- Prospective Students
- Advising
- FTVM Major
- Screenwriting Sub-Major
- Global Media Studies Minor
- FTVM Honors Program
- Scholarships, Awards & Grants
- Transfer Credit
- Study Abroad
- Internships
- Student Organizations
- Student Productions
- Guest Artists and Scholars @ FTVM
-
- Guest Artists 2023-24
- Guest Scholars 2023-24
- Guest Artists 2022-23
- Guest Artists 2024-25
- Graduation 2025
- FTVM Student Opportunity Blog
Upcoming Guests:
Hillary Brewster Seitz- March 11th-15th, 2025
David Lubliner- March 18th-20th, 2025
Maegan Houang- April 7th-9th, 2025
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!
