Kennedy Beckius, a filmmaker and student at Grand Canyon University, has been fascinated with stories from a young age, whether through books or film. That fascination grew into a love for screenwriting and directing, inspiring her to create meaningful narratives that connect with audiences. She is interning with RPM Talent Agency, where she submits talent to casting calls and supports them in pursuing their careers.

Jacqueline Duarte, a 2025 graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in cinematic arts, is continuing her education in USC’s master’s program for public relations and advertising. A former collegiate student-athlete, she is passionate about powerful, authentic sports storytelling, focusing on narratives that often go untold. She is interning at Blue Ox Films as a production coordinator, supporting production logistics and creative development for high-profile athletic brands such as Nike, Whoop, and Jordan Brand.

Cole Humble, a recent graduate of Liberty University’s Zaki Gordon Center of Cinematic Arts, has long been drawn to film as a medium for storytelling and education. A fan of expressionist filmmaking and documentaries, he values its ability to be at once artistic and informative. He is currently interning with Good Kid Productions, where he works on animation, editing, and research for documentary projects.

Olive Kimbrell, an incoming junior in UCS’s film and television production program, first explored storytelling through books, writing, and community theater. She later shifted her focus from performing to filmmaking and discovered a passion for working behind the camera. She is currently interning with Millennium Media, where she evaluates scripts and novels and provides summaries and production feedback.

Helen Liu, a film student at Biola University, is pursuing a double major in film directing and screenwriting. Adopted from China by missionary parents who cared for families with special needs, she grew up with a deep compassion for those often overlooked or forgotten. Her work focuses on connection and healing through storytelling. She is currently a creative development intern with the Moving Picture Institute, contributing to projects at various stages of development.

Joshua Martin is an illustrator and designer who found his creative home in animation. Drawn to how animation transforms illustrations into living, breathing worlds, he pursued visual development to help shape the look and feel of animated stories. He is currently interning with Pastime Pictures on the animated series Great Battles for Boys, contributing to the visual storytelling process.

Brandon McDowell began his creative journey at twenty-four, transitioning from a career in engineering to acting classes. That experience opened his eyes to the craft of storytelling and sparked a passion for filmmaking. He is currently interning with Good Kid Productions, where he works in the motion graphics department, creating animations for mini-documentaries.

Ridger Palmer, a filmmaking student at Grand Canyon University, knew from an early age that he wanted to work in a creative field. After producing his first short film in high school, he committed fully to filmmaking and has spent the last four years honing his craft. He is currently interning as a director’s assistant to a longtime MPI filmmaker Timothy Blackwood, conducting research on film companies, foreign cinema, and box office performance.

Ben Reitz, a senior at Taylor University majoring in film and media production, has been telling stories since childhood—whether through short films, novels, comic books, or stop-motion animation. He has produced content for professional clients and hosted an award‑winning campus radio show. He is currently interning with Tower Way, where he develops pitch decks, sizzle reels, and story coverage for upcoming productions.

Francis Ysmael, a graduate of John Paul the Great Catholic University with a degree in communications media focused on screenwriting and production, began telling stories through books and short stories before moving into film. Passionate about sound production, he views it as a vital emotional bridge for audiences. He is currently interning with Lanucana Films, where he conducts research and supports production asset management.