Profiles of Tenacity: Lucas Nyman

Lucas Nyman is a fourth-year Entertainment and Media Studies and English double major from Peachtree City, Georgia. Nyman is a Grady College ambassador, co-president of the Production Collective Club and production coordinator for the Athens Film Festival.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

From a young age, I was obsessed with watching and making movies. This started out as a love for stop-motion animation, where I animated endless short films about Lego minifigures being swallowed by Play-Doh worms and spat out as skeletons. I only became more passionate about writing and directing as I explored more genres and styles of movies.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity is the courage to pursue something no one understands, and to be unafraid of embarrassment in the process. There’s so much tenacity in pursuing a career in something as elusive and unstable as film, let alone the courage required to create and exhibit art that you’re afraid no one will understand, maybe not even you. Tenacity is the unrelenting drive to take risks and never let yourself slide back to safety.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

When people ask you what you want to do, don’t be afraid to tell the truth. Do you want to be Tom Cruise’s stuntman? Make sure everyone knows. Do you want to write mumblecore dramas for Sundance and TIFF? Tell people you want to be the next Greta Gerwig. Of course, don’t be arrogant about it—but you should be proud of your biggest ambitions, or else how will you pursue them?

What motivates you?

The movie posters on my wall.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

My boyfriend Aidan has had the biggest impact on my life at UGA. It is so rare to find someone with such similar interests and aspirations, who can give me the most honest feedback on my script, steer me the right way when I first get an idea, or just discuss the latest Mungiu film for hours on end. His taste and perspective, though sometimes starkly different, has informed my work more than any film or filmmaker, and I’m lucky to have him in my life.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment in the past year was the last short film I directed, Bite the Hand. It was the most difficult shoot I’ve ever done, both in terms of technical complexity, emotional intensity and physical endurance. However, the process has been more rewarding than any other film I’ve worked on, and I can’t wait to show it to audiences.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

The tables outside Grady on a sunny day. Best study spot.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Make time for your interests and friends, but make sure one doesn’t overcome the other. Besides, getting a perfect grade in German III won’t matter in a year. And go to sleep on time.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu