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FTVM 2025 Commencemnt Speaker Kelci Parker
FTVM was honored to have Kelci Parker sevre as the department's commencement speaker for their Winter 2025 ceremony at the Michigan Theater. Kelci Parker (Vice President – Comedy/Adult Animation, Hulu Originals) was born and raised in Albion, Michigan to a college football coach and elementary art teacher, to whom she credits her creativity and drive. After graduating with a degree in screenwriting from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!) she moved to Los Angeles with aspirations to write. Through an alumni connection, Parker landed a job at Dickhouse Entertainment and started her career as a writers’ assistant on the Adult Swim comedy, Loiter Squad. She then went on to work for director Spike Jonze on his Oscar winning film Her and the 4th installment of the Jackass movies, Bad Grandpa. After two years on set and in writers’ rooms Parker decided she no longer wanted to pursue writing, but instead to help others find success through creative development. This led to her move to Comedy Central in 2014, where she was the Executive Assistant for company president, Kent Alterman. Then working her way up to Director of Talent & Development, specializing in scripted narrative and animation. With a passion for mentorship and developing underrepresented voices, Parker also ran point for the emerging directors’ program (ViewFinder) and Comedy Central’s internship program. At Hulu, Parker’s purview covers all of adult animation including Futurama, Solar Opposites, and King of the Hill along with live action scripted hit Only Murders in the Building and more.
Producer Rob Friedman
On April 10th, the FTVM Screenwriting Program hosted FTVM CEO of Ascendant Entertainment, Rob Friedman at U of M. Rob has been a staple in the film indusrty for years, having previously served as Co-Chairman of Lionsgate Films, being responsible for Twighlight, Hacksaw Ridge, and La La Land. Rob gave a talk to FTVM students at the Rackham Ampitheater where students could ask questions and learn about his experiences in the film industry.
Screenwriter Maegan Houang
During the week of April 7th, FTVM, WOLV TV, and Cinnamon Cinema hosted screenwriter Maegan Houang from FX's hit show Shogun at the University of Michigan. Students got the chance to view an exclusive screening of Shugon, meet with Maegan, and learn insights in the screenwriting industry! Maegan also sat down with WOLV TV for an interview and met with past and present Mitchell Scholars for a luncheon.
Film and Literary Agent David Lubliner
During the week of March 17th, FTVM welcomed David Lubliner from United Talent Agency. Lubliner attedend classes, met with students, and provided insight on how to break into the industry in Los Angeles.
Screenwriter Hillary Seitz
From March 11-14th, the Screenwriting Program hosted acclaimed screenwriter Hillary Seitz at FTVM! Seitz met with students in Jim Burnstein's and Oliver Thornton's screenwriting courses. On March 13th, she held a talk at the Rackham Amphitheater for students to attend and ask questions about developing careers in film and television. She also met with FTVM's past and current Mitchell Scholars to provide advice and share industry experiences! Thank you to everyone who helped bring Hillary's visit to fruition and provided such exciting opportunities for our students! Seitz is best known for her work as screenwriter for Eagle Eye, The Unforgivable, Enchanted, The Italian Job, and I-Robot.
Producer/Screenwriter Robb Chavis
In February 2025, FTVM hosted screenwriter and producer, Robb Chavis. Chavis is known for his work on Black-ish, Fraiser, and Superior Donuts. Chavis visited Oliver Thornton's Screenwriting for Television classes to talk to students. In 311, Robb spoke about his experiences as a Humanitas Prize-winning and Emmy-nominated writer/producer and answered students' questions about careers in the industry. In 411, he heard student pitches for their original TV series ideas and gave feedback on their pilot concepts. He also met with FTVM students in Jim Burnstein's 427 class and past and present members of the Mitchell Scholarship Cohort. Students continued to have the chance to present their work and receive advice on navigating the industry. Thank you to the faculty and staff who helped to arrange this wonderful experience with Mr. Chavis!
Cinematographer Robert Gantz
On Friday, January 24th, students had the chance to take part in a masterclass on lighting and cinematography led by Robert Gantz. Gantz's workshop was part of FTVM's Media Makers Series. Students had the chance to learn new lighting techniques and have discussions about the industry with Gantz.
WOLV-TV hosts Alum Brad Rosenberg fromRBEL Talent Agency
On November 22, 2024, WOLV-TV proudly welcomed back its co-founder, Brad Rosenberg, who now serves as the Head of Operations at RBEL, a prestigious talent agency in Los Angeles focused on representing screenwriters, directors, and production companies in scripted television. Brad’s visit to a small group of WOLV members was a masterclass in navigating the entertainment industry, as he captivated the “Wolvies” with invaluable insights, practical career advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from his dynamic role at RBEL. His inspiring journey from WOLV-TV to the heart of Hollywood left students motivated and eager to carve their paths in the world of media and entertainment.
Screenwriters Kenny & Keith Lucas, Dave Callaham, and Kemp Powers
On November 19th, 2024 our John H. Mitchell Critical Conversation Symposium that took place. The symposium featured a panel led by John H. Mitchell Visiting Professor, Kemp Powers and included screenwriters Kenny and Keith Lucas (The Lucas Brothers) and Dave Callaham. FTVM students had the opportunity to hear about the panel members’ experiences in the film industry and ask them questions about the future of screenwriting.
Producer/Showrunner Beth Schwartz
On November 6th and 7th, Executive Producer and Showrunner Beth Schwartz (FTVM '02) visited FTVM classes to talk about her career in television, workshop students' material, and give advice on entering the industry. On November 6th, she visited Professor Yeidy Rivero's 355 class and later that evening, Prof. Jim Burnstein's 427 class. On November 7th, she sat in on Oliver Thornton's 311 class and gave feedback on pilot pitches in his 411 class.
Showrunner Al Jean
On October 24th, Al Jean, EMMY Award-winning showrunner on The Simpsons and a writer on the show from its very first season, visited Oliver Thornton's Writing for Television classes to talk about his decades-long career writing for one of the most renowned comedies in television history, answer student questions about the current state of the industry, sit in on a few table reads and, in 411, hear pitches from FTVM students' original pilots.
VP of Unscripted Development at BBC Studiops LA- Joel Morgan
On October 28th, WOLV TV hosted Joel Morgan, who met with members of the organization as well as FTVM students to discuss his experience working at BBC studios and answer questions about the industry!
Producer Peter Jaysen
On September 19th, Veritas Entertainment co-founder and University of Michigan alumnus Peter Jaysen visited Professor Oliver Thornton's FTVM 311 and 411 classes to talk about careers in the industry and workshop the 411 students' pitches for their original TV series. The following day, on September 20th, Peter visited the FTVM 421 class to workshop the pilot script being produced by students this semester. Afterwards, Peter did a session with students on the six-year process of making of his upcoming film, A Complete Unknown, directed my James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet.
Producer Sibella Dowad
In September, Producer Sibella Dowad visted Professor Burnstein, Thornton, and Herberts classes to meet with student, answer questions, and give insight to the film industry, kicking off the school year as the first guest artist of the 2024-2025 academic year!
