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FTVM Fall 2025 John H. Mitchell Visiting Professor John Cameron Mitchell
John Cameron Mitchell, the John H. Mitchell Visiting Professor in Screenwriting, has been directing, writing and performing for stage, screen, television, and podcast for over 40 years. He is perhaps best known for writing, directing, and starring in the award-winning theatrical production and film Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001). In the Fall of 2025, Mitchell taught FTVM 304 "Problemagic Cinema", an exploration of cinema history through an analysis of production modes and creative processes. Mitchell hosted a symposium in November, with a panel featuring Danny Fields, Howard Gertler, and Stephen Winters.
FTVM 2025 Commencement Speaker TBA
TBA
Writer Audra Sielaff
The FTVM Screenwriting Program hosted alum Audra Sielaff, known for her work as a writer on Not Dead Yet, Modern Family, Archer, Raising Hope, Rules of Engagement, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and more. She met with some of our screenwriting students, hosted a talk at the Rackham Amphitheater, and met with some of FTVM's 2025-2026 Mitchell Scholars for an inspiring conversation.
Producer and Screenwriter Daniel Pipski
UMich Film and English alum Daniel Pipski spoke with students about his career from graduation to producing films and shows such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, A Teacher, The Penguin, and co-writing Ticket to Paradise.
Producer Keith Goldberg
Producer and FTVM alum Keith Goldberg visited as an FTVM Screenwriting Program Speaker and Benedek Visiting Artist. Keith spoke to students about producing series such as Resident Evil, Umbrella Academy, RIPD, and more. Students gained valuable insight on the industry and independent producing.
Sketch Comedy Welcomes Guests
FTVM 403: Sketch Comedy had the pleasure of welcoming Harper Steele (head writer, SNL), Dave Ferguson (Birthday Boys, John Mulaney: Everybody’s In LA), the Sklar Brothers, Zack Pearlman (The Intern, Key and Peele), Adriana Cruz (SNL, Ziwe), Megan Ganz (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), and Alex Richanbach (Ibiza, Funny Or Die) to class over the course of the semester. Students got the opportunity to pitch sketches and hear from industry professionals about going into comedy. This experience led up to the class’s showcase, We’re Drinking Tonight, where students performed original live and taped sketches!
Behind the Screens
On October 15th, FTVM and the LSA Opportunity HUB collaborated to produce Behind The Screens: Breaking Into Film, Television, and Media. This event featured six accomplished alumni: Jon Goldstein, Ian Harris, Ashley Josephson, Andrew Portnoy, Emily Rose, and Phonz Williams. Students got to meet with the alumni in one-on-one resume/portfolio workshop sessions and learn from their experiences. The event culminated in a panel hosted by the FTVM Outreach Liaisons at the Rackham Amphitheater. The students and alumni got to continue the conversation and discuss the entertainment industry in an evening filled with inspiration and wisdom. Huge thank you to the FTVM Chair Colin Gunckel, the FTVM Staff, the LSA Hub, and the FTVM Outreach Liaisons for making this such a success!
Producer Rob Friedman
On February 26, the FTVM Screenwriting Program will host 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.
