News Archive


Danielle Naassana, FMS ’17, Produces THE DREAM WHISPERER, Wins Audience Award at Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Danielle Naassana, FMS ’17, Produces THE DREAM WHISPERER, Wins Audience Award at Pan African Film and Arts Festival
The Dream Whisperer tells the story of the groundbreaking 1957, ’58 and ’59 basketball teams from Tennessee A&I, a historically Black land-grant university in Nashville that is now Tennessee State. The team won the NAIA (National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics) championship three times in a row, only five years after HBCUs were allowed to compete in any national basketball […]


“Brutality Police,” by Zach Byrd (FMS ’20), Premieres Tonight, 4/22/2022 on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Revolt TV

“Brutality Police,” by Zach Byrd (FMS ’20), Premieres Tonight, 4/22/2022 on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Revolt TV
Alum Zach Byrd’s senior capstone film will air tonight at 10 PM ET on Revolt TV’s Short and Fresh.  A show popular with filmmakers and tastemakers,  Short and Fresh features the work of rising filmmakers and is one of the signature programs on Revolt TV, created by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Andy Schuon as “the space for the unapologetic, authoritative voice of Hip Hop culture, which […]


FMS Alum Zach Baylin in Attendance at 2022 Oscar Ceremony, Nominated for Best Original Screenplay for KING RICHARD

FMS Alum Zach Baylin in Attendance at 2022 Oscar Ceremony, Nominated for Best Original Screenplay for KING RICHARD
Film and Media Studies was thrilled to spot FMS alumnus Zach Baylin (’02) in attendance at his first Oscar ceremony last night. Zach penned King Richard, nominated for Best Original Screenplay, among many other nominations, including a Writers Guild of America Award, a BAFTA, and the Hollywood Critics Association Award.  We’re so proud of you, Zach.  The film […]


FMS Students and Young Alumni Serve as First Readers for the 2022 Baltimore Screenwriters Competition

Again this year, FMS students and recent graduates provided script coverage for the Baltimore Screenwriters Competition, sponsored by the Baltimore Office for Promotion and the Arts. Winners will be announced during the Maryland Film Festival. Under the supervision of FMS Senior Lecturer Lucy Bucknell, students were first readers for both features and shorts. Here’s what […]


Zach Baylin (FMS ’02) Discusses his Academy Award Nominated Screenplay KING RICHARD

Zach Baylin (FMS ’02) Discusses his Academy Award Nominated Screenplay KING RICHARD
KING RICHARD is an original screenplay that tells the true story of Richard Williams, coach and father to Venus and Serena Williams, and their rise to prominence in the world of tennis. Zach’s screenplay won the 2022 Black Film Critic Circle Award and is currently in the running for a Writers Guild Award, a BAFTA […]


CARRY ME IN by Rebecca Penner (FMS ’21) Chosen for BFI Future Film Festival 2022, Nominated for Best Documentary and Best Experimental Film

CARRY ME IN by Rebecca Penner (FMS ’21) Chosen for BFI Future Film Festival 2022, Nominated for Best Documentary and Best Experimental Film
Carry me in, a 16mm personal essay film by Film and Media Studies graduate Rebecca Penner, tracks the filmmaker’s connection with insects from their childhood fascination to their development of late-stage Lyme Disease as a young adult. The BFI Future Film Festival is a United Kingdom film festival for young filmmakers, organized by the British […]


Film and Media Studies Welcomes Aaron Henkin, Radio and Podcast Producer

Film and Media Studies Welcomes Aaron Henkin, Radio and Podcast Producer
Students explore podcasting theory and practice with Aaron Henkin, who presented on December 3 as part of FMS’s ongoing Film Centre Fridays series. Aaron creates and produces original radio programs and podcasts for WYPR. His current project is the weekly podcast, The Maryland Curiosity Bureau and past work includes Out of the Blocks, which earned the 2018 national […]


Film Centre Friday with Katie Killacky, Actress and Acting Coach

Film Centre Friday with Katie Killacky, Actress and Acting Coach
“What’ll it be?” Senior FMS major Abena Ababio discusses her motivation during an audition exercise with actress/acting coach Katie Killacky, who met with students on November 5 as part of FMS’s ongoing Film Centre Fridays series. Through her Capital Coaching Studios, Katie has helped Baltimore/D.C.-area actors book roles in national commercials, network/cable TV shows and […]


Liz Hodes, FMS ’06, Producer of The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears, Nominated for Emmy Award

Liz Hodes, FMS ’06, Producer of The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears, Nominated for Emmy Award
Congratulations to Liz Hodes (Film and Media Studies and Writing Seminars, 2006) on her Emmy Nomination for producing the acclaimed documentary, The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears. Liz began her career working in Production Management for film and television projects including: I Am Legend, This American Life, and True Life. After seven years […]