Cinema Arts Faculty Feature: Jason Georgiades, Visiting Artist in Residence Friday, November 15, 2024

What inspired your passion for a career in filmmaking?

I was lucky to grow up in Pittsburgh surrounded by many incredible artists and exposure to a thriving artistic scene. Frequent visits to The Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art and the Mattress Factory fueled a general desire to pursue a life in the arts.

My favorite artists worked in video, people like Kenneth Anger, David Lynch, Bruce Conner, Jonas Mekas, Maya Deren and Stan Brakhage. I was, and still am, inspired by their work as artistic pioneers and innovators.

You are an award-winning international filmmaker. Highlight your career path and what brought you to Point Park University.

My passion for the arts began at the University of Pittsburgh, where I majored in studio arts. I primarily focused on video art and created a successful final-year project that eventually became my portfolio film for graduate school. This work earned me a place at CalArts, where I completed my MFA in film directing.

I am deeply passionate about arts education because my teachers and the opportunities they provided profoundly shaped my career and personal growth. Navigating a career in the arts can be challenging, and I wanted to get involved to support students in the same way my teachers supported me. I’m excited that this ambition has brought me to a wonderful role where I help students in the Department of Cinema Arts at Point Park.

What are some of the most memorable moments in your career thus far?

When I was 16, I interned at a small New York City production company that worked on an independent feature film. I started as a production assistant, from making coffee to photocopying scripts.

One memorable day, the producer handed me a stack of cash and asked me to pick up some wardrobe at a local shop. I vividly remember riding the metro with Eartha Kitt’s dress, traveling from Midtown Manhattan to deliver it to set. For those who may not know, she played Catwoman in Batman during the late 1960s.

After that, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Eli Wallach and Cliff Robertson, both of whom were very kind to me.

Overall, it was the first time I felt a mix of responsibility and capability. That internship gave me the confidence to start making independent films and taught me to never give up. It was probably where things started for me.

What courses are you teaching, and what can students expect in your classes?

I teach a variety of digital film production courses, including the History of American Cinema and an Introduction to Cinema Production for first-year students.

I place a strong emphasis on storytelling, as I believe it’s the heart of filmmaking. Throughout the course, students explore various narrative structures and styles, learning how to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences. In addition to storytelling, I focus on technical proficiency, ensuring that students are well-versed in the tools and technologies of the trade.

Tell us about students' hands-on experience using our facilities and equipment beginning their first year.

At Point Park, students are immersed in a hands-on learning experience that begins in their first year, utilizing cutting-edge facilities and equipment. From the outset, students gain access to professional-grade cameras, sound equipment and advanced editing software, enabling them to engage in practical projects that enhance their creative and technical skills. In introductory courses, students are encouraged to tackle projects that not only challenge their artistic sensibilities but also build their proficiency in essential filmmaking techniques.

Point Park recently hosted the Vertical Vision International Film Festival. What is VVIFF, and what was your role in it?

My wife, Part-Time Instructor Rosita Grigaite, and I started the Vertical Vision International Film Festival, which showcases vertical-only films worldwide. We received support from Point Park’s cinema arts program to host the event in our beautiful GRW theatre in the University Center.

As a champion for experimental filmmaking, I was interested in exploring the evolving landscape of film distribution and consumption. Audiences are increasingly watching content on their phones and other mobile devices, leading us to question whether the traditional horizontal format still meets the needs and preferences of today’s viewers. By focusing on vertical films, we aimed to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and engage with a new generation of filmmakers and audiences seeking fresh perspectives.

Cinema was born and continues to evolve as technologies rise and fall, shaping the way we tell stories and engage with audiences. This festival seeks to provide a platform for that evolution.

The VVIFF raised money for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Tell us more about that.

Raising money for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank through VVIFF truly demonstrates how art can make a meaningful difference in our communities. By partnering with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, our goal was not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness about the critical issue of food insecurity that affects many individuals and families in our region. Ticket sales from this year’s festival provided over 600 meals for our neighbors.

What advice do you have for prospective students considering Point Park’s cinema arts programs?

If you’re considering applying to Point Park’s cinema arts programs, my advice is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way! Get involved, collaborate with your peers and don’t hesitate to experiment. Filmmaking is an exciting journey of exploration, and the supportive faculty and staff at Point Park will be there to guide you as you grow and discover your unique voice as a filmmaker.

More About: Conservatory of Performing Arts, cinema arts, cinema production, faculty