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The future of storytelling looks bright, thanks to the enthusiasm of 65 high school students, 91ԭ�� (GGC) professors and student volunteers, and the Georgia Film Academy (GFA). On Friday, Nov. 14, students from area high schools arrived on GGC’s campus to explore opportunities in film, television, digital entertainment, Esports and game development.

“Collaborating with the GFA builds that bridge between the liberal arts education and foundational knowledge students receive along with additional hands-on experiences,” said Dr. Marc Gilley, interim dean of GGC’s School of Liberal Arts. “GFA builds upon that with instruction from industry professionals. Together, this helps students be ready to enter their field.”

Scott Votaw, assistant vice chancellor of GFA, said events like this open doors students may not have known existed.

“Most high school students don’t know where the jobs are or even where to begin looking,” he said. “By collaborating with GGC, we build on the success they have and get them ready to move into the industry.”

Votaw, who spent 25 years in Los Angeles working in the film industry, said the partnership creates a clear pathway.

“It’s like connective tissue, we build on the knowledge and experience students have and help them adapt to the ever-changing film industry,” he said.

For Mya Jackson, a senior at Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, the experience was eye-opening.

“I’m into acting and also like art and creating special effects,” she said. “Today I got to look into a camera and operate it to see how it moves. It’s really interesting.”

After graduation, Jackson will enlist in the U.S. Army and study nursing with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

“Even though I want to be a nurse, there are still opportunities for me to explore careers in the arts while I’m in the Army,” she said.

One of the cameras Jackson used was the jib crane, a camera mounted on a large crane that allows for smooth movement in all directions and at various heights.

“Today, we wanted to show students that the film industry is accessible and fun,” said Bryan Krass, an instructor at GFA and former GGC instructor. “Students get to see that this is a viable and fulfilling career option.”

For Christian Gonzalez, a GGC senior majoring in cinema and media arts with a concentration in entertainment industries studies, volunteering was especially meaningful.

“I didn’t have anything like this in high school, so this is my chance to help share information, interact and learn from the students and the GFA professionals here,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed my experience at GGC.”

Gonzalez plans to graduate in fall 2026 and pursue a career in sports media—baseball is her top choice.

Lawrenceville resident and Coast Guard veteran Sean Carnes, a senior majoring in integrative studies with a concentration in cinema and media arts production and a minor in English, says the event reinforced his passion.

“I love being in the writer’s room or becoming a showrunner,” he said. “I want to put my mark on the industry and on the future of storytelling. We’re all living our story.”