Tag: Keith Wilson

Grady College announces 2023 faculty and staff award recipients

Posted on by Jackson Schroeder

Grady College is proud to announce the recipients of the brand new Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Award, the Darwin Davis Award, the Vera Penn Staff Award for Excellence and the Teacher of the Year awards. 

Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Award

Below are the first-ever recipients of the Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy Award. Each winner – at the graduate student, staff and faculty level – receives a $1,000 stipend toward work travel or a DEI project or research effort.

Recipients: 
  • Marcella Genut (AB ’18), staff
  • Haley Hatfield, graduate student
  • Booker T. Mattison, faculty
  • Marcella smiles at the camera outside of Grady College, while holding up her award certificate.
    Marcella Genut, academic advisor for prospective students. (Photo: Submitted)
Marcella Genut, academic advisor

Genut, academic advisor for prospective students, is a fierce advocate for accessibility and inclusion. 

“Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are always at the forefront of my daily life and an important aspect of the legacy I want to leave behind,” she said. “Having a progressive disability and being categorized as a minority has shaped me to be an outsider of the world. Never fitting in and not having a seat at the dinner party has motivated me to constantly push others to be more inclusive whether it’s at the workplace or in my personal life.”

Genut has recruited and comforted students from diverse backgrounds who were uneasy about coming to UGA. The Disability Resource Center often sends students to her for mentoring, which is over-and-above her work as an advisor. She has advocated for physical improvements to Grady College and works individually with students to help them find the resources they need, whether an adapted camera or a wheelchair repair shop.

Haley Hatfield, graduate student 

As a Ph.D. student, graduate research assistant and graduate instructor, Hatfield is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work.

“My experiences as an openly queer non-binary individual holding many positions have led me to recognize the critical importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive environment within academia and beyond,” Hatfield said. 

Hatfield’s research focuses on decentering Whiteness, the racist societal structure that favors white, masculine and Western ideals as the “norm.” Several of their studies have received top paper awards at major communication organizations when taking a critical approach to disrupting normative foundations in quantitative social sciences.

Booker T. Mattison, assistant professor EMST

In the College, Athens community and nationally, Mattison, an assistant professor in the Entertainment and Media Studies Department, is a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion. In his classroom, every student — each voice — is affirmed, critically assessed and developed.  This empowers students of all backgrounds to tell their own stories but, equally important, to value voices that are far different from their own.

Beyond the classroom and through the magic of moviemaking, in the many exhibitions of his films, panel discussions and community presentations, Mattison helps diverse peoples encounter and empathize with different ways of life.

“I am under no illusion that my art can single-handedly change the world,” he said. “However, my hope when I direct a film, write a novel or a screenplay is to realistically portray characters and worlds so that audience members can experience and then consider them in all their richness and humanity.”

Kristen Smith holds up her award with Dean Davis.
Kristen Smith, senior lecturer, Public Relations. (Photo: Sarah Freeman)

Darwin Davis Award

The Darwin Davis award was established in 2007 to recognize a member of the Grady College faculty or staff whose performance reflects those qualities of dedication and friendship that best capture the College’s “spirit.” The award is named for Arthur B. Darwin and Harold E. Davis, notable alumni of Grady College. 

Kristen Smith (MA ’92), senior lecturer, Public Relations

“This should come as no surprise to any of us,” said Charles Davis, dean of Grady College. “Kristen does so many things, large and small, seen and unseen. She serves as our link to the UGA Arts Council. She mentors students, she puts up with request after request (usually from me) for a design, and she brightens the day of everyone who encounters her.”

Jim Black holds up his award plaque with Dean Davis.
Jim Black (right), instructional resources coordinator, holds up his award. (Photo: Sarah Freeman.)

Vera Penn Staff Award for Excellence

The Vera Penn Staff Award for Excellence is presented annually to the individual who exhibits outstanding characteristics in performance of duties. The winner is considered an outstanding example for others and represents Grady College in a positive manner.

Jim Black (ABJ ’86), instructional resources coordinator

Among other responsibilities, Jim Black, the College’s instructional resources coordinator, manages the College’s equipment room and oversees student-run productions. He advises students on how to use equipment and what equipment will work best for a given project, and he routinely assists students with scripting, recording and post-production editing.

“He keeps an entire department sorted, organized and running,” explained the Vera Penn Committee. “Jim demonstrates the service concept every day, in ways large and small.  And he uses his good sense of humor to connect with people at a human level.  He has such deep experience and institutional knowledge – and a love of UGA, not least the Redcoat Marching Band – that he works independently and with enthusiasm and efficiency. Jim represents the best of the College.”

Teachers of the Year 

The Teachers of the Year are annually selected by their peers, based on excellence in the classroom and student feedback.

Recipients:
  • Chris Shumway, Journalism
  • Jeong-Yeob Han, Advertising
  • Joseph Watson, Jr., Public Relations
  • Keith Wilson, EMST
  • Jeong-Yeob Han takes a student's name card on stage at Grady Convocation.
    Jeong-Yeob Han, associate professor, Advertising. (Photo: Melanie Velasquez)
Chris Shumway, senior academic professional, Journalism

“The Department of Journalism is home to many skilled and committed teachers, and to me that makes this honor really significant—to stand out among such a strong group,” said Jon Peters, head of the Department of Journalism. “A committee of students and faculty selected Prof. Shumway on the strength of his teaching record and his multiple student nominations that noted his dedication, passion, enthusiasm and high standards. He goes above and beyond for his students, and he cares deeply about them and their success. He’s a creative and purposeful teacher.”

Jeong-Yeob Han, associate professor, Advertising
Joseph Watson, Jr., Carolyn Caudell Tieger Professor of Public Affairs Communications, Public Relations

“Both Dr. Han and Professor Watson are shining examples of what a dedicated educator is in advertising and public relations,” said Juan Meng, head of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations. “I appreciate how they always commit to the excellence in teaching, and their care for their students and passion to support student success are the reasons they rise to the top.”

Keith Wilson, lecturer, Entertainment and Media Studies

“Keith is such an effective mix of knowledge and teaching skill,” said Jay Hamilton, head of the Department of Entertainment and Media Studies. “Not only does he have a huge depth of knowledge, he’s so great at equipping and encouraging his students to top accomplishments.”

2022 in Review: Research & Expertise

Posted on by Jackson Schroeder

Editor’s Note: This is part of our six-part series highlighting stories produced by Grady College in 2022. The features include stories in each of the following subjects:

  • Student Successes
  • Faculty Honors
  • College Headlines
  • Research & Expertise
  • Service & Partnerships
  • Alumni Spotlight

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but instead highlight a sample of just a few of the hundreds of stories about accomplishments by our students, faculty/staff and alumni. We invite you to visit our Grady College News page for a full list of features posted in 2022.

  • Grady College launched a new research podcast
 

Grady College is home to faculty members who are constantly growing and improving their fields through research and practice. Below are just a few updates in the category of research and expertise from 2022:

Grady College launched a new research podcast: In early September, the Grady Research Radio podcast debuted, highlighting the research and expertise coming out of Grady College. The podcast features concise conversations with faculty members at Grady College and shines a light on their research and proficiencies, as well as the College’s labs. 

A sample of the podcast’s published episodes include: interviews with Journalism faculty on Grady College being named a Solutions Journalism Hub, a conversation with Dr. Glenna Read of the Department of Advertising and Public Relations (AdPR) about her Brain Body and Media (BBAM) Lab, an interview with the Journalism Department’s Dr. Karin Assmann about her Qualitative Research Lab, discussions with Dr. David Clementson and Joseph Watson Jr. of AdPR about the state of political debates and advertisements, an interview with the Department of Entertainment and Media Studies’ (EMST) Dr. Shira Chess about her research in the field of game studies, a conversation with Dr. Keith Herndon and Charlotte Norsworthy of the James M. Cox Jr. Institute about the new Certificate in News Literacy, and an interview with Dr. Alexander Pfeuffer of AdPR about personalization and disclosures in digital advertising.

Keith Wilson produced “I Didn’t See You There:” EMST lecturer Keith Wilson‘s new film “I Didn’t See You There” won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The film had its theatrical opening at the Firehouse Cinema in New York City on Sept. 30 and its Georgia premiere at Ciné on Oct. 19. It follows a disabled filmmaker who launches into an unflinching meditation on spectacle, (in)visibility and the corrosive legacy of the Freak Show, after a circus tent goes up outside of his Oakland apartment.

