Many of us had teachers who inspired us to be creative and industrious inside the classroom. However, some of the most rewarding class projects involve and have involved community, teamwork, and compassion outside the classroom. 

Ric Acevedo has taught at the Los Angeles Film School for over a decade while serving as a Program Director of Communications. Not only does he teach the foundations of writing, character development, and myth in the classroom, but he also shares his expertise with students about film festivals, marketplaces, and boutique productions.

Some of his productions are Boys School, Searching for Beati Paoli, and History of Fabulous. Most filmmakers will express the industry is suited for those who dedicate time, money, and energy into finalizing projects–these extraordinary stories to entertain and/or inform the public about the forgotten, the mysterious, and the perplexities of life.  

Although there were some challenges in making these films, they have enriched his perspective on life and people.

While working on Searching for Beati Paoli, a story that seeks the history of a secretive sect in medieval Sicily, Acevedo organized multiple interviews and footage as well as permits to view and shoot underground caves and tunnels.

This week he will be promoting his work at Content Americas –a marketplace for creative, Latin American professionals in the entertainment industry. Digital platforms such as HBO Max, Apple TV+, and DirecTV will be accessible and scouting at the event which will be located at the Hilton downtown Miami from January 23-25.

Another instructor who demonstrates the importance of continuing field work in the film industry while teaching is professor and filmmaker Dana Plays.

Since 2005, she has been teaching several film classes at The University of Tampa, and has provided multiple opportunities for her students to obtain career growth and field experience beyond papers and class projects. Not only does Plays teach at the university but she is the internship coordinator for the Film, Animation, and New Media Department. 

She understands the importance of internships, networking, and filmmaking for her students to gain career advantages. Plays expressed, one of her students is involved with the podcast Men’s Health Unscripted, and others are involved with virtual production studios as well as graphic art houses in Tampa Bay such as fishing and marine expeditions and editing for the New York Yankees during spring training. 

Plays recognizes the challenges and changes in the film industry. 

“I’ve seen the transition of the film industry go from celluloid based film to digital and all the advances of the digital domain having hands on practice is essential to understanding the current technologies that students are using and the skill sets that they need to acquire through my instruction.”

Another way Plays provides enriching experiences to her students is demonstrating current involvement in the field.  Plays along with several of her peers are featuring their work at the Scarfone/Hartley Gallery at the University of Tampa from January 19-February 23. 

Students who see their professors not only teach a curriculum but also dedicate hours into the creative process demonstrates professionalism, perseverance, and capability. Time management and schedules of a professor can show a student the expectations and commitment to multiple tasks. 

Dana Plays states, “A challenge in producing my work has been to find adequate time while also teaching.  During the semester, I’ve been able to apply for grants to provide course release, and I utilize my winter and summer breaks to engage full on in my filmmaking practice.” Plays has an active filmography and has exhibited her work in world-wide film festivals and art venues as seen on her IMDB website.