Get Career-Ready with: Austin Zarnick '26, Film Production Major, Digital Marketing Minor Student Profile
Photo by Chloe Humway '28
Meet Austin Zarnick '26
- Major/Program
- Film Production
- Minor
- College Activities
- Social media manager for the Department of Film and Animation, music video editor for Pioneer Record Star and audio engineer for theatre voiceover class
- Hometown
- Butler, Pa.
- High School
- Knoch High School
- Dream Job
- YouTube video editor
- Hobbies & Interests
- I love creating my vlogs with friends where I can express my personality and filmmaking.
"If you want to be a filmmaker, Point Park University's Department of Film and Animation offers amazing programs to reach your goals."
Why did you choose Point Park University for your major?
Filmmaking is a very niche and important degree. If you want to be a filmmaker, Point Park University's Department of Film and Animation offers amazing opportunities to reach your goals, especially in the B.F.A. film production program.
Point Park’s location in Downtown Pittsburgh creates the perfect opportunity to secure internships and opportunities with well-known organizations like the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Highmark and Schneider Downs, among others.
Which faculty members and courses have had a significant impact on you?
Kelly Donnellan has helped me find opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Since she has worked in the film industry, she constantly shares her knowledge and experience with students, which helps us grow as aspiring filmmakers.
Production III has had a positive impact on my creativity, teaching me everything I need to know about working on a full production. Whether I find myself working on movies or commercials, I can always count on this class to prepare me for the future.
You are actively involved in film projects on and off campus. Briefly highlight some of those and your role in each.
I am editing a senior thesis film at Point Park called “The B Side,” written and directed by classmate Bayli Clack. In this film, I have been working to finalize the picture lock to create a smooth and elegant cutting style. Without my help editing this film, we could risk having jarring cuts and questionable edits that would hinder the quality of the film.
Additionally, I recently finished a paid opportunity with JRM Video Production, where I edited short cold open intros for local sports teams. The intros featured Cameron Heyward, a current Steelers player, and Charlie Batch, a former Steelers quarterback. I also created cold opens for the 2024 Pittsburgh Holiday Hoops Classic at PPG Paints Arena, and they were all featured on the jumbotron.
How are these opportunities enriching your college experience to prepare you for your career?
These opportunities are helping me become more extroverted and communicative. Every connection I make helps me expand my network and adds work to my portfolio.
@pointparku Meet Austin Zarnick '26 — film production major, digital marketing minor and always on the grind! 🎬✨ From running socials for @pointparkfilm to editing music videos and mixing audio for theatre, he’s making moves and getting career-ready at Point Park. Full Q&A at the link in bio! 👏 #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #DowntownPittsburgh #GetCareerReady #FilmProductionMajor #FilmMajor #FilmIndustry ♬ original sound - Point Park University
What’s it like living and learning in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Living in Downtown Pittsburgh has been my dream for so many years. As a huge Steelers fan, there’s nothing better than hearing my fellow yinzers screaming at the local restaurants. One of my favorite spots to take in that Steeler energy is City Works in Market Square, where there’s always a local event happening. I also explore the South Side for its fun activities, especially at Pins Mechanical Co., where you can find duck bowling, free retro arcade games and even pinball machines.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are in the commercial field of work. While I love editing films and the story aspect, I want to pursue the marketing business due to its high profitability and reliable schedule of work. However, if I don’t end up in that field, I would be more than happy to work for anyone who requires a video editor.
What advice do you have for a prospective student?
Whether you're the boss or working for the boss, never stop creating and working for yourself. It’s important to work for others, but if you're not creating art for yourself, then what are you doing?
Is there anything else you would like to add?
College life can be challenging for your mental health, so don’t ever forget to give yourself some time to breathe.