Booker T. Mattison wrote and directed “The Sound of Christmas:” Booker T. Mattison, an assistant professor in EMST at Grady College, wrote and directed “The Sound of Christmas,” a holiday film that debuted on the streaming service BET+ on Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day. The film stars Grammy-winning recording artist Ne-Yo and Serayah (“Empire”) in a story about a widower who falls in love with a music teacher who brings love and music back to the family during the holidays. It is based on the novel “The Replacement Wife” by Tiffany L. Warren, who is a friend of Mattison’s and recommended him to write and direct the story.

Keith Wilson to premiere new film ‘I Didn’t See You There’ at Ciné

Posted on by Jackson Schroeder

“I Didn’t See You There,” a new film produced by Keith Wilson, a lecturer in Grady College’s Department of Entertainment and Media Studies (EMST), will make its Georgia premiere at Ciné on Wednesday, Oct. 19. The screening is one of two upcoming local events involving Wilson.

The film, which had its theatrical opening at the Firehouse Cinema in New York City on Sept. 30, won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. It follows a disabled filmmaker who launches into an unflinching meditation on spectacle, (in)visibility and the corrosive legacy of the Freak Show, after a circus tent goes up outside of his Oakland apartment. 

“About three years ago, I saw some early footage the director had shot for the film, and it quite literally changed the way in which I moved through the world,” said Wilson, a director, creative producer and visual artist. “In 76 cinematic minutes, it manages to convey joy, anger, criticality, messiness and perfection while presenting a perspective that is new to most audiences. I’m grateful to Grady and the EMST Department — particularly Kate Fortmueller and Jay Hamilton — for making it possible to bring ‘I Didn’t See You There’ to Athens.”

Ciné Athens is located at 234 West Hancock Avenue. The screening is at 8 p.m.

Performative Lecture: Gangway

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, one week prior to the the screening of “I Didn’t See You There,” Wilson will be presenting a live documentary performance about a 106-year-old San Francisco gay bar called The Gangway. The event will happen at The Athenaeum. 

Before its closure in 2018, The Gangway was the site of police raids, community organizing, early HIV-AIDS activism and general joy-making. Combining archival material, 3D models and performance, this immersive piece explores new models for experiencing lost places and the creation of future narratives. 

“I am thrilled to present the Gangway in Athens at the Athenaeum, which is such an exciting, new venue for contemporary art in the Southeast,” said Wilson. “The live documentary piece not only introduces viewers to an important piece of queer history, it also questions the notion of what a film, a lecture, a performance is or isn’t.”

The Athenaeum is located at 287 West Broad Street. The event is at 6 p.m.

Keith Wilson awarded Sundance documentary grant

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

Keith Wilson, a lecturer in the Department of Entertainment and Media Studies, was named recipient of a grant from the nonprofit Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program.

The fund offers non-recoupable support for nonfiction projects that continue to elevate and advance cultural dialogue and break new ground in creativity and innovation from filmmakers with a distinct voice and vision, and a meaningful connection to the work they create.

Wilson is the producer of the film, “I Didn’t See You There,” a documentary about a disabled filmmaker who launches into an unflinching meditation on freakdom and (in)visibility when a circus tent goes up near his apartment. The film is directed by Reid Davenport.

“Receiving this grant is transformative for our project,” Wilson said of the grant. “Securing funding for independent, artist-driven documentary work is always an uphill battle, so the financial piece of the award is greatly appreciated.”

Wilson was named a 2021 Sundance Creative Producing Fellow for the same film project earlier this year. The Fellowship included participation in a week-long Producers Summit, as well as year-long mentorship, creative support and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

“In many ways, the intangible support the Sundance Institute has provided us in the form of mentorship, professional development, and access to industry networks, have been even more essential than the finances,” Wilson added.  

The Documentary Fund supports the work of nonfiction filmmakers from around the world. The fund has been a critical force in supporting work that has expressed the world in creative, complex, and provocative ways, and has created cultural and social impact around some of the most pressing issues of our time.

A total of $600,000 in unrestricted grant support has been provided to the projects in various stages of production and distribution, including eight in development, eight in production, three in post-production, and one in post-production and impact. The projects’ subject matter feature topics of disability, feminist history, globalization, grief and loss, and housing inequality, among other areas. A complete list of recipient projects can be viewed here.

Grants are made possible by The Open Society Foundations, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the Kendeda Fund.

This cycle, eight out of the ten U.S. films granted are helmed by at least one BIPOC director. This statistic reflects the fund’s commitment to emerging artists whose voices have been historically marginalized in hegemonic Western societies.

“With this expansive cohort, the Documentary Film Fund is holding true to its commitment to independent storytelling. As we celebrate 20 years of funding hundreds of films, these films are a tangible representation of all that we stand for and value,” said Carrie Lozano, Sundance Institute, Director of Documentary Film Program and Artist Programs.

Lee, Wilson join EMST faculty

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

Grady College is proud to welcome Sanghoon Lee and Keith Wilson to the Department of Entertainment and Media Studies.

“Keith and Sanghoon bring an exceptional depth of vision and skill to the department and college,” said James Hamilton, a Jim Kennedy New Media Professor and head of the EMST department. “They’re not only outstanding teachers, they’re also talented filmmakers and creative artists.”

Lee is an assistant professor for the MFA Film, Television and Digital Media program and will be spending most of his teaching time at the program’s location at Trilith in Fayetteville, Georgia. When he is not teaching, Lee is a director, producer, writer and cinematographer for independent film projects and documentaries. Lee has completed several award-winning dramatic features as the cinematographer and producer, including “Second Moon,” “Chicago Heights” and “Hogtown.” His feature documentaries include “Breakfast at Ina’s” and “Today We Saw the Face of God.” In 2018, Lee wrote and directed his first feature film, “Banana Season,” which premiered at the Bentonville Film Festival. Currently, he is working as a producer and the cinematographer on a feature documentary project, “Art and Pep.”

Lee, a graduate of the MFA program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was a professor of film production and studies for ten years at the MFA program at Governors State University, as well as teaching at DePaul University and Northwestern University. He is a native of South Korea.

Wilson is a lecturer of production and cinematography classes. He is a 2021 Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellow as the producer for the feature-length documentary “I Didn’t See You There.” For his in-progress feature film, the “Untitled Frank Moore Project,” he was a 2019 North Points Fellow and a 2018 BAVC Mediamakers Fellow. Wilson’s short documentary film, “The Tree,” premiered at the 2017 DOC NYC Film Festival and screened at MoMA’s 2019 Doc Fortnight program. He received his MFA in Film Production from the University of Texas-Austin, where he was a University and Jesse Jones Fellow. He is a native of Atlanta.

Keith Wilson selected as a 2021 Sundance Creative Producing Fellow

Posted on by Dayne Young

New EMST lecturer Keith Wilson has been selected as a 2021 Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellow.

“This is a singular honor for documentary producers,” said Jay Hamilton, head of EMST. “Sundance is the premiere venue for independent filmmakers, and for Keith to have a project chosen for these programs places it at the forefront of new and exciting visual storytelling.”

Wilson’s documentary project for the labs is titled: “I Didn’t See You There.” Spurred by the spectacle of a circus tent that goes up outside his Oakland apartment, a disabled filmmaker launches into an unflinching meditation on freakdom, (in)visibility, and the pursuit of individual agency.

Along with nine other fellows, Wilson will be a part of the Sundance Institute’s weeklong Documentary Producers Lab July 25-29. Joining them for the Producers Summit during August 2-5 will be more than 50 industry leaders and 65 independent filmmakers. Both programs will be taking place digitally at https://collab.sundance.org/.

Keith Wilson is a director, creative producer, and visual artist whose work has been exhibited at Sundance, Berlinale, South by Southwest, Hot Docs, the U.S. National Gallery of Art, documenta14, and the Museum of Modern Art. He received his MFA in Film Production from the University of Texas-Austin, and grew up on a cul-de-sac in suburban Atlanta.

The Sundance Institute’s Producers Program champions the current and next generation of producers across fiction and nonfiction film and encompasses a year-round series of Labs, Fellowships, granting and events.

The Labs support emerging independent producers and engage the community of veteran producers who sustain the vibrancy and vitality of independent film. Under the guidance of advisors, the Labs allow fellows to deepen the creative potential of their projects, develop their creative instincts and evolve their storytelling, communication and problem-solving skills at all stages of their project. The fellows continue on through the Producers Summit and receive ongoing year-long mentorship, creative support, and networking opportunities with industry.

The Producers Summit brings together diverse sectors of the industry including financiers, packaging agents, distributors, and domestic and international sales representatives with emerging and mid-career producers for a revolving series of conversations around critical issues facing the field and producer sustainability. The program includes curated talks, one-on-one meetings, roundtables and a keynote conversation with Hasan Minhaj exploring the critical role of bold, personal storytelling.