial year have earned her this recognition. Joining her are two more distinguished educators: Joshua Mulligan, who takes on the role of a full-time Drawing Instructor, and Ben Rosales, an accomplished teacher with extensive experience in computer animation, who is joining as full-time Assistant Professor. Additionally, Peter Dunn will serve as the Foundations 3D Design Shop Manager and Assistant Professor, responsible for shop facilities, faculty and student training, and curriculum development.

In the Liberal Arts Department, the College welcomes Myrtle A. Brooks, a Lecturer in Business Studies who brings a wealth of experience and a background in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan Dearborn and MIT. Joining her is Laura Kovick, who assumes the role of a Lecturer in Composition with impressive credentials, including graduate degrees in literature and the teaching of writing and a diverse range of published works. Completing the department’s new additions is Caleb Lalinsky, a Visiting Assistant Professor with expertise in composition, rhetoric, literature, and writing instruction.

In the Art Education Department, Dr. Jhih-yin “Diane” Lee joins ��ר�� as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Lee’s extensive background in art education, teacher certification, and curriculum development, coupled with her Ph.D. in Art/Art Education from the University of Georgia, make her a valuable addition to the department.

Within the Studio Art & Craft Department, the College welcomes Lena Ellis-Boatman, who assumes the role of Visiting Assistant Professor and Section Lead in Printmaking. Ellis-Boatman’s diverse skill set encompasses various art forms and a deep commitment to collaboration, community, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Finally, in the Entertainment Arts Department, Dylan VanWormer joins ��ר�� as a full-time Assistant Professor of Animation, specializing in 3D animation. VanWormer’s extensive experience, including work at Moonbot Studios and Walt Disney Studios, makes him a valuable asset to our animation emphasis.

��ר�� extends a warm welcome to all these talented individuals and looks forward to the significant contributions they will bring to our creative and academic community.

The post ��ר�� Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2023 appeared first on ��ר��.

Access to New Technology Pushes Creative Possibilities for ��ר��’s Entertainment Arts Students

Megan Mesack — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:21:48 +0000

The acquisition of three Rokoko Suits is the latest example of how the ��ר�� is at the forefront of access to industry-level technology.

The purchase of the Rokoko Smart Suit II was made possible by the support from an Epic MegaGrant, received from Epic Games, who through the program has committed to accelerating the work of creative, noteworthy and innovative projects built around Unreal Engine or that enhance the 3D graphics ecosystem. Two of the suits will be used in the Entertainment Arts department and one suit will be used in the MFA Transportation Design department.��

The Rokoko Smart Suit II is a suit that captures your body’s motion and streams the data over WiFi in real-time to digital characters. The technology is similar to what is used in feature film, game and other industry processes that allow an actor’s performance to be captured as a 3D representation. The Entertainment Arts department is also integrating face capture technology that will allow for detailed face tracking to capture a performer’s facial gestures and emotion.��

The first two students to try out this new technology are Entertainment Arts student Eric Le and Film student Jordan Sain, who worked on an independent project during the Winter semester. The students were able to slip into the suits, calibrate in seconds and start recording.��

Chair of the Entertainment Arts department, David Gazdowicz sees the suits enhancing the student experience whether the student is focusing on animation or game. “Motion capture technology has been around for a long time, but we are in a great position to utilize the techniques through powerful tools such as Unreal Engine. Technology moves fast, and being able to demonstrate, first hand, new tools that can help students ideate, create and tell stories is imperative.”��

Looking toward the future, Gazdowicz sees multi department use of the Rokoko Suits. “Entertainment Arts, Game Design and Animation as well as the Film department are eager to jump in and get these suits integrated into their workflows. Film and Entertainment Arts will be running a special topics course in Winter ‘24 that will focus on virtual production, and this technology will be introduced along with other techniques to expand students’ understanding of new and emerging film production pipelines.”

The post Access to New Technology Pushes Creative Possibilities for ��ר��’s Entertainment Arts Students appeared first on ��ר��.

Film Archives | ����ר��

Annabelle Saco (’23 Film)

The Interview

How did you get here? When did you know this career path was for you?

You have so many projects moving at once. How do you stay motivated?

Your content is all so diverse. Where do you find creative inspiration?

What’s it like seeing your work come to life?

What is it that you love most about being a freelancer?

You’ve gained quite the following online. What’s your ultimate goal?

Is there a “bucket list” goal you’re still chasing?

How do you feel ����ר�� prepared you for this career?

What would you say to a student or parent who is apprehensive about ����ר��, or to pursuing a creative career?

I would love to know what you would tell baby Annabelle – if you could go back in time.

Kaylee Johnson (’14 Film)

2026 Kresge Artist Fellowship Application Cycle Begins

Live Arts

Film & Music

Award-Winning Film Program

Key Dates

Application Info Sessions

The Detroit Difference: ����ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

Ilana Portney (’21 Advertising Design)

The Interview

What led you to this career path?

What does a day in your life look like?

What do you love most about your career?

What would you say to current students or potential students who might be interested in this career?

What, or who, inspires you?

����ר�� Film and Art Education Student, Davon Travier Earns Coveted Spot in Mayoral Fellowship with the City of Detroit

NEWS Story: Application Opens for $40,000 Kresge Artist Fellowships

����ר�� Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2023

Access to New Technology Pushes Creative Possibilities for ����ר��’s Entertainment Arts Students

The acquisition of three Rokoko Suits is the latest example of how the ����ר�� is at the forefront of access to industry-level technology.

Film Archives | ��ר��

How do you feel ��ר�� prepared you for this career?

What would you say to a student or parent who is apprehensive about ��ר��, or to pursuing a creative career?

The Detroit Difference: ��ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

��ר�� Film and Art Education Student, Davon Travier Earns Coveted Spot in Mayoral Fellowship with the City of Detroit

��ר�� Welcomes New Faculty for Fall 2023

Access to New Technology Pushes Creative Possibilities for ��ר��’s Entertainment Arts Students

The acquisition of three Rokoko Suits is the latest example of how the ��ר�� is at the forefront of access to industry-level technology